No one is asking: "Wu, who?" Twenty-eight-year-old designer Jason Wu catapulted to fame two years ago when First Lady Michelle Obama wore his one-shoulder silk chiffon gown to the inaugural balls. Ever since then, the Taiwan-born designer has been on fashion's fast track.
Wu comes to Nordstrom Fashion Valley on Thursday, October 21 to introduce his Spring 2011 collection. The collection’s energetic mood was inspired by Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazes, known for balancing organized patterns with rhythmic movement, and fashion illustrator Rene Gruau, who also loves bold colors and movement, but in a distinctively French style.
So look for vibrant hues in Wu’s collection — shots of violet, fuchsia, and lime — and lean, elongated shapes in trousers and jackets. Overall, the collection has a feeling of confidence and sexiness. Also of note: Wu’s signature artistic details such as hand-painted, individually shaped petals seen on his “truffle” skirt and other pieces.
“Miss Wu,” a diminutive, wide-eyed owl is new this season. The playful icon appears on Wu’s handbags, shoes, and sunglasses.
Meet Wu and shop his Spring 2011 collection from 2-4 pm on Thursday, with informal modeling, Champagne, and dessