Tadashi Shoji’s Advice for Marymount’s Graduating Seniors is… More Studying?

Before Marymount University seniors majoring in fashion design can walk across the stage to graduate, they had to take on the runway. The students presented their jury-selected designs to an audience of well-dressed Washingtonians at the 24th annual Portfolio in Motion on Thursday evening.

But even though graduation is in sight, fashion designer Tadashi Shoji reminded students to remember that finishing school isn’t reason enough to ramp up the party calendar. “Don’t forget to study, research, and read more!”

Shoji, the recipient of the event’s prestigious Designer of the Year Award, practices what he preaches. Shoji explained that while the inspiration for his latest collection comes from CNN’s special report on the Silk Road, months of in-depth research went into the design process.

“More curiosity is very important, especially in this business.”