Cheryl Shops

When & where: Thursday, February 9 at 2 p.m., the Stage, Lincoln Center
Runway recap: The show notes for Tadashi Shoji noted that his fall collection was inspired by the golden age of Shanghai, however with so many soigné evening frocks in luxurious washed velvet, ethereal Chantilly lace, and embroidered silk tulle, I immediately thought of Lady Mary Grantham, the heroine (of sorts) of PBS's Downton Abbey, currently my favorite show on TV, hands down. The dropped-waist silhouettes and demurely sleeved styles would be perfect for a post-dinner discussion of future heirs or misbehaving servants. As always, Tadashi's bright, rich colors were in full effect; the silhouettes, looser and with more elongated proportions, were new but are still certain to flatter a wide range of body types—there's a reason actresses like Octavia Spencer turn to Tadashi for their red-carpet looks. Perhaps she'll wear one of these to the Oscars in a few weeks.

Bonus points: While at most shows one gets pounded with electronic or rock music, Tadashi's selection was much more mellow, starting with the titular James Bond song "You Only Live Twice," coincidentally, the second time I heard a Nancy Sinatra song today (Nicholas K opened with "Bang Bang").

Where to buy: Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's.