After giving it some thought,
I think we'll try doing a second line of undergarments.
We're discussing it with Mr. Fujimura from Vanderbilt's.
That means mass production to be sold in stores?
Prêt-à-porter.
I see you remember "prêt-à-porter".
Yes, I do.
But boss, won't this go against our custom-made policy?
Our philosophy stays the same. It doesn't change a thing.
Someone else will be overseeing the second line.
But that person must remain faithful to the Emotion design.
Exactly.
Which aspects of my design will be kept, and which aspects excluded?
It must be selective, yet harmonious.
But at an affordable price. Which means?
Whoever is overseeing the second line
must be more skilled than I am.
What that means is,
while preserving the design qualities and policies of Emotion,
we must develop a production plan for a unit price under 10,000 yen.
-What? Me too? -Of course.
-You do have good taste, Fumika. -Taste.
Well, Mizuki and Fumika,
you'll be competing with each other.
What?
One of you will become the chief designer of the second line.
Of course, it's also possible you could both fail.
Mr. Saruhashi, you'll be studying closely all practical aspects
of the line production process with Mr. Fujimura.
-You too, Sosuke. -Right.
If we can't find a high quality sewing factory,
we won't be able to develop anything.
-This is essential. -I'm against it.
I think our style is fine the way it is.
There's no point in repeating the same mistake.
The same mistake?
Well, that isn't even an issue
until we can produce something
and establish a procedure towards a manufacturing line.
But I want to try it.
Come on. You quickly get old if you aren't competitive.
This is exciting.
The undergarment industry will take on a new direction
if we can come up with something different.
I've been thinking of doing something like this for quite some time.
Hey.
Sorry. I--
You need to figure out if you want to continue working here.
What? Am I being fired?
No, you're not.
I'm only saying you should decide what to do with your life.
If you stay at Emotion, you won't be able to develop your own ideas.
You're right, but--
Or do you still wish to continue working here?
Think it over.
I will.
Taste? Policy? Sense?
I don't understand any of this fancy stuff!
What's the point of having all this frill here?
So, we'll be rivals for a while.
I hate being so serious.
I'm just here to make you look good.
Can you do something for me?
Sure.
Ms. Tokita, I'm designating you as our delivery person.
Really?
We've established a mail order system for distant customers.
We do have customers from Nagoya.
Delivering our product to those customers
is of crucial importance.
I trust you because you're so punctual.
Reiko.
Reiko, why did you start working at Emotion?
What? Where did that come from?
Well, the boss told me I should decide
whether or not I want to keep working here.
What is she talking about? You just started.
I'm not sure if it's really for me.
I have no sense of style.
Do you think your job is right for you, Reiko?
I just like the president.
I just want to work with her. That's all.
I know you're busy, but here's something important.
No! I completely forgot.
What is it?
Do you know this?
Yes. That, at least, I know.
There will be a party for the 30th anniversary of the first issue.
-Do I have to go? -I'm going.
I love those things!
It's the only magazine featuring lingerie.
It's good for us to regularly show gratitude.
Well, the president's going too.
Reiko, do you want to go?
Sorry, but I'm going to the opera that night.
-Ms. Tokita. -Yes?
Can you deliver this to one of our customers?
Oh.
They asked us to deliver it.
I didn't know your shop made them.
Thank you.
And your customer?
Doing final checks on a dress.
She wanted to see it with this bustier.
-Konno. -Yes?
-Did the bustier arrive? -I'll bring it now.
-I'll see you later. -Best of luck.
Sorry. It just came in.
How beautiful.
I think it would go well with this tiara.
This one is particularly elegant. What do you think?
It's really beautiful.
Okay.
I'll need a sewing machine.
Wasn't there one here?
How old is this thing?
Made in 1978?
How ancient!
Okay.
It's done!
Thanks. So sorry!
I bought it.
So, how does it feel?
Well.
Can I see?
Go ahead.
-It feels great on the skin. Really. -No, no.
It looks like an outfit the devil would wear.
I'm sorry for making you wear something so weird.
You definitely look better without it.
Really?
That's shocking.
What is?
I thought it was a compliment.
People say that to me a lot, that I look better without something on.
What does that mean?
I'm really bad
at modeling clothes.
That's not true. Even now, you look totally hip.
Something's missing.
I'm not at the level of a professional model.
What do you mean? That's so awful.
What's "style", anyway?
Why take such a vague word so seriously?
I don't think modeling is really for me.
But I can't stop.
