By Marcy Clark & Sonja Leix
Walking into Tadashi Shoji’s fashion presentation felt like entering a rarified world of elegance, serenity and romance. Wooden tree sculptures in light grey created an fairytale atmosphere so effectively that the models were almost believable as woodland nymphs.
Shoji was inspired by Renaissance Frescos of Piero Della Francesca and Botticelli as well as the icy color palette of Venetian landscapes and Architecture. With his generous use of sandstone tinged silk chiffon, “ice-embroidered” lace, ivory silk organza, and cool marble prints, one could see how his collection was an homage to 15th century elegance and romance. Several of Shoji’s living muses were bedecked in one shoulder or off shoulder gowns, many featuring impressive crinkled silk chiffon hand-cut floral detailing.
Our favorite gown was a dramatic icy blue and featured Venice crinkled silk chiffon pin tucked with hand-cut and beaded floral detail. Tres Magnifique!