TADASHI SHOJI
DOB: n/a
Birthplace: Sendai, Japan
Ethnicity: Japanese
Occupation: Designer
Residence: Pasadena, CA
Dina’s Thoughts
Tadashi Shoji is an eminent couture designer of Japanese origin, who has steadily grown to become one of Hollywood’s most sought after fashion gurus. In a highly competitive field, Shoji has worked his brilliance and magic without much of the drama surrounding many other notable designers of his caliber. Recent years have showcased his spectacular couture gowns on A-list Hollywood celebrities, including Kate Beckinsale, Katy Perry and Viola Davis. Several decades ago, Shoji was already designing clothing for major A-list male celebrities including Elton John and Stevie Wonder. His elegant and sophisticated lines are simply breathtaking and highlight the profound talent of Asian designers in a field once dominated by Europeans.
Overview
Tadashi Shoji is the founder and chief designer of the Tadashi Shoji collection. Born and raised in Sendai, Japan, he began painting and drawing from a young age and eventually moved to Tokyo, where he studied fine art. His talent was soon recognized and he was recommended for an apprenticeship with Japan’s leading contemporary artist, Jiro Takamatsu, who is credited with paving the way for the modern art movement in Japan during the sixties.
It was during this period that Tadashi became intrigued with New York City and its role in the contemporary art scene. He moved to the United States to attend university in Los Angeles and further his artistic development, when he discovered fashion design and awakened a life-long passion.
As a student, Tadashi was presented with the unique opportunity to work with famed costume designer Bill Whitten. In the flamboyant seventies, every major recording artist was demanding a Whitten original, and Tadashi created designs for A-list stars including Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Neil Diamond, The Jacksons, and Earth, Wind, & Fire.
After earning his degree in Fashion Design, Tadashi began working at a prominent clothing manufacturer where he climbed the ranks for several years. Troubled by the fact that women had few options for special occasion dresses in the contemporary market, Tadashi identified a niche and set out on his own.
Established in 1982 by designer, owner, and President Tadashi Shoji, the Los Angeles-based fashion house Tadashi Shoji has become widely recognized for its original designs and innovative collections. The company has seen steady growth since its inception and is carried in more than 4,000 major department and specialty store doors worldwide, including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Lord & Taylor. Internationally, the brand is available at high-end retailers such as Vakko, Harvey Nichols Dubai, and Rustan’s.
In addition to a thriving wholesale business, Tadashi Shoji maintains its own retail operations with two signature boutiques in the United States – one in the prestigious South Coast Plaza and another in Forum Shops at Caesars in Las Vegas.
Tadashi launched the Tadashi Shoji Runway collection during Fall 2007 New York Fashion Week to rave reviews. By featuring the utmost in luxury and elegance, the much-anticipated collection continues to elevate and hone the brand’s image in the marketplace. His designs have won a loyal following with well-dressed women worldwide, including a wide range of celebrities such as Octavia Spencer, Kate Beckinsale, Dita Von Teese, Mo’Nique, Katy Perry, and more.