Some of the most magical and beautiful fashion moments are made when people dress up for formal events in the wintertime. There’s just something about an ethereal dress that makes the wearer feel like Cinderella for the night. One of the most famous designers in the world, Tadashi Shoji, is an expert at manipulating fabric and silhouette into the most exquisite gowns and formal dresses you’ll ever see. I took these photographs during the last Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center in NYC when his Autumn/Winter 2015 Collection was shown. You may be able to take some cues from the trends here but, most of all, just enjoy the view as the creations float down the runway …

Trends to spot:

• Nude illusion panels
• Green and other jewel tones
• Lace
• Feathers
• Draping at the back
• Black-and-white
• Fur fringe
• Capes
• Full skirts with net
• Embellished bodices
• Rich tapestry-inspired textiles

As you can see from the slideshow below, there’s everything here from cocktail apparel to evening glamour. Tying it all together are not only the classic cuts of his gowns, but also the way they embody the root word “class!”  Well-fitted with interesting detail, they give a sense of femininity without being too showy. Of course the pieces with fur fringe and feathers are a little over the top, but they also don’t feel like a costume. To me they harken back to the good old days of Hollywood, when a movie star still had some mystery and allure…

When you’re at Goodwill shopping for a holiday event or winter formal you never know what you’ll find, but your support of our mission will let you sparkle in style!