Just imagine: 10 years ago Jason Wu was barely known. A Taipei-born Canadian who charmed the industry with tales of how he made dresses for dolls. Pretty, ladylike dresses. Dresses that when translated for real women would catch the eye of arguably the most stylish First Lady just two years later, catapulting Wu into the echelon of fashion history. No pressure. Since Michelle Obama wore his one-shouldered white gown to her first inauguration, Wu has wrestled with how to balance growing and keeping the women who love that sophisticated gamine look happy.
With confidence, Wu has segued from dressy dresses and cocktail fare to real life clothes. Case in point: his fall collection, full of deconstructed knits and tweedy suits.
The sexiness he has engaged in the last few seasons, not always to great success, was tempered here. Less overt. A flash of fishnet under a deconstructed dress, a layered floral slip dress, a bit of skin in the wrap of a plus velvet dress.
Speaking of velvet and devoré, he showed plenty. The best being a group of cinched and wrapped dresses in eye-catching colours and understated and sexy shapes with suggestive sheerness. In essence: great for the late night holiday party circuit.
A 10th anniversary is a great time to look back. Wu has had a helluva ride. He can see his name alongside the greats of American fashion history thanks to one single night: Beene, Blass, de la Renta, Galanos… But it’s clear, he’s just as interested in looking forward.
By Nandini D’Souza Wolfe
From: Harper’s BAZAAR US
See more of the latest coverage from the New York Fashion Week fall/winter 2017 shows here.
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