Tadashi Shoji really turned up the volume for spring 2017!! Gone are the mother-of-bride dresses, gone are the lacey tea-length cocktail frocks, and also missing is the sweet sixteen, debutante gowns. All these looks have a place and presence in the industry; however, this season Shoji took some risks and it paid off!!
For spring 2017 Tadashi Shoji celebrates rebirth: rebirth in nature, rebirth in time and most of all rebirth in vision and direction. Using the teachings of Buddha as a focal point, with Buddha proclaiming “All things change,” at the end of his earthly journey, Shoji through his spring 2017 collection demonstrates that in his ecstatic vision of rebirth, the tangible and the mystical expression of ethereal bliss meet as one.
Shoji’s co-joining of the ethereal and the earthly present is seen through the lens of a spring collection that is shockingly heavy—shocking for Shoji, that is—on extremely diaphanous creations where unmentionables are artfully exposed fused with exquisite details that give texture and nuance. Yes, Shoji penchant for lacey floral embellishments are still front and center; however, unlike previous fashion outings where Shoji’s cornucopia of lacey concoctions conjured up images of sometimes staid, safe dresses that tempered the imagination, this spring collection Shoji allowed his fancy and fantasy to take flight.
The carnal and the otherworldly are brilliantly interlaced in a collection that is mostly obviously more youthful, fashion forward and happily more adventurous. V-neck décolletage is dipped to sensuous regions unknown, high splits almost expose lush creation, and layered embellishments suggest regal distinction.
Still, all of Shoji’s titillation and exposure this spring 2017 season is never vulgar. Of course, for most of Shoji’s loyal customer base the very sheer pieces will be lined for modesty purposes, but it is so good to see Shoji revamp his brand’s DNA beyond just beautiful and finally go there!! For those who have assiduously followed his career we were confident he had the goods. And this season he proved it.
That all said, there are no new silhouettes, but there doesn’t need to be any!! The chicness and sensual, modern projection of the collection speaks for itself.
Images courtesy of Linda Gaunt Communications
Standout looks in the collection include Shoji’s ivory/aquamarine sleeveless square neck mini-dress in mandala corded embroidery with ostrich features and fringe detail, ivory sleeveless jumpsuit in floral lace with square neck and open back harness details, coral short v-neck slip dress with animal embroidered tulle and lace, and dark pearl halter gown in metallic sequin-embroidered tulle with plunging v-neck.
—William S. Gooch
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