Tadashi Shoji (born January 15, 1948) is a Japanese-born American fashion designer and the creator of the Tadashi Shoji and T by Tadashi clothing labels. Shoji is particularly known for his red carpet gowns and evening wear. [1]
Early life edit
Shoji was born in Sendai, Japan. He began painting and drawing at a young age and eventually moved to Tokyo where he studied fine art. He then was recommended for an apprenticeship with Japan’s leading contemporary artist, Jiro Takamatsu, who is credited with paving the way for the modern art movement in Japan during the sixties and seventies.
Shoji moved to the United States in 1973 to attend college and further his artistic development. He attended Los Angeles Trade Technical College where he discovered fashion design and awakened a life-long passion.
As a student, Shoji apprenticed with famed costume designer Bill Whitten. In the seventies, every major recording artist was demanding a Whitten original. Shoji worked alongside Whitten who created designs for A-list stars including Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Neil Diamond, The Jacksons, and Earth, Wind, & Fire. [2]
Career edit
After graduation, Shoji worked as a designer for a clothing manufacturer until 1982 when he launched his own label, Tadashi Shoji.
The Tadashi Shoji brand is carried in more than 4,000 major department and specialty store doors in more than 40 countries. Shoji debuted his runway collection at the New York Fashion Week in September 2007.[3] His latest runway collection for Fall 2012, inspired by the "Golden Age of Shanghai," showed at New York Fashion Week in February 2012. It was well-received by Style.com and other notable publications. [4]
The brand maintains its own retail operations with two signature boutiques in the United States – one in South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa and another in Forum Shops at Caesars in Las Vegas. In April 2012, Tadashi Shoji launched an e-commerce website selling an edited collection of eveningwear and bridal gowns.[5] Shoji expanded his international reach by opening boutiques in Shanghai and Beijing in July 2012.
In March 2011, Shoji partnered with figure skater Johnny Weir to design a T-Shirt for Japan earthquake relief efforts, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Japanese Red Cross Society.[6] Sendai, Shoji's birthplace, was greatly affected by the devastating March 11 earthquake and resulting tsunami.
In June 2012, Tadashi Shoji was one of 26 new members accepted into The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)[7], an exclusive not-for-profit trade association comprised of over 400 of America's foremost fashion and accessory designers.[8]
His designs have won a loyal following with women worldwide, including a wide range of celebrities, such as Oscar Winner Octavia Spencer, Kate Beckinsale, Dita Von Teese, Oscar Winner Mo’Nique, Helen Mirren, and Katy Perry. Octavia Spencer wore a custom-made Tadashi Shoji gown to the 84th annual Academy Awards, where Spencer won Best Supporting Actress for her performance in The Help.[7]
Shoji is known for designing for all ages, all ethnicities, and all figures.[9] He uses figure-flattering techniques, such as draping, ruching, and shutter pleats, to accentuate the positives.[10] Signature pieces include draped jersey gowns, pleated chiffon gowns, and shutter pleated cocktail dresses.
References edit
- ^ Silhouettes Tailored to Every Woman, The New York Times, April 22, 2012
- ^ Whitten Time : Fashion: For a long time Bill Whitten designed in obscurity while his rock music creations stole the spotlight, but no more, Los Angeles Times, February 21, 1990
- ^ [1], "New York Magazine", September, 2007
- ^ [2], "Style.com", February 9, 2012
- ^ Tadashi Shoji Launches E-commerce, WWD, April 16, 2012
- ^ Johnny Weir and Tadashi Shoji Design T-Shirt for Japan Earthquake Relief, "Style Bistro", March 30, 2011
- ^ a b CFDA Welcomes 26 New Members, "WWD", June 11, 2012 Cite error: The named reference "bare_url_e" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ [3], "CFDA"
- ^ Silhouettes Tailored to Every Woman, "The New York Times", April 20, 2012
- ^ Dressing Women Of a Certain Size, Wall Street Journal, August 21, 2008