Tadashi Shoji is set to open his first boutique in Doha, Qatar on 25th February, 2016. Tadashi has acquired a 1,345 square foot space in the luxurious Lagoona Mall and this store will serve as the brand’s Flagship location in the Middle East. Lagoona Mall is located in Doha’s affluent West Bay Residential Lagoon development and is known as an oasis of exclusivity and enchantment dedicated to luxury and style. Tadashi Shoji has partnered with Al Mana, one of the largest business houses in Qatar, on the opening of this store.

“I am very happy to be opening our first flagship store in Qatar,” says Tadashi Shoji. “Continuing our growth in the Middle East is an important milestone in our international strategy and I am pleased to call Lagoona Mall – one of Doha’s most exclusive lifestyle destinations – our home. I look forward to welcoming our customers to this beautiful new space in a city that embodies luxury and style.”

Tadashi Shoji along with Los Angeles-based architecture firm (M)Arch. are working together on the design of the space. The two companies have a creative collaboration dating back to 2002 when the firm first designed Shoji’s house in Pasadena, CA and headquarters in Los Angeles, CA. (M)Arch. is also designing Tadashi Shoji’s new South Coast Plaza store in Costa Mesa, CA, which is also slated to open in April 2015.

The architectural vision for the Doha store aligns with Tadashi Shoji’s brand positioning, personality and core values, through space, materials and production of unique branded elements. Inspired by the ambiance and energy of Tadashi Shoji’s runway shows, (M)Arch. has created a rich environment that highlights his fashion without overpowering it. The design provides an experiential luxurious store that showcases the unique and timeless beauty of Tadashi Shoji’s ready-to-wear designs in a modern context.

Upon entering the store, clients first pass through a dramatic 30-foot-high entry gallery with translucent, fritted glass at the front. This towering wall will be lined with mannequins dressed in Tadashi Shoji designs staggered throughout, making a dramatic facade. Clients will pass through a back-lit doorway to enter the main retail space where clothing and accessories line both sides, with lit jewelry cabinets in the center.

As the customer moves through the store, the atmosphere shifts from the grand facade in the center – to a more intimate, luxurious salon with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, lounge seating, and two generous fitting rooms. The salon, designed to be more of a private space, is separated from the retail gallery by ornate fabric drapes. From front to back, the floor finishes reflect this transitioning from cool stone to plush carpet.

The material pallet includes ceramic tile and wool carpet floor finishes, luxurious double height drapes and lacquered millwork. The entry wall consists of fritted glass fins conceived to create a rich but neutral environment that doesn’t compete with the detail and color of Tadashi Shoji’s designs. “We wanted to make the dresses stand out,” says Todd Erlandson, partner at (M)Arch., “but within the context of Tadashi’s sensibility, without having to resort to stark minimalism.”

This flagship store will serve as a bridge from the brand ideations to the physical world, creating an intimate and luxurious experience for clients from age 17 to 70 who are shopping for dresses for life’s most special occasions.

About Tadashi Shoji
Tadashi Shoji is the founder and chief designer of the Tadashi Shoji collection. Born and raised in Sendai, Japan, he began painting and drawing from a young age and eventually moved to Tokyo, where he studied fine art. His talent was soon recognized and he 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.

In 2007, Tadashi launched the Tadashi Shoji Runway Collection for Fall 2007 during New York Fashion Week to rave reviews. By featuring the utmost in luxury and elegance, the much-anticipated collection continues to elevate and hone the brand’s image in the marketplace. His designs have won a loyal following with well-dressed women worldwide, including a wide range of celebrities such as: Octavia Spencer, Ciara, Mindy Kaling, Britney Spears, Nina Dobrev, to name a few.

About (M)Arch.
(M)Arch., a collaboration of architects and creative marketing professionals, was formed in 1998 in Santa Monica, California by Todd Erlandson, AIA LEED AP and Sherry Hoffman MBA. The company’s core mission is to build brand value through architecture. (M)Arch. is a forward-thinking design company that is engaged in creating significant architecture that adds brand value with responsible solutions.

(M)Arch. is committed to creating compelling architecture, interior design, and graphic identities that inspire, stimulate, and advance the goals and values of clients. We believe that good design is storytelling that helps clients communicate who they are in the world and what is important to them. We strive to create meaningful spatial experiences by engaging our clients in meaningful dialogs and listening to their needs.

Focused primarily on commercial and community projects (M)Arch.’s clients include Universal Studios, UCLA, Caltech, Fred Segal Beauty, HBOFilms, and Vice Media.

About Al Mana

Al Mana is one of the largest and most diversified groups in the region, operating over 55 companies in 8 countries and employing over 3500 personnel. Industry activities include automotive distribution and services, real estate and investments, retail, F&B, engineering, technology, media and entertainment. The group covers most areas of retail including luxury goods, beauty, fashion, home interiors, watches and jewellery. Operating over 300 outlets, Al Mana represents some of the largest and most successful brands in the world.
Wissam Al Mana Executive Director:” We are very excited about this collaboration with Tadashi Shoji and we believe in the strength of the brand for the Gulf”