Episode 18 - Fashion!

Fashion! (オシャレ！) is the eighteenth episode of the Aikatsu Planet! TV series. It aired on May 9th, 2021.

Summary
Shiori is to be an assistant at the Aikatsu Fashion Party organized by Sala. Dress code, make up, hairstyles... Shiori, who isn't confident about fashion in contrast to Mao and the others' excitement, is lectured on dressing up by Sala! What's the essence of fashion according to the girl whose motto is "remember to have fun"?

Plot
At the agency, Sala receives a call informing her that it is her turn to host the annual Aikatsu Fashion Party, an event for designers that changes producers every year. She decides to extend the invitation to the other idols at Starlet, wanting to give them a break from preparing for the Planet Princess Grand Prix.

In the secret room, Mao, Kyōko and Shiori discover that Rose has just claimed the top spot on the Aikatsu Ranking. Kyōko uplifts the others by reminding them that they still have time to raise their rank before the Grand Prix. Then, Ruli arrives to hand out invitations to the party, with the girls meeting up with Sala to confirm their participation.

Shiori notices that the dress code is written as "★" on the invitation. Sala explains that the guests must follow a different rule in regards to their attire. This year's theme is stars, symbolizing the idea that everyone is a planet with their own shine. Ruli then tells Sala that she's too busy to help organize the party, prompting Sala to call on Shiori for assistance.

As Shiori goes through planning, Sala asks for her opinion on the venue's interior decoration, wanting something to surprise the guests. Shiori comes up with an idea inspired by the dress code. However, she then confesses that she's at a loss about what to wear for the party, worried at the prospect of being surrounded by people from the fashion industry.

Sala takes Shiori to get her makeup done, wanting to teach her about the fun that comes from dressing up. Although at first Shiori doesn't see the point when the party will be held in Aikatsu Planet, she receives a boost in confidence after seeing the change in her appearance. The pair then go out for a walk, with Shiori emboldened from her makeover.

Now having learned to have fun with fashion, Shiori welcomes Hana, Ruli and Beat to the Aikatsu Fashion Party. The group encounters Q-pit and Ann, as Sala had invited all of the idols she was acquainted with. They are then joined by Rose, who reveals she was unaware about having become first on the Aikatsu Ranking after being congratulated by Q-pit.

Q-pit declares that she'll take back her spot soon enough, although Rose is more concerned about having fun in response to Sala's efforts preparing the party. They all agree to make the most of the night for Sala, who then takes the stage to make a toast. She unveils the surprise that Shiori had come up with - a projection of a starry sky on the ceiling.

As everyone enjoys the party, Sala approaches Shiori to perform together. Shiori summons Wonderland Tale and Ivy Sleeping while Sala uses Haute Couture Mirror and Modern Eau de Parfum. They sing a duet of "Petit Price Everyday", with Sala as the victor. Afterwards, Sala thanks Shiori, who in turn reflects upon her experience and resolves to keep having fun going forward.

Characters

 * Mao Otoha/Hana
 * Ruli Tamaki/Ruli
 * Kyōko Umekōji/Beat
 * Shiori Motoya/Shiori
 * Q-pit
 * Ann
 * Rose
 * Sala Itoi/Sala
 * Izumi Watanuki
 * Wonderland Tale
 * Ivy Sleeping
 * Haute Couture Mirror
 * Modern Eau de Parfum

Trivia

 * Episode Title Reference: "Fashion!" (オシャレ！) by Aya Matsuura
 * This episode premiered on the birthday of Mirai Asuka from the Aikatsu Friends! series.
 * In the episode preview, Sala borrows the catchphrase "Leave it to big sis!" (お姉さんに任せなさい！) from Ema Hinata.
 * This is the first episode in which all eight main characters make an appearance as avatars.