It's a Japanese way of thinking, that I give value for my merchandise. So I don't want to sell unnecessarily expensive dresses and make just 10 or 20 and then feel satisfied. I want to design for real women who can afford my dresses.

Tadashi Shoji’s quote—“It’s a Japanese way of thinking, that I give value for my merchandise. So I don’t want to sell unnecessarily expensive dresses and make just 10 or 20 and then feel satisfied. I want to design for real women who can afford my dresses”—expresses Shoji's philosophy about fashion and design. He emphasizes the importance of creating garments that are accessible and valuable, rather than making exclusive, highly-priced pieces for a small group of customers. Shoji’s approach is rooted in his desire to offer quality designs that cater to a wider audience, ensuring that real women can wear and enjoy his creations without being priced out of them.

The origin of this quote reflects Shoji’s background as a Japanese designer, known for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design elements. His belief in offering value for money aligns with the Japanese principle of balance, where quality and functionality are prioritized. Shoji’s focus on creating affordable dresses for real women demonstrates his commitment to serving a broader customer base, as opposed to creating elite, limited-edition garments for the few.

By rejecting the notion of making expensive dresses with limited production runs, Shoji underscores his focus on accessibility and inclusivity in fashion. He doesn’t see the value in creating garments that are overpriced and exclusive, as he wants to make fashion that’s within reach for everyday women. His desire to design for real women suggests that he’s thinking about the practical needs and lives of the women who wear his designs, rather than focusing solely on high fashion for the privileged few.

Ultimately, Shoji’s quote highlights his belief that fashion should be about more than just creating high-end, luxury pieces. By focusing on value and accessibility, he aligns with a vision of design that prioritizes functionality, beauty, and inclusivity, ensuring that his garments are available and meaningful to a wider audience. This philosophy speaks to his dedication to crafting designs that are both beautiful and practical for everyday wear.