It's my way of getting revenge.
What?
I'll get famous
and show everyone
they were wrong.
Sorry. I got rejected at an audition today.
I'm really dark inside.
You have such an angelic look, but you also carry darkness inside.
But,
I kind of like what's inside.
What?
It's total mud.
Well.
Maybe this actually suits you.
Come on, I'm not that devilish.
What?
This week, I need to go to a factory in Fukui to select some fabric.
Would it be all right if I don't attend the party?
I wanted people to meet you,
since you'll be overseeing the second line.
But first, we need to actually produce something.
Well, all right, then.
Thank you.
However, I want the number of people who are attending to remain the same.
You. Come here.
Me? You mean...
Really?
Go fill your head with everything that pertains to sense and style
until you can't take it anymore so that you can understand
what the word "fancy" really means.
How did you know I was having a hard time understanding fancy things?
But only if you wear something appropriate and beautiful.
Think of it as a test to see if you have what it takes
to do this job.
What?
I'm losing my mind.
That's fine! It suits you.
Take that one. You look cute.
If you really think so, then I'll get it.
But...
I'll only be wearing it once,
so why should I pay so much?
Do you want to rent from my store?
We have a good rental selection.
No. I'll buy it.
This is a test
to see if I have what it takes to work in this industry.
Excuse me. I'll take this.
Thank you very much.
I can make some adjustments so that it fits you better.
It won't work unless you take about 10 inches here.
It's too loose.
Too loose?
What? One week?
That will be too late.
Is there some way I can have it done by Friday?
Let's see.
The soonest it could be ready is 6:00 p.m. Would that be all right?
Yes. Thank you so much. That's very helpful.
I made it in time.
The boss finally completed them.
Aren't they beautiful?
Yes.
Please, have them delivered by tomorrow evening.
-Confirm the orders. -Right.
Casablanca to Nagoya. Lily Magnolias to Tokyo.
Yes.
Ms. Nishida. Lily Magnolias. Leaver lace.
Ms. Kondo. Casablanca. Beige base.
Ms. Tokita, you're a good wrapper.
Origami has always come in handy.
I'm sending them off. They'll be delivered tomorrow.
No, Miki.
Welcome.
Is it that time already?
Your model friend.
She must be suffering.
She has such an innocent look. And she said it would be her revenge.
I was so surprised.
Well, anyone would be.
People always hide their true feelings.
And if someone is always cheerful both inside and out,
it's so boring.
Like Yuri?
I'm gonna hit you.
But what about that party? I wish I was going too.
I'd wear a dress and very high heels.
That would be awesome.
Heels?
Shoes!
I don't have shoes!
I just can't get used to seeing you in those.
Is my walk that strange?
I'm sorry for laughing.
I just bought these this morning.
They told me I should wear them all day and break them in.
Pardon me, but I'm off now.
At what time will you arrive in Fukui?
Past 2:00 p.m.
There's a meeting at the factory at 3:00 p.m.
Take care.
Best of luck at today's party. It will be worth it.
You'll get a good idea what this industry is all about.
I'll study it closely.
Don't worry, I bought some shoes.
-How cute. See you later. -Okay.
We need to head out, too.
Of course.
Isn't the party at 7:00 p.m.?
I'm off to a meeting at a reputable sewing factory.
They're making a sample for us.
Wait, that means I won't have enough time.
Hime, can you deliver this manuscript to the editor?
Here's the proof of the interview for printing by 5:00 p.m.
You can go home after that.
I'm leaving early.
I'm going to get changed.
Be at the party for 7:00 p.m. Don't be late.
Right.
Do you have a dress, Ms. Tokita?
It'll be ready at 6:00 p.m.
You're in a good mood.
Am I?
It's a genetic predisposition.
Genetic?
A woman instantly becomes happy when she's wearing high heels.
-We're born that way. -What?
These hurt so much.
Hello. Thank you for calling. You have reached Emotion.
They received the wrong order?
It's the customer from Tokyo we delivered to yesterday.
The customer from Tokyo
ordered the white Lily Magnolias pattern.
Leaver Lace.
White Lily Magnolias?
What? Lily Magnolias are white?
I had mistaken the purple Casablanca for Lily Magnolias!
I'm so sorry. I thought I'd been extra careful.
My daughter's violin recital is tonight, and I really wanted her to wear it.
I'm very sorry.
It will be delivered to you, guaranteed.
Yes.
DEPARTURE: NAGOYA 3:54 P.M. ARRIVAL: TOKYO 5:33 P.M.
