NYFW: Tadashi Shoji Reimagines 70’s Chic for Spring/Summer 2018

Tadashi Shoji sent a very boho chic, free flowing collection down the runway at New York Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2018.  It was a bit of a departure for a designer that is a red carpet favorite among the Hollywood A list.   According to the Mr. Shoji the collection was inspired by Southern California and a journey  ‘through rolling hills to a secluded enclave. ‘   The collection  appeals to ‘artists and musicians, bohemians and emigres,’ said Mr. Shoji.  While the Tadashi Shoji collection for Spring/Summer had the designer’s characteristic elegance, there was a little bit of the 70’s Laurel Canyon vibe thrown in.

A collection of beautiful maxi dresses from the Tadashi Shoji Spring Summer 2018

I could imagine Joni Mitchell or Stevie Nicks wearing some of the pieces.  The floral print maxi dresses with flutter sleeves reminded me a bit of Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell.

A gorgeous yellow maxi dress with floral print and ruffled hem from the Tadashi Shoji Spring Summer 2018

The collection’s color pallet featured refreshingly bright colors for spring including red jasper, jade, rose quartz, yellow opal, azurite and agate. Special finishing touches like tassels, embroidery and beading added to the beauty of this collection.

This Tadashi Shoji 70’s style mini dress with keyhole & tie bow reminded me more of Coachella than Tadashi Shoji.

One of the collection’s standouts were the evening gowns with stars embroidered on them in gold thread.

Tadashi Shoji’s Starry Night gowns with gorgeous embroidery and sparkling embellishments.

These  “Starry Night” gowns just glowed on the runway with swirling constellations and stars floating above the silk chiffon.  To see the full Tadashi Shoji runway collection for Spring Summer 2018 visit the designer’s website. Following is a summary of the show’s Los Angeles inspiration from the designer’s show notes:

With salty hair and sandy feet, it’s time to swap your board for your gown. Top down, cruise along the Pacific Coast Highway until the curtain of night is pinned by the stars. Destination: Los Angeles. A chance invite from a friend takes you through rolling hills to a secluded enclave, nestled within a woodland canyon. Partygoers roll up, draped in gemstone colors – red jasper, jade, rose quartz, yellow opal, azurite and agate. All are welcome – artists and musicians, bohemians and emigres. Where fame and fortune mix with wanderers and nomads. Where moguls mingle with children of the ocean. It’s the mystique of Southern California that draws them – days of possibility alongside nights of allure and beauty. Make your way to the courtyard garden, past the heady smells of night-blooming jasmine and moonflowers. Relax and unwind – it’s a Golden State of mind.