Tadashi Shoji Fall 2013: Inspired by Russia, looking ahead to China

The glory and fall of imperial Russia was the inspiration behind Tadashi Shoji’s majestic Fall 2013 collection, which featured his signature evening gowns and an abundance of lace. Disheveled princesses walked down his runway wearing elegant dresses with romantic, windswept hair tied back in low, wispy ponytails – all showing off large dangling earrings that accentuated the opulence of the looks. One model appeared especially regal in a floor-sweeping blue high-neck gown made of washed velvet with puffed sleeves.

Although Shoji also tried to re-imagine the peasant clothing that the aristocracy wore in their flight to Siberia during the 1917 revolution, even his most folk-inflected pieces were luxurious, if in a bohemian way. One long black velvet dropwaist gown with a lace-paneled bodice and bow-trimmed straps was practically screaming to be worn on the red carpet by another Oscar-winning actress.

Another source of inspiration was, interestingly enough, the high-backed robes of Russian Orthodox clergymen. There were mixed results in this translation, but the finale gown made of very modern white neoprene with navy metallic lace overlay and matching capelet was a showstopper.

Shoji is not done for Fall 2013. Having opened stores in Beijing and Shanghai last year, in March he will show for the first time at China Fashion Week. “We do more custom-made stuff, much more expensive,” he said in an exclusive interview with Meniscus Magazine after the show. “I think we are catering for the affluent customer [in China].” Also in the works is a perfume with rose water and cucumber notes.

Credits:

Styling: Tina Chai
Hair: Rodney Cutler for CUTLER/ULTA
Make-up: Luc Bouchard and the MAC Pro Team
Shoes: Joan & David
Accessories: Sequin
Hosiery: HUE

Audio Slideshow: Interview with Tadashi Shoji