Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Tadashi Shoji, a true fashion legend and inspiration. The Japanese-born, American-based fashion designer is widely known for designing exquisite evening gowns for Hollywood’s biggest stars like Octavia Spencer and Florence Welch. It was one of the most exciting (yet nerve wrecking) moments I have ever experienced in the four years of having my blog. What made this interview so special to me was that Tadashi was my very FIRST runway fashion show at New York Fashion Week.
The interview took place at Marymount University where Mr. Shoji was awarded the very prestigious Designer of the Year award. Past award recipients include Oscar de la Renta, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Michael Kors (just to name a few). What made this event so memorable was that Tadashi is celebrating the big 3-0 of the iconic brand this year. To celebrate his anniversary, he has designed a capsule collection of six dresses from his archives, which style blogger Chriselle Lim of The Chriselle Factor debuted (see here).
Since, I was one of the very last interviews of the evening, I wanted to make sure I was not repeating any questions that he may have been asked earlier. I could spend hours and hours talking to Mr. Shoji about fashion and his sources of inspiration over the years, or what advice he had for bloggers like myself, but I thought I would share just a few of my favorite questions/responses:
(High Fashion 4 Less): I have seen that Tadashi has been very active in various social media outlets like Vine and Instagram. What are your thoughts on engaging consumers through social media? (Mr. Shoji): “Social media apps like Vine and Instagram have an immediate response. They don’t cost much and you can engage your consumers right away! It’s important to make consumers feel like they connected with your brand and your designs.” (High Fashion 4 Less): I’ve noticed a common Russian Empire theme in several of your collections. Why Russia? (Mr. Shoji): I pull my inspiration from everywhere but mostly from my travels. Whether I am at a flea market and see a beautiful table cloth or a picture in a magazine, there is no really rhyme or reason behind it. It’s something that is beautiful and that inspires me to design.”(High Fashion 4 Less): What advice do you have for bloggers like myself who are blogging for fun but one day may have hopes of turning their blog into a business? (Mr. Shoji): “Invest in a team of your own. All the big bloggers out there have a whole team behind them. If you are serious about making it into a business put everything you have into it and hire people that can help you expand your business and make it flourish.” Oh…and one question I forgot to ask Mr. Shoji…Will you design my wedding gown?? :)
{with design students at Marymount}
{a snap from the runway}
A BIG thanks to Zeba for setting this interview up and making a fashion dream of mine come true! Also, stay tuned because you just might be seeing me style a Tadashi accessory on the blog very soon!
xo,
saracode
Love your interview questions! Such a fun night!
Thanks Eden! I was so happy to enjoy this event with you! xo
What a wonderful interview Sara! Love your questions to Mr. Shoji. Love that photo of the two of you together.
Thanks Rosa! I was so nervous! It was truly an unforgettable experience and I am so happy I asked the questions I did:)
I’m a fashion/communication student and Marymount and we’re always so proud of Portfolio in Motion! Tadashi is so knowlegable about the industry and so successful. It’s amazing to see these big time designers coming to our small university. We put so much effort into the show and its pretty cool to see the rewards! I hope you enjoyed this year’s show!
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment Dana! I really enjoyed the show and hope to go again next year! xo