LBS Runway Report: Tadashi Shoji Fall 2013

New York Fashion Week is upon us again lovelies! Quick, huh? It seems like we were just recapping Spring/Summer collections last week. 

Anywhoo, pressure is always high on the first day of NYFW. The first designers set the bar for everyone that follows. Tadashi Shoji stepped up to the challenge and scorched it! Listen, Tadashi brought the heat – or rather the cold to this collection. The celeb fave channeled the elegance of Russian winter with killer gowns in heavier fabrics than we’re used to.

I’ve never read “Anna Karenina” and I haven’t watched the film. Historical period movies aren’t really my steelo. But after seeing pre-revolutionary Russia descend on Tadashi’s catwalk, I’m renting it from Redbox ASAP.

Three words: Tadashi killed it. His collection has a very wintery feel with the black, blood red and ivory palette and the use of heavy fabrics. If Dracula were real and he had a wife, she would be donning a Tadashi Shoji masterpiece. That’s how elegant and retro this collection is.

Octavia Spencer’s go-to designer used loose silhouettes and square shoulders to really capture the daintiness of women from the 1870s. There were gorge gowns flowing with feathers, sheer and lace, which is an odd combo. But the Japan-native nailed it.

I live for chic pink cape-style jacket with three-fourth sleeves. It screams Victorian-era class and sophistication. Tadashi Shoji’s collection gives us permission to be dainty and graceful, which is always a plus. The models minimal makeup and “just rolled-out-of-bed” ponytails were the perfect contrast to the high-end classiness of their gowns. I’m taking that messy-meets-chic cue into fall and winter.

So here’s what I know now: Simple makeup is in. Lace has survived another season. And I must rent Anna Karenina stat.

Did Tadashi Shoji nail this collection? 

- Evette Dionne

Photo Credit: The Associated Press

LBS in LA (Part 2): My Arrival

10:30AM Upon landing in LA, I'm picked up at LAX in a brand spankin' new 2013 Lincoln MKT. While gleefully stroking the leather interior, I take in the sight of palm trees and sunlight. Feels good to be back in LA (albeit for 24 hours). Next stop, the hotel!

11:00AM We've arrived! I'm staying at the Hotel Sofitel Los Angeles in Beverly Hills. It's beautiful, and conveniently located right across the street from the Beverly Center (a massive shopping mall).

 I'm a little jet-lagged so this big soft bed looks mighty good. But it's crunch time. No sleep allowed.

11:30AM Special delivery! The lovely folks at Tadashi Shoji have left a special package at my hotel with three dress options for tonight's festivities. I could die. Is this real life? Can't be...

I have three beautiful Tadashi Shoji options to choose from in red, cream, and blue (patriotic, eh?). At this point, I'm torn and so I take to Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to ask for a vote!

 1. Cutout Jersey Halter Cocktail Dress in Peppermint ($348.00), 2. Embroidered Lace Peplum Dress in Sand ($328.00) 3. Pintuck Jersey Boatneck Dress with Sheer Lace Detail in Marina ($348.00).

After trying on all three dresses, I'm most drawn to the cream lace peplum and the blue A-line dress. I love the shape and texture of the cream dress, but I'm gagging over the rich color of the blue. Ugh, why does Tadashi make it SO hard?

12:30PM I have just an hour before it's time to grab lunch with the Lincoln team. For a business lunch, I wanted to look stylish but still tailored. I didn't bring any blazers with me but I did bring a pair of tailored pants, a cargo jacket and some new red heels.

 After tootsie rolling because I can actually wear open toe shoes (I love LA), I put together a look I think is both sophisticated but still reflects my sense of style.

The Cargo Jacket, H&M, $59.95

The Red Heels, Zara, $89.99

The Cream Blouse ($29.99) & Chain Link Necklace ($12.95), H&M

The Handbag, c/o Handbag Heaven Kourtney Crossbody Mini Satchel, ($42.46)

 Behold the final look before makeup. Comfortable, stylish and still professional.

Popped on a red lip and I was ready to go!

Stay tuned for a post about the lunch and meeting one of the honorees of the Essence Black Women in Music event sponsored by Lincoln - Lianne La Havas!

LBS Runway Report: Tadashi Shoji Spring 2013

 This season, Tadashi Shoji channeled Old Hollywood glam with a contemporary twist. As one of my favorite designers for women with curves, he once again proved that beauty has no size restrictions with his Spring 2013 collection. Tadashi churned out a host of red carpet contenders, playing with delicate lace, mesh and chiffon in a sophisticated yet youthful way. I absolutely adored the collection. Take a peek at some of the looks from Spring 2013:

Many of the pieces were marked by intricate embroidery and vibrant colors.

Even his little black dresses had special touches. How could the dress above look bad on anyone? Gorgeous!

I love that models walked the runway in flats. The dresses were that amazing. No heels necessary.

Lots of maxi dress moments at Tadashi Shoji this season. These looks gave me so much life.

I could so see this dress gracing the red carpet at the Oscars or the Golden Globes. Perfection!

At the show we ran into stylist to the stars June Ambrose sitting front row with her adorable mini-me.

And we bumped into the lovely Angela Simmons rocking a super cute studded bolero jacket, black bandage skirt and caged ankle strap heels - tres chic!