Japanese-American designer Tadashi Shoji has approached fashion design with a body-positive approach long before the term was coined.
His designs have won over Hollywood with their ultra-flattering silhouettes, glamorous detailing, and comfortable fabrics.
2006 Miss USA Tara Conner and 2006 Miss Teen USA Katie Blair walk the runway with designer Tadashi Shoji at the Tadashi Fall 2007 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in the Promenade in Bryant Park on February 4, 2007, in New York City (Credit: Roger Wong / INFPhoto)
Tadashi has brought classically feminine elements like lace, tulle, and embroidery into the 21st century by combining them with soft jersey linings and curve-enhancing patterns.
Discover how Tadashi Shoji became fashion’s most inclusive designer by simply staying true to himself below!
Tadashi Shoji: Pioneering Inclusivity in High Fashion’s Exclusive World
Tadashi Shoji has created a beautiful world of inclusivity in an industry often associated with elitism, be it for specific body types or income levels.
Stephanie Beatriz in a beautiful Tadashi Shoji Resort 2020 dress at the Newport Beach Film Festival Fall Honors And Variety’s 10 Actors To Watch presented by Visit Newport Beach and the Newport Beach Film Festival at The Resort at Pelican Hill on November 3, 2019, in Newport Beach, California (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
He’s navigated the fashion world on his own terms since launching his eponymous label in 1982.
While his fellow contemporary American designers were catering to high society on New York’s Upper East Side, Tadashi set up shop in downtown Los Angeles.
Lyric Ross styled a silver Rubin Singer gown with a Tadashi Shoji clutch at the 2019 Emmy Awards on September 22, 2019, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
The laidback West Coast metropolis was the perfect place for Tadashi to apply the zen practices of his Japanese upbringing to his business.
Despite becoming a favorite of Hollywood heavyweights such as Shannon Purser, Holland Roden, Demi Lovato, and Katy Perry, Tadashi’s target customers have always been regular women.
America Ferrera sparkled in a silver Tadashi Shoji dress styled with Narcisa Pheres bracelets, a Le Vian ring, and Norman Silverman earrings at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 24, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: ABACA / INSTARimages)
He’s built his brand around accessible luxury. A dress from the principal line will cost less than $900, and simpler styles can even be snagged for $250.
Tadashi’s prices are more affordable than most classic and contemporary designer labels, yet his designs are prized as highly as those of his counterparts.
Christina Hendricks in an embroidered Tadashi Shoji dress at the 21st CDGA (Costume Designers Guild Awards) at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 19, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)
The label is stocked in the nation’s most prestigious department stores, including Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdale’s.
Democratizing Fashion: Tadashi Shoji’s Mission to Bring Glamour to All
It’s not just Tadashi’s reasonable prices that set him apart. It’s his dedication to comfortable and flattering fits. The label caters to women of all shapes and ages, with sizes ranging from zero petite to ‘queen size.’
Tadashi’s design team uses fit models of all different shapes and sizes to ensure that real women can enjoy the designs as they walk, run, or dance into the night.
Harley Quinn Smith in a Tadashi Shoji dress at Teen Vogue’s 2019 Young Hollywood Party Presented By Snap at Los Angeles Theatre on February 15, 2019, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Vince Flores / Startraksphoto)
The garments are made of stretchy, non-restrictive fabrics that allow as much movement and ease as possible. Tadashi has even joked that his evening dresses are so comfortable they practically feel like t-shirts.
The designer uses clever optical techniques to make his dresses as figure-flattering as possible.
Marsai Martin in a sequined Tadashi Shoji dress styled with Nicholas Kirkwood sandals and a Swarovski clutch and jewelry at Teen Vogue’s 2019 Young Hollywood Party Presented By Snap at Los Angeles Theatre on February 15, 2019, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Vince Flores / Startraksphoto)
They often feature draping, ruching, and pleating to accentuate a woman’s natural curves and make her feel beautiful.
One of his signature silhouettes is a slightly upturned waistline that creates a beautiful hourglass figure. Tadashi has an unbelievable talent for making women feel beautiful and confident, regardless of size or shape.
Exploring the Diverse and Inclusive Universe of Tadashi Shoji Designs
Tadashi created his business when he noticed a gap in the market for contemporary evening wear in the 80s.
Tiffany Haddish in a Tadashi Shoji strapless sequin-embellished dress with Vhernier earrings and Djula and Le Vian rings at the premiere of Universal Pictures’ “Night School” on September 24, 2018, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Vince Flores / Startraksphoto)
Before 2012, Tadashi Shoji’s brand had succeeded without reaching international superstardom. However, everything changed when Octavia Spencer walked the red carpet at the Oscars, adorned in a breathtaking beaded cream gown by the designer.
This singular moment catapulted Shoji’s brand onto the global stage, bringing his elegant and figure-flattering designs to the attention of audiences worldwide.
