The Fitting-In installment for this month’s theme of Celebration Dressing must include a mention of one of my favorite designers for special occasion dresses: Tadashi Shoji.
Tadashi Shoji was once again in the news because First Lady Michelle Obama wore one of his blue dresses for a State Dinner with the Japanese Prime Minister
Long a favorite of full-bust celebrities on the red-carpet, Tadashi Shoji’s designs are offered in sizes that fit those of us whose cup size forces us into the plus-sized dresses.
But even among smaller sizes there is a secret feature sure to be appreciated by women with a full bust. It’s a stretch lining. There is just enough stretch to accommodate a bust that may otherwise require you to go up a size. It’s enough stretch to allow room for dancing, for walking the red carpet or for walking down the aisle.
Here’s what the designer said in an interview with The New York Times:
“Usually, a woven fabric doesn’t give, but we do jersey fabric, so it gives. Or Lycra, or soft chiffon. Everything is meant to stretch. Even when it’s beaded lace or embroidered, there’s give.”
and
“There’s almost a T-shirt feeling to wearing my evening dresses.”
And it’s true, his dresses are as comfortable as a T-shirt, but oh, so beautiful.
Have you tried Tadashi? If your plans include a special occasion and you need a beautiful and comfortable dress, designs from this Japanese-born American designer are worth a look.
