The time has finally arrived – New York Fashion Week is upon us! Today, we’ll be starting a short series that showcases some of the collections that are being seen in New York this year. The first collection presented for your viewing pleasure comes from the timeless and eccentric mind of Tadashi Shoji. Inspired by Marlene Dietrich and the film Shanghai Express, the designs depicted in this collection transform and transcend fashions of the current era with fabrics and styles that are very reminiscent of Shanghai in the 1930s.
An Introduction To 1930s Style
The dresses above hearken back to styles that were very popular in the 1930s, while adding a modernized touch of class that is typical of Shoji’s designs. His designs showcase intricate elements without being too complicated — for this particular collection, the focus is classic glamour with just enough modern style to remain subtle and sexy. The delicate elegance of these styles allows for fashion that embraces the femininity of the 1930s design; cap sleeves, high necks, draping bodices, tiers, embroidery, and layers.
Fabrics, Layers, Combinations
What you will notice the most in the designs of this collection are the unique textures that have been created by the introduction of different fabrics and combinations. For example, many of the dresses have elements of lace, chiffon, or silk. The dress depicted in the middle of the above image features elements of lightweight velvet that have been combined with a black beaded filigree lace bodice on the back. Green lace is used as an overlay for the dress on the left, while black lace has been layered on the dress on the right; these layering styles help to reproduce the delicate styles seen many decades ago.
Details, Details, Details
The amount of detail that has been incorporated into these gowns is stunning. Shoji’s ability to showcase intricacy within his designs without creating something overly complicated is what leads to success in this collection. The overall style of the dresses are very simple – which stays true to the style of the 1930s and many of the dresses seen in Shanghai Express – while incorporating intricate designs that are both eye-catching and offer a modern twist.
Wrap-Up
There have already been many positive reviews of Shoji’s collection from those who have attended Fashion Week, so it’s safe to say that his 1930’s-Shanghai-inspired designs truly did take attendees to another time and place. All of the designs featured in this collection are glamorous, classy, and showcase a timeless element of fashion that not many designers have been able to feature so masterfully. Likewise, it’s a great opening teaser to one of the most fashionable, eccentric, and exciting times of the year — Fashion Week!
For another glance at these dresses and many other pieces of Shoji’s collection, check out this video from IBtimes.com. Keep checking back over here in the upcoming days for the next update to this series, focusing on another unforgettable designer. Who do you think will be showcased next?