When a designer looks to the natural world for a point of reference, it’s always interesting to me how they will interpret something so literal– will it manifest itself in an impressionistic manner? Go beyond the natural to something hyper-real? Will it be a point of departure or a held meditation? For Tadashi Shoji, who last year gave us that wonderful backdrop of what looked like threshed wheat against light-as-air gowns, the answer is one of mood, harmony and balance. The Fall 2011 collection proved to us again where his strength lies: the cocktail gown. In deep, vibrant jewel tones and feathered skirts, the dresses offered a rich, avian perspective next to more subdued dark lace. Organza floral detail provided textural interest and silk chiffon floated down the runway in colors such as claret, pebble, sunglow and moss.
—Jeanie Kwak
Photos by Stevyn Llewellyn