For Nagoya, I can get there and back.
I'll go. It was me who didn't check. You need to get to that party.
No, it's my mistake. Please, let me go.
-But... -You have the opera to go to.
Besides, if I can't do this properly, I don't deserve this job.
I couldn't tell the difference between a Casablanca and a Magnolia.
Okay. I'll leave it to you.
I'll tell the president.
I'm so sorry. I'm off.
No!
I'm so sorry.
I'll have it delivered to you by 6:00.
It's huge.
I'm so sorry. This is your item.
Thank you for being so courteous.
This one is beautiful too. White Lily Magnolias.
Thank you.
Pardon me.
You're leaving already?
Please, stay for some tea.
Here you go.
Thank you.
That was wonderful.
Please, the next time you're in Tokyo, visit us at Emotion.
I apologize for getting you so worried.
I'm so glad you made it in time.
I apologize again.
I really wanted her to wear it today, so I made sure to have it ready.
I'm so glad I made that choice.
How beautiful.
I'll make it!
I've been waiting. Your dress is ready.
-Thank you. -Would you like to see it?
Sorry. I'm in a hurry. I'll take it as is.
-I would like to show you what we've done. -It's fine.
Pardon me. Thank you so much.
Hurry, hurry!
What?
Yes?
I'm so sorry.
I'm afraid I gave you the wrong dress.
I'll deliver the right one immediately.
Hello?
It's all right. I appreciate your concern.
It's all right. You don't look weird.
You're even wearing proper shoes.
Well. Some people go to parties dressed casually.
I was wrong!
I saw that on TV.
I'm so glad you came.
I knew you'd be here.
Come with me.
I want you to talk to the new editor-in-chief.
Why me?
-Stop messing with me. -No, really.
-She's dropping the articles on lingerie. -What?
The tall one.
She says she's dropping all features on lingerie.
How young is she?
She's 37.
Why is she dropping lingerie?
They said, "If you specialize in anything, it should be in advertising."
So in other words, increase revenue.
With an editor like that,
the magazine will become a mail order catalog.
Rumor has it, Ms. Nagai,
that you're an expert in fashion despite being so young.
I heard your latest edition sold very well.
Well. It fills me with pride
to have President Nanjo from Emotion give me such praise.
It's an amazing feat to increase circulation in the publishing industry.
It's all thanks to my dedicated readers.
This is my deputy editor, Mr. Takeuchi.
Don't just stand there.
Pardon me.
-Pleased to meet you. -Likewise.
Clothing is becoming a luxury item.
We need to focus on lingerie.
Is that a pitch?
Japanese women with refined taste
should know the pleasures of selecting lingerie.
Especially those who like material things, such as yourself, Ms. Nagai.
Sure, it may be a genuine form of luxury.
Mr. Takeuchi, it's been a while.
Emotion?
I've always been grateful for the lingerie features.
-You're exaggerating. -We usually don't get many opportunities.
Even Ms. Nanjo says that this is a good opportunity.
-I guess your boss is a real woman. -Who, Nanjo?
Well, I've got to go check the guests' arrival.
I apologize for having disturbed you.
Hello?
What? High heels?
What are you doing here?
I'm sorry.
Please, don't be shy. Come in.
Well, I'm not...
My name is Mr. Takeuchi from Conscious.
NORIHISA TAKEUCHI. DEPUTY EDITOR.
Deputy editor.
We're so grateful.
I'm Ms. Tokita from Emotion.
Please, excuse me for being dressed like this.
I'll be leaving very soon.
No, really. Pardon me.
-It's fine. -What?
What's wrong with what you're wearing?
There's nothing wrong.
Please, come in.
Your outfit is adorable.
Thank you.
I'm quite relieved.
Well.
Excuse me.
Excuse me, boss. I'm late.
I'm sorry for interrupting.
Is she from Emotion?
Yes.
She's new.
Pleased to meet you. I'm Ms. Tokita.
Lingerie designers have a lot of confidence.
Instead of decorating the exterior, they focus on the inside.
What's important is to compete with what you can't see. Just like with lingerie.
Don't you agree?
Isn't that why you can come in here looking like that?
It's remarkable.
I can really understand your policy now, Ms. Nanjo.
But then, why did you wear that,
instead of wearing your company's lingerie?
This is a meeting place for people who make decisions about fashion.
Don't you think there's a limit to how impolite one can be?
I'm so sorry. It's not that...
