This volume showcases the pivotal moments that define a designer’s career.
Ikuto’s creative vision comes to life in an unexpected accessory. If you have been following this series from volume one, Ikuto's talent is as a dressmaker, specifically as a pattern maker. However, in order to establish his name in the industry, he is betting everything on his bag that can be carried in three ways, four ways, or more.
We finally get to see the start of the TGC! The first half of the volume was pretty slow for me. I don't really love Toh Ayano as a character, and seeing more of his approach to fashion is good to round him out as a character but not something I particularly enjoy. Him and Char are an awkward couple that have good contrast to Ikuto/Chiyuki but are not great people- especially compared to how wholesome every other character in this manga can be. We also get the return of Kokora, who at this point feels forgotten and isn't contributing much.
But when we actually get to the show, and whether Chiyuki can succeed or not, it's great. The title of "Smile Down the Runway" is actually becoming relevant as we highlight how much of Chiyuki's own personality and passion for modelling is put into her efforts to be a model.