Tadashi Shoji

Tadashi Shoji is an American-based Japanese fashion designer known for his evening wear and bridal collections, and his red-carpet fashion. The Tadashi Shoji brand is carried in over 700 major department and specialty stores worldwide, with signature boutiques in the United States, Indonesia, and the Middle East. The company operates offices in Los Angeles and Shanghai, as well as showrooms in New York City, Tokyo, and Osaka.

Shoji launched his eponymous brand in 1982. He stated he was inspired to branch out on his own when he noticed that women had few choices in the contemporary market when it came to special occasion dresses. With his intellect as an artist and his acumen for business, he pioneered a new category of evening wear. He mixed stretch fabrics with easy-to-wear elegant silhouettes, and combined couture dressmaking techniques with skillful engineering, making it possible for pieces to be mass-produced and designed to fit all figures. He is known for designing for all ages, all ethnicities, and all figures. Shoji uses figure-flattering techniques, such as draping, ruching, and pintucks to accentuate the positives. Signature pieces include draped jersey gowns, pleated chiffon gowns, and shutter pleated cocktail dresses. His brand categories include evening wear, bridal, plus-size, kids, fragrance, shapewear, and intimate apparel.

Tadashi Shoji was a sponsor of Miss Universe Pageant from 2002 to 2007. He designed the opening dresses as well as the evening wear Miss Universe would wear to her events in her winning year. Riyo Mori was the last Miss Universe who wore Shoji's evening gowns during her title Miss Universe 2007. Shoji is the official designer for the Tournament of Roses Royal Court.

Shoji debuted his runway collection at the New York Fashion Week in September 2007. His runway collections have been well received by Vogue.com, Women's Wear Daily, and other notable publications. In 2018, Shoji debuted his affordable luxury bridal collection, which is known for both its versatility and rich assortment of pieces.[18][19] In June 2012, Tadashi Shoji was one of 26 new members accepted into The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

Women worldwide seek out his designs for their impeccable fit, trademark ease, and modern sense of femininity.

Shoji's evening wear has been worn by stars at many red-carpet events and awards shows, including Olympic gold medalist, Mirai Nagasu (for the 2018 Academy Awards), Oscar Winner Octavia Spencer, Kate Beckinsale, Dita Von Teese, Oscar Winner Mo'Nique, Helen Mirren, Katy Perry, Kate Hudson, Paris Jackson, Demi Lovato, Drew Barrymore, Miranda Kerr, Lea Michele, Sofia Richie, Kaley Cuoco, Heather Graham, Fan Bingbing, Carrie Underwood, Anna Kendrick, and Janelle Monae (2014 Met Gala).

Octavia Spencer wore a custom-made Tadashi Shoji gown to the 84th annual Academy Awards, where Spencer won Best Supporting Actress for her performance in The Help.

First Lady Michelle Obama wore a Tadashi Shoji gown to the Obama Administration’s 8th White House State dinner held in honor of the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe.