Disclaimer: I’m 100% biased toward Tadashi Shoji – the man is a design genius and can’t help but create beauty, it seems. Given his historical knack for perfection, there are zero surprises that the SS17 collection is impeccable. In true Shoji fashion, traditional silhouettes are enhanced with unique embellishments. You’ve got your conservative ankle length evening dress, the tunic, the pantsuit, the halter top, the bell skirts – all the basic elements but created out of sheer lace, adorned with carefully crafted embroidery and beading, fringe! All the fringe. My personal favorite is the piece with a flowing white tulle skirt, and a white bodice, the back of which is done up in a rainbow of jewel-tone sequins. Exquisite. You could call this show “Shoji and the Amazing Technicolor Sequined Bodice”, and I would buy into it.
And while Shoji is a true artist and his creations are beautifully designed and executed he remembers, perhaps most importantly, to keep the art and design within a certain realm of accessibility. It’s consumer-conscious. Shoji proves, yet again, that he is not only a master of design but a master of business. Viewers will never wonder who would wear these pieces but rather covet them and yearn to wear them at their next event be it a dinner party or red carpet gala.
-John Stolen