The soft, ruffled romanticism of Tadashi Shoji’s Spring 2011 collection felt pulled straight out of a John Singer Sargent painting or a Tolstoy novel. In beautiful lavender, clay, ivory and stone colors, the dresses were displayed against a backdrop of threshed wheat, which lent an earthy, contrasting atmosphere to the gorgeously romantic gowns. Models were bare faced and serene, their waists wrapped in black satin ties that trailed down their sides. Short shift-like dresses bore intricate overlays of sheer lace and ruffles sprouted from shoulders and across hems. The collection was inspired by Renaissance frescos of Piero della Francesca Botticelli. The graceful interpretation felt red-carpet ready, perfect for a young ingénue.
—Jeanie Kwak
Photos by Stevyn Llewellyn
