New York Fashion Week: Tadashi Shoji Spring 2014 Sweet Liberation

Three dresses from Tadashi Shoji’s Spring 2014 collection. From left: Lattice Tulle dress with Embroidery,  Overlay Lattice Top and Full Skirt and Pink Rosette Scalloped Dress with Square Neck.

Distinctly feminine.  Lace.  Chiffon Overly tops. Streamlined silhouettes with fringe and embellishments.   That was Tadashi Shoji’s Spring 2014 show today at Lincoln Center titled “Sweet Inspiration.”   The color palette was soft pastels like  frosted jade, lavender, and ivory mixed with light pearl, lemon, and pale pink.  Each garment that came down the runway was literally met with a gasp by the fashion week audience.

Some 1920’s inspiration from Tadashi Shoji Spring 2014:  sequins, beads & feathers.

Each dress seemed more beautiful than the one that proceeded it.  Grace and effortless femininity are hallmarks for a Tadashi Shoji runway show.   Vintage styles were also apparent with several drop waist 1920’s style cocktail dresses ala Downton Abbey ( an inspiration for a previous Shoji show) and 1950’s full skirts and tops with silk organza overlay.

 There were a few dresses that won’t suit everyone’s taste like a the keyhole, peplum dresses with lacey cap sleeves.  I’m also not sure that the lattice overlay tops paired with full skirts with flatter every shape.  But overall Mr. Shoji delivered another very solid collection with plenty of mass-market appeal.   The Sweet Liberation collection offers women plenty of choices for looking distinctive and classy for a special evening whether its a red carpet event or a special dinner.  These are investment pieces, but a Tadashi Shoji garment ages well and will be fashionable for several seasons.