FAULT Focus: Internationally renowned designer Tadashi Shoji for FAULT Issue 14
FAULT: Tell us about the inspiration behind your Fall/Winter 2013 collection.
Tadashi: The Fall/Winter 2013 collection tells a tale of exiled nobility, inspired by the splendor of the Russian Empire and the eventual fall of imperial Rule. I recently visited St. Petersburg, Russia, and was most impressed by the city itself, shrouded in the darkness of winter. The resplendent Winter Palace shone brilliantly against the shadowy backdrop of a darkened sky. It was a time fraught with turbulence. Exiled royalty exiled to Siberia, disguised in peasant clothing. Inspired by this escape, this collection marries aristocratic style with folkloric details.
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What are your best moments and biggest achievements in the last 30 years? What moments were more challenging?
The first time I showed at New York Fashion Week in 2007 was a challenging yet proud moment. I felt that showing in New York would raise the brand image as well as expose us to international customers and editors, which is important to our growth. Another special moment was seeing Best Supporting Actress nominee Octavia Spencer in my dress at last year’s Academy Awards red carpet – and at the podium when she won the Oscar!
What inspired and motivated you to release this capsule collection? What do these looks mean to you?
We reissued and modernised six iconic dresses from the archives. These dresses were carefully chosen and hand-picked to be reproduced as they define a signature look: the tiered dress. I still use this technique to this day in my designs, and women appreciate the way the lines drape over and flatter the body. I wanted the capsule collection to represent colours from the current Spring 2013 collection but in silhouettes that span the past 30 years.
FAULT MAGAZINE ISSUE 14 (SPRING ’13) – THE TASTE ISSUE – IS AVAILABLE TO ORDER HERE NOW.
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