Ece Ege is not usually a color maximalist. The Dice Kayek designer has long preferred black, navy, white and gray, making this spring’s collection something of a departure. And it lands in a Japan in full bloom, rendered in sakura prints in pinks and reds, plus a whole rainbow of citrus yellow, orange, blue and grass green.

“People want some joy,” Ege said. “We’re living in a world of sadness.”

Japan has been a recurring reference for Ege, looking to the country’s architecture, gardens, craftsmanship and spirituality, as well as channeling the sense of calm she has found in her travels there.

That reference point gave Ege plenty to work with to exercise the sculptural construction that has become her signature. Cherry-blossom print silk cotton voile and silk georgette floated across sharply pleated skirts and dresses, while yellow Mikado gave substantial structure to nip-waist shapes. Voluminous sleeves, asymmetric draping and masculine shirts with ruching descending from the neck at the back added unexpected movement to classic pieces.

Bows were another Japanese reference, drawn from kimono-style belts and reinterpreted throughout the collection — sometimes oversize and graphic, sometimes reduced to a draped flourish. A signature shirt was finished with crystal fringe; elsewhere, fabric was gathered, wrapped and fastened to create shapes that lifted around the body.

For Ege, working with color brought a youthful, almost playful energy to the season, though while the colors may be feminine — such as a bubblegum pink gown — they didn’t read as saccharine. An asymmetric dress in yellow had a sharp, almost acidic quality that made it feel modern and a bit moody, rather than girlish.

The collection was, as usual, built on Ege’s mastery of making intricate construction appear deceptively simple, and felt in line with the season’s overall explosion of eclecticism, expression and, yes, joy. It was a burst of much-needed energy.