SOMARTA SPRING/SUMMER 2013

By Eva Fydrych

Bloom

Photos courtesy of WWD

TOKYO - SOMARTA presented her Spring/Summer 2013 collection on Thursday, 18 October 2012, at the new Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week TOKYO venue - Shibuya Hikarie.

The collection featured an eclectic mix of fabrics, from delicate lace to rich knits. Graphic prints contrasted with plain textures and all skirts and dresses were paired with tights and fishnets (a signature item of the label). The models sported creative hair styles and futuristic makeup.

The designer behind the brand, Tamae Hirokawa, is a graduate of Bunka Fashion College and was mentored by one of the most famous Japanese designers Issey Miyake. While working for Mr Miyake, Tamae Hirokawa created her own design firm called Soma Designs and SOMARTA was part of this umbrella organization that also included graphic design and sound direction. Official website: www.somarta.jp

All photos courtesy of Japan Fashion Week

DESIGNER
Tamae Hirokawa

Hirokawa introduced the bodywear line, Skin Series under the concept of "possibility of clothing on the body" in 2006. SOMARTA has been presented at JFW since '07 S/S. In 2007, she won the NEWCOMER'S PRIZE at MAINICHI FASHION GRAND PRIX. In 2008, her installation work and new furniture collection were shown at 2008 Canon NEOREAL Exhibition at Milano Salone. She has presented installation pieces at iQ�SOMARTA MICROCOSMOS Exhibition in collaboration with Toyota's iQ, the micro-premium car at DESIGNTIDE TOKYO 2008.

Brand Profile

In September 2006, Hirokawa released a body wear series called 'Skin' whose concept is 'the possibilities of apparel for a body', releasing 2007 S/S collection during Japan Fashion Week in September. Hirokawa won the 25th Mainichi Fashion Grand Prix New Comer's Prize and Shiseido Sponsorship Award in Aug 2007.

In April 2008, she entered her installation works "Secret Garden" and "ENGRAVER" which features digital technology for Milano Salone 2008 Italy TRIENALE Design Museum as an artist from Canon [NEOREAL] Exhibition, and she also released interior furniture "Skin + Bone Chair" for the exhibition. Hirokawa exhibited her Concept Car and installation works in October at [iQ X SOMARTA MICROCOSMOS] Exhibition collaborating with TOYOTA.

Source: MBFW Tokyo

Previous collections:

MICROCOSMOGRAPHIA