Tada! Tadashi is inspired by ’60s and ’70s youth revolutions
Brocade, intricate embroidery, lace with sheer panels and fringes mark Tadashi Shoji’s collection for Rustan's sapphire ball marking its 65th anniversary. Photos by JOEY VIDUYA
Music of my era started the ball rolling for Tadashi Shoji’s fall/winter collection to celebrate Rustan’s 65th anniversary gala at the Peninsula’s Rigodon Ballroom.
Influenced by the 1960s-’70s flower power and free love trends that exploded worldwide, the designer explained, “The time to express your true self is now. I was inspired by the youth revolutions of my time — from Tokyo to Paris to New York. Also Jimi Hendrix who was one of my favorites.”
On the runway, one could clearly see the expert manipulation of textures with flowing velvet dresses, floral brocade, intricate hand embroidery, lace with sheer panels in forest green, vibrant royal blue, cardinal red and basic black. More importantly, the clothes are versatile and flexible for women of all sizes (and ages) with fabrics that are custom-made to the designer’s specifications. I can personally attest to the comfort of his dresses because my vintage Tadashi chiffon gown is still wearable, comfortable and in style despite being almost two decades old.
Michelle Obama, Octavia Spencer, Kate Hudson, Paris Jackson, Demi Lovato and Miranda Kerr are just a few of the celebrities who are Tadashi fans. One will notice their different body shapes and heights, yet all of them look good in his designs. A sure sign of the popularity of his dresses is that he never resorts to paying any VIP to wear his clothes.
Taking the traditional bow at the finale, the audience was delighted to see Tadashi being accompanied by six-year-old McKenzie Huang, the pretty and very poised granddaughter of Rustan’s chair and CEO Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco.
“Tadashi Shoji is a truly talented designer and visionary who understands the needs and wants of his discerning clientele. And Rustan’s is honored to have him join us as we celebrate 65 years of creativity, innovation and luxury of which he embodies all,” Tantoco said.
Chatting with Reggie Aguinaldo, Rustan’s buying director (New York), we learned that Tadashi has just launched his first fragrance, Eau de Rose, this year as well as an affordable luxury bridal collection, leather handbags, intimate and shape wear. We certainly look forward to seeing these new lines in the local Rustan’s stores soon.
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Tadashi Shoji is exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La, Gateway, Alabang and Cebu.