No... I'm sorry.
Please,
I apologize for disrupting
this formal gathering.
It reflects the deficiencies in my training.
The next time we meet,
I will ensure that we're appropriately dressed for your gathering.
Please, forgive us.
That would be very helpful.
We'll leave immediately.
However,
there is one misunderstanding I must address.
Lingerie isn't something that should be exposed on display.
Even if this woman
was wearing lingerie that was just as elegant and beautiful
as what any one of you are wearing,
it would be absolutely forbidden to show it here.
That's the charm of lingerie.
What the trends are,
or how you compare with others,
doesn't matter.
It's your own world.
There are no pretensions or lies.
It's a fascinating world.
Please, do feature lingerie more in your magazine.
I look forward to it.
Now, please excuse us.
Sorry, our president can be like that.
I'm truly sorry.
Wait a minute.
What did you say to my girl?
Did something happen?
Just because you're fed up with a younger female boss,
you think you can pick on a girl who doesn't know better?
No, she did know better.
No matter how you put it,
she knew her clothing was inappropriate for this event!
You ridiculed her.
Don't take your frustrations out on her.
I didn't ridicule her.
What?
Women are attractive
as they are.
Right.
Coming from a man, that's the truth.
Let's go.
Let's go home.
My feet hurt.
I can't wear these anymore.
These things hurt, no matter how beautiful they are.
It's too bad.
Boss?
Where are those heels you bought today?
-I took them off. -You idiot.
Sorry.
And your dress? You got one, didn't you?
I took the wrong one at the store.
You're a complete idiot!
-I'm sorry. -Don't cry.
You understand now?
That's why you wear lingerie.
It seems pointless.
But you wear it for yourself.
Beauty is a weapon.
I guess we didn't make it.
I guess not.
The main bottleneck is stock.
We don't have much experience with pattern grading,
as we haven't had to do it before.
If the cash balance goes down while carrying an inventory,
our cash flow will start to suffer right away.
There's too much risk with mass production.
However,
this completely
encapsulates the Emotion design.
But with very affordable materials.
You found a good manufacturing factory, right?
Of course. And our retail outlets are already set up.
So it's decided.
Emotion will produce a second line.
The chief designer will be
Mizuki.
You deserve it.
Thank you very much. I'll do my best.
It's very close. It's almost there.
Its youthfulness is remarkable.
I'll study it further.
-That's all. -Don't you have anything to say?
Beauty aside, it doesn't have a shred of sensibility.
How can you just slap things on together like that?
You completely lack any sense of aesthetics and a feel for balance.
However,
you do have a flair for choosing materials.
From now on,
Mizuki will be busy with the actual design work,
so you'll be selecting the materials and sourcing the pieces instead.
That is, if you still wish to keep working here.
I'll do it. I'll keep going. I'll never stop!
That means, you'll need a new job title.
Welcome, Ms. Tokita?
Being in charge of materials is a big responsibility.
I'm sure you'll do well.
Thank you very much.
You want to go out and celebrate?
I guess so.
-Huh? -You bought such a wonderful dress.
It would be a shame for it to go to waste.
-Well. -Don't worry, I won't say anything.
Just dress up nice, and go out with a man.
That will say a lot about you.
No, no.
You don't want to be alone with me.
How about we take him along?
Huh?
No, it's not about whether or not Sosuke is there.
Why? It's okay if he's around, right?
What is it?
You completely lack basic female powers.
That's obvious.
What are you looking for?
Naturally, your interest
in clothes and makeup should be emphasized.
Didn't you ever secretly wear your mom's lipstick?
I didn't have a mother.
Well, don't worry about that.
I'm perfectly happy with having been properly raised by my father.
Right, then.
You're the one using that machine, right?
I apologize for not asking.
It's the first sewing machine I ever bought.
I guess it still works.
Yes.
I miss it.
I used to work with that thing day and night.
I just didn't want to lose to clothes.
But then, I failed.
Actually, I regret it.
That's why I put that machine away.
We've been through so much.
Yes.
Is that what it means?
What is?
To make something that people can't see.
Like hidden thoughts, or the desire to fight.
Here?
Pent up in here?
Come on, now.
It's just underwear.
Here.
Huh?
You're beautiful!
You look so different.
Wait, did you get taller?
She's transformed into a goddess.
The boys aren't quite up to par.
Be quiet, this is a style too.
Shall we go?
See you.
I'll see you all later.
All right. Let's go.
Yes.
THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION.