Fashion Insider: First Look at Tadashi Shoji Rose Court Gowns

Pictured: The Tadashi Shoji Rose Court Gowns, white for the Queen, blue for her court.

How many of you watch the Tournament of Roses Parade from beautiful Pasadena, California every year?  Some people watch for the football, but not me.  Over here at The Recessionista HQ, we like to watch to see what the Rose Queen and her court will be wearing. Do we know who is playing in the game? Hell to the no!  It’s all about fashion at the Rose Bowl.   This year,  renowned fashion designer and long-time Pasadena resident Tadashi Shoji,  is the official designer for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, creating custom gowns for the Rose Queen and the six members of her Royal Court.  You can see photos of the stylish gowns above, each with a stylish take on the one shoulder grecian goddess look.  Each Rose Princess will be wearing a deep blue, pleated chiffon one-shoulder gown, featuring a delicate crystal design at the shoulder.  The 2012 Rose Queen, Drew Washington, will wear the same gown in winter white, a Royal Court tradition (see photos above.)  “As a Pasadena resident for over 20 years, I hold the Tournament of Roses and Rose Parade very dear to my heart,” notes Tadashi Shoji. “I love contributing to my city that holds such great traditions.”

Pictured: Look for this Tadashi Shoji evening looks on the year end sales racks for New Years & beyond.

 What’s does a savvy shopper like moi know about a high-end and sometimes pricey designer like Tadashi Shoji? Well I own several pieces and I can tell you all are very well made.  I have bought Tadashi Shoji  designs always at deep discounts via shopping clubs like Ideeli and special sales like Divine by Design.  Look for Tadashi Shoji on sale now at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue on the year end sales.  Some of his designs would make fabulous New Year’s looks, don’t you think?  The Asymmetric Ruched Cocktail Dress is now on sale at Saks for $95.00.  Compare that to a Kardashian Kollection Sears dress priced on sale at approximately $60.00, and you tell me what the better value is.  For deals on Tadashi Shoji, check out their website sale until Jan. 31st.