Tadashi Shoji pre-fall 2018
This time of year, Tadashi Shoji’s name gets tossed around more often. Thanks to his reputation as an evening wear designer and the go-to guy for several red carpet regulars, award season is Shoji’s time to shine. But when he’s not dressing Hollywood heavyweights, he’s offering up plenty of occasion dresses for real women, too. His latest showing stripped away the lace, beading, and heavy embroidery that he’s known for, Shoji showed a western-inflected collection that’s banking on everyone’s sudden obsession with vintage romance.
Pre-fall 2018 may be the most boho that Shoji’s ever been. Though he’s no stranger to distilling prevailing trends into wearable, consumer-friendly shapes and silhouettes, anyone with even an inkling of interest in Coachella and the bohemian styles therein will find plenty to love. But girls who don’t care about the festival will find lots to admire, too.
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Tadashi Shoji pre-fall 2018
The casual lean meant lots of looser shapes and panels of fringe and sheer chiffon. It leant a light, relaxed air to floor-sweeping maxi dresses and wrap-bodice, off-the-shoulder gowns. Even though the shapes were formal, the prints and pleats made things more approachable and wearable. While not everyone would consider a full-length dress for an evening out, Tadashi is making a case for dressing up without the pressure of looking ready for a photo op. There was a western edge, too, with prairie prints and lace trims that echoed a few things from Raf Simons’ collection for Calvin Klein. It was far, far from the edgy, primary-colored Americana that walked in New York, but there was definitely a nod to Stetsons and roping in Shoji’s handkerchief prints and fluttering hems.
Though some of the more clashing color combinations may keep the more eye-catching pieces from the sales floor, the mix of teal and cranberry or kelly green and bright majorelle blue show that Shoji’s not afraid of taking some chances. His loyal customers will flock to the lacy, Laura Ashley romance and may even consider stepping out of their comfort zone with sheer lace and western ditzy florals. Whatever they want, Shoji has something for them.
For more information, visit www.tadashishoji.com.
Images courtesy Tadashi Shoji
