{NYFW} Tadashi Shoji Goes Tribal

Tadashi Shoji showcased the body as artwork in the Fall 2016 RTW collection. In juxtaposition with his signature flowing, feminine etherealism, this runway compilation struck a balance between feminine and tribal, with raw, faux ink patterns.

Tadashi Shoji - Photo Luca Tombolini - Indigital14

Taking a detour from the usual haute, this collection goes in line with Saint Laurent’s collection shown in LA, which focused on the subculture as its muse. Shoji’s looks celebrated the open, adventurous millennial, who may be tatted and pierced, but still loves fashion and femininity.

The concept was realized through sheer body suits with tribal tattoo embroidery underneath jewel toned numbers – in copper, a muted sapphire, hunter green, gold, and blush. The copper felt a bit busy, but the rest of the color palettes looked gorgeous. The tribal designs hopped from bodysuit, to panel, to overlay. Occasionally, this could have been edited to be just a little more of a subtle element, but overall the concept worked, with many beautiful looks.

A fresh rotation of silhouettes displayed Shoji’s range, from sleek bodycon dresses, off-the-shoulder sheaths, and strapless minis to capped sleeve column gowns, and high-lows. The show crescendo came with four flowing goddess gowns in nude, black and white – each with individually stunning bodice design elements.