Octavia Spencer in a Tadashi Shoji dress with Jimmy Choo shoes, Neil Lane jewelry, and a Judith Leiber clutch at the 84th Annual Academy Awards held at Hollywood & Highland Centre on February 26, 2012, in Hollywood, California (Credit: Kyle Rover / Startraksphoto)
The label soon expanded into other areas, including handbags, sunglasses, sleepwear, lingerie, shapewear, a rose-inspired fragrance, and bridal wear.
SHO by Tadashi Shoji, the brand’s diffusion label for younger customers, was launched in 2019.
Featuring the same stunning occasion pieces at a lower price point of $150-$300, SHO was created to help young professionals transition from low-quality fast fashion garments to high-end designer apparel.
Actress Chloe Bennet in a green Tadashi Shoji dress for Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Crazy Rich Asians” Premiere held at TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on August 7, 2018, in Hollywood, California (Credit: David Edwards / Media Punch / INSTARimages)
Tadashi’s ventures have remained true to his vision of affordable luxury. Both SHO and the bridal wear lines are reasonably priced, as Tadashi believes his customers shouldn’t have to spend a fortune to feel amazing.
The label can keep prices down by cutting, sewing, and embroidering patterns in-house at its Shanghai atelier, where 99% of its products are made.
Actress Regina Hall in a Tadashi Shoji Spring 2017 dress with Dena Kemp rings and bracelets at the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 4, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
Always one to march to the beat of his own drum, Tadashi’s company has remained privately owned since its launch.
Your Guide to Finding and Owning Tadashi Shoji’s Exquisite Creations
Get the best of both worlds with a gorgeous and comfortable Tadashi Shoji dress! The label is available online and in major luxury department stores.
You can see the latest from Tadashi Shoji at Nordstrom and Tadashi Shoji. For Tadashi Shoji dresses on sale, check out Amazon and Farfetch.
You can explore the world of Tadashi Shoji both in stores and online (Credit: Helen89 / Shutterstock)
The American-based Japanese fashion designer was born in Sendai, Japan, on January 15, 1948.
Designer Tadashi Shoji is known for his luxurious dresses designed for all ages, ethnicities, and figures (Credit: Ovidiu Hrubaru / Shutterstock)
A New Look for Christina Hendricks: High-Neck Elegance
Mad Men star Christina Hendricks typically wears cleavage-baring dresses on the red carpet, so this high-necked, elbow-sleeved Tadashi Shoji LBD she wore to ‘The Book of Mormon’ Opening Night was different.
Elegant Transformation: Christina Hendricks captivates in a high-neck, elbow-sleeved Tadashi Shoji mesh stripe fit and flare dress at ‘The Book of Mormon’ Opening Night, showcasing her versatile fashion sense (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Still, she’s rocking the hell out of it! Her generous curves can make a bombshell out of any dress, with or without the cleavage showing!
Accessorized Perfection: Christina Hendricks enhances her sophisticated ensemble with a stunning lace evening clutch, adding a touch of grace to her look (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
She completed her simple yet stunning look with a lace clutch and lace peep-toe pumps, which matched the semi-sheer black and nude theme of her LBD.
Hendricks was joined by her husband, Geoffrey Arend, whom she met through her Mad Men co-star, Vincent Kartheiser, in 2007.
Christina Hendricks and her husband Geoffrey Arend at ‘The Book of Mormon’ Opening Night held at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood on September 12, 2012 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Decoding Christina’s Dress: Tadashi Shoji’s Creation
To us, those see-through mesh panels are unmistakably Tadashi Shoji. Combined with the signature shutter pleats on the bodice, Christina Hendricks’ dress can only be this Tadashi Shoji mesh stripe jersey dress (minus the sleeves):
Designer Spotlight: The Tadashi Shoji Sleeveless Mesh Stripe Jersey Dress, a blend of elegance and contemporary design
Her dress is a combination of the body of the dress above and the sleeves of the one below:
Fashion Fusion: The Tadashi Shoji Bateau Neck Shutter Pleated Sheath Dress combines classic pleats with modern style
Rebel Wilson’s Take on Tadashi Shoji
We have previously seen Rebel Wilson in the sleeveless version paired with a statement necklace from ASOS and gold-pointed Diane von Furstenberg pumps.
Red Carpet Ready: Rebel Wilson stunning in a Tadashi Shoji dress at the premiere of RADiUS-TWC’s ‘Bachelorette’ at ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood on August 23, 2012, exemplifying chic elegance (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
However, the highlight of Rebel’s outfit was the Alexander McQueen knuckle-duster clutch!
Statement Accessory: Rebel Wilson completes her ensemble with the iconic Alexander McQueen knuckle-duster clutch, adding a bold and luxurious touch (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)