Todashi Shoji

I have to say that both Todashi Shoji and Mandalay are giving Marchesa and Carmen Marc Valvo a run for their money! I went on a shopping mission to Saks, Neimans, Bergdorfs… you name it and the Asian designers are providing better quality and design for better value! I adore my Todashi Shoji gown and Mandalay has a great purple lace cocktail dress that I have my eye on!

Tadashi Shoji is the name of both a line of women’s clothing and its founder. The business is based in Los Angeles, California, and was established in 1982.

The designer called Tadashi Shoji was born in Japan, where he grew up with an interest in art. Initially, he studied fine art in Tokyo. Upon moving to Los Angeles to attend college, he grew interested in fashion design. There he got his first big break when he was given a job working with a costume designer named Bill Whitten, whose items were in high demand by musical artists during the 1970s. Shoji then received his degree in fashion design and realized there was an untapped niche market in the women’s fashion industry: affordable dresses that were intended for special occasions.

In 1982, he struck out on his own. His early collection, which included cocktail dresses, evening gowns, and party dresses, quickly made it into stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman. The business has continued to grow since that point. Tadashi Shoji still serves as owner and chief designer of the brand. His main clothing collections are called Tadashi and Tadashi Shoji. The Tadashi Home Collection, which features items including candles and bedding, launched in 2006. The labels are carried both within the United States and internationally, in over four thousand stores. Current major sellers in the United States are Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s, among other stores.