Rose Parade Dresses by Tadashi Shoji
The 2010 Tournament of Roses Royal Court, wearing exclusive Tadashi Shoji gowns. Photo: The Tournament of Roses.
This year marks the 121st Rose Parade and the theme is "2010: A Cut Above the Rest." So,we find it quite appropriate that the Tournament of Roses Royal Court will travel the New Year's Day parade route wearing Tadashi Shoji gowns.
All of the Rose Princesses as well as the Queen are set to bloom in crinkled-silk chiffon one-shoulder dresses with ruched bodices and softly flowing skirts. The princesses' dresses are in a vibrant, candy-apple red; this year's Queen, Natalie Innocenzi, will wear traditional white.Shoji designed the gowns exclusively for the court, as he has since 2004. He's a fitting choice for the Tournament of Roses, as he lives in Pasadena, Calif. and is inspired by the roses in his home's garden, as was his Fall 2009 collection.
Shoji opened his Los Angeles fashion house in 1982 and quickly became known for his fluid, feminine evening wear. The designer is a master at elegant yet comfortable styles. "Proper fit is critical and draping is really my forte," he recently told a hometown newspaper.
Lately, his designs have been popping up on stars including Beyoncé, Debra Messing and Gabourey Sidibe. The common denominator for celebs with such different styles and shapes? The figure-flattering silhouettes. Shoji is also the rare high-end designer who extends his collections into larger sizes. His evening dresses go beyond size 14 (the average size for an American woman), sometimes up to size 24.
Those of us without tiaras or Emmys can still slink into a similarly red carpet look: Shoji's golden goddess gown exclusively at Neiman Marcus. For something more cocktail-hour than parade-route, look for the one-shouldered dresses in his Spring 2010 collection.
Filed under: Fashion, News, Designers & Brands
Tags: designers, Dresses, flatter your figure, New Years, Parades, Plus Size Fashion, Rose Parade, Tadashi Shoji, Tournament of Roses
Tags: designers, Dresses, flatter your figure, New Years, Parades, Plus Size Fashion, Rose Parade, Tadashi Shoji, Tournament of Roses
The Top 5 Cities in California
Ecuador's Fair Trade Organic Roses
Tips for Buying Roses for Valentine's Day
How to Condition Cut Roses
Shoefly, 12-17-2009, 8:37AM
Haven't heard of this designer before but will definitely check him out -- sounds like his intentions are in the right place! And so many body types look great in his dresses. Re the Rose Parade: I better see some Stephanie Edwards this year!
Reply »