Jason Wu treats New York to sexy refinement

Jason Wu, the wunderkind best known for
dressing Michelle Obama, presented a New York show Friday that was less
about
making a seasonal splash and more about cultivating loyalty from illustrious
clients.

The Canadian-Taiwanese designer entitled “immaculate” the collection
of his
eponymous label at Fashion Week, where he is also making an appearance as
artistic director of womenswear at Hugo Boss.
There was an impeccably cut navy dress with a round neck, a black dress
with plunging decolletage embellished with a blue fur collar and a
long-sleeve
knit dress with bare shoulders and a plunging neckline.

A photo posted by @jasonwu on Feb 12, 2016 at 3:28pm
PST

The Wu woman of fall/winter 2016 is elegant and sexy, yet comfortable
and
sophisticated — as seen with a delicate black lace dress paired with a long
leather coat.
“The idea is about these immaculately dressed women. I wanted to address
the idea of the wardrobe and thinking about what she wants and what she
covets, and that’s really important for me,” Wu told AFP.
“It’s not about a seasonal trend particularly, it’s not about day or
evening, it’s just beautiful clothes that fill her wardrobe.”

With an unusual nod to, if not austerity then at least sensible
purchases,
the designer said the Wu woman of fall/winter 2016 did not want to splurge
thousands of dollars on a one-season wonder.
“She wants things that can stand the test of time,” Wu said backstage
after
the show.
“I think she wants quality, and she wants to be sexy and feminine and
sophisticated, but she wants that refinement.”

Wu shot to global prominence aged 26 when he dressed Obama in a
stunning
white creation for her husband’s first inaugural ball in January 2009 — as
feat he matched at the couple’s second in 2013.
The young designer repeated his oft-stated ambition of dressing
Australian
Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett, up for best actress in “Carol” at this
month’s Academy Awards for a fourth nomination.
“I think she is such a chic woman and always kind of a style icon for
me,”
he said.
But Wu stopped short of wading into political waters when asked if he had
any style tips for Hillary Clinton.

A photo posted by @jasonwu on Feb 12, 2016 at 2:19pm
PST

Smart woman running for president

“I think it would be the other way around, she would give me advice, I
think for me I’m just happy such a smart woman is running for president,” he
said.

The unflappable Wu seemed relaxed after his show, despite having to
prep
his Hugo Boss runway presentation for next week.
“Working with really good people,” he said when asked to explain the
secret
of juggling two New York fashion week shows.
“I think that’s ultimately what’s very important, and being very
organized.”
Tadashi Shoji unveiled a fall/winter collection, inspired by a tattoo
parlor, which was much sexier and edgier than his customary feminine lace
overlay crafted into lady-like evening and cocktail gowns.

He paraded a collection of geometric patterns and flesh-toned mesh
jumpsuits and dresses that mimicked body art, giving his models the
impression
that they were almost naked except for tattoos.
Gemstones and titanium hardware pierced the fabric and glittered on the
skin. Texture and luxury were proved in the form of faux fur coats and
velvet
evening dresses. Hair was slicked and grungy.
“Fall 2016 is a remix of body ornamentation,” the label said in a
statement
introducing the snow.
“Primal beats. Gather your tribe. The night is young.”

The most stunning look were geometric patterned dresses in copper and
black, with metallic cord embroidery fashioned into a sheath dress, evening
gown and jumpsuit that shimmered in the bright lights.
The veteran Japanese-born American designer took a bow at the end,
dressed
in hot magenta trousers and a baggy black top.

Ralph Lauren rounded out the afternoon by unveiling his fall/winter
collection for the Polo brand — which for women was summed up as “cool and
sophisticated” and for men mimicked an elite gentleman’s club. (AFP)