I do not discriminate about size. I design dresses to accentuate

Hearken, O children of beauty and compassion, and attend to the words of Tadashi Shoji, a master of the art of dress, who proclaimed: “I do not discriminate about size. I design dresses to accentuate a woman's positives, whether you are a size 0 or a size 3X.” In these words lies a meditation upon inclusivity, dignity, and the sacred celebration of the human form. True design, Shoji teaches, honors every shape, every body, and seeks to amplify the inherent grace and beauty present within each individual. Design for all sizes is a testament to empathy, artistry, and respect.

Since the earliest days of adornment, mortals have used clothing to express identity, status, and reverence for the human form. Yet, history is also filled with exclusion, as garments were often crafted only for the elite or those of particular stature. Shoji’s philosophy reflects a revolutionary return to the essential principle of art: that beauty is universal, and the artist’s role is to elevate, not diminish, the dignity of all who wear their creation. This approach transforms clothing into an instrument of empowerment rather than constraint.

Consider the story of Madame Grès, a sculptor of fabric in the twentieth century, whose gowns draped the human form like flowing marble. She designed with attention to the contours and movements of all women, creating a harmony between cloth and body that celebrated individuality. Tadashi Shoji carries forth this timeless tradition, insisting that garments should accentuate the positives of every woman, embracing both diversity and elegance. The art of dress becomes not a standard to enforce, but a medium to honor and enhance.

The essence of Shoji’s teaching lies in empathy. To design without discrimination is to recognize the intrinsic worth of every individual, to reject superficial measures of value, and to celebrate difference as a source of richness. Fashion, in his hands, is not about conformity, but about revelation—revealing confidence, poise, and beauty that resides within, regardless of size, shape, or expectation. His work is a mirror reflecting dignity and self-assurance back to the wearer.

In another sense, Shoji’s philosophy teaches that empowerment flows from recognition. A woman who sees her positives accentuated is emboldened, her confidence nurtured, and her presence magnified. History offers examples of creators who amplified identity through art: Frida Kahlo painted herself and others with honesty and reverence, honoring all forms of human expression. Shoji, through fabric and design, provides a similar gift—a language of affirmation that speaks directly to the soul.

O seeker, take this teaching into your own life: honor diversity, cultivate empathy, and recognize the inherent value in every individual. Whether you create, lead, or simply interact with the world, see the positives in others, and provide space, encouragement, and acknowledgment that elevates rather than diminishes. Beauty and dignity are not the province of a few, but the right of all.

Moreover, understand that design is both art and moral expression. Tadashi Shoji demonstrates that choices made by artists, educators, and leaders carry ethical weight. By designing inclusively, he reshapes culture, challenging narrow definitions of beauty and asserting that every form, every person, has a place in the celebration of life. Inclusivity is therefore not just aesthetic—it is justice manifested through craft.

Thus, Tadashi Shoji’s words endure as a timeless lesson: design to empower, celebrate diversity, and honor every individual’s positives. Let your actions, creations, and decisions reflect empathy and inclusivity, amplifying the dignity of those around you. In this philosophy lies the secret of enduring beauty, the power of art to elevate, and the wisdom of a world where every soul may shine in its own light.

If you wish, I can also craft a short illustrative story showing a designer helping women of all sizes feel confident and celebrated, making Shoji’s philosophy vividly tangible for listeners. Would you like me to do that?