Among the designers showing pre-fall, Tadashi Shoji is a bit of a surprise: He’s been in business for 30 years and is still selling pretty, often elaborate, evening clothes that retail for $300 to $700. Evening looks, mostly long, have always been his strength. And they are inspired this season by Shoji’s frequent flights between Shanghai, New York and Los Angeles.
Accordingly, aircraft mechanics surfaced as studs and sequins, resembling rivets, on long slender gowns; laser cuts looked like gears on short flared dresses, and a palette of steel, black and chrome mirrored the tones of a 747. Metallic effects were present in delicate lacy embroidery on short, full dresses and in the printed and sequined long tulle skirt, shown with a leatherette T-shirt and jacket.