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Tadashi Shoji (born January 15, 1948) is a Japanese-born American fashion designer and the creator of the Tadashi Shoji and T by Tadashi clothing labels. Shoji is particularly known for his red carpet gowns and evening wear.

Early life
Shoji was born in Sendai, Japan. He began painting and drawing at a young age and eventually moved to Tokyo where he studied fine art. He then was recommended for an apprenticeship with Japan’s leading contemporary artist, Jiro Takamatsu, who is credited with paving the way for the modern art movement in Japan during the sixties and seventies.

Shoji moved to the United States in 1973 to attend college and further his artistic development. He attended Los Angeles Trade Technical College where he discovered fashion design and awakened a life-long passion.

As a student, Shoji apprenticed with famed costume designer Bill Whitten. In the seventies, every major recording artist was demanding a Whitten original. Shoji worked alongside Whitten who created designs for A-list stars including Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Neil Diamond, The Jacksons, and Earth, Wind, & Fire.

Career
After graduation, Shoji worked as a designer for a clothing manufacturer where he climbed the ranks until 1982, when he launched his own label, Tadashi Shoji.

The company has seen steady growth since its inception and is carried in more than 4,000 major department and specialty store doors in more than 40 countries. Shoji debuted his runway collection at the New York Fashion Week in September 2007.

The brand maintains its own retail operations with two signature boutiques in the United States – one in the prestigious South Coast Plaza and another in Forum Shops at Caesars in Las Vegas. This year, Shoji will expand his international reach by opening boutiques in China – one in Shanghai and the other in Beijing. In April 2012, Tadashi Shoji launched an e-commerce website selling an edited collection of eveningwear and bridal gowns.

His designs have won a loyal following with well-dressed women worldwide, including a wide range of celebrities, such as Oscar Winner Octavia Spencer, Kate Beckinsale, Dita Von Teese, Oscar Winner Mo’Nique, Helen Mirren, and Katy Perry. Octavia Spencer wore a custom-made Tadashi Shoji gown to the 84th annual Academy Awards, where Spencer won Best Supporting Actress for her performance in "The Help.”

Shoji will be inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA) this year.

Shoji is known for designing for all ages, all ethnicities, and all figures. He recognizes the need for comfort in eveningwear - ‘Even an evening dress can feel like a t-shirt.’ He uses figure-flattering techniques, such as draping, ruching, and shutter pleats, to accentuate the positives. Signature pieces include draped jersey gowns, pleated chiffon gowns, and shutter pleated cocktail dresses, all lined in his signature stretch jersey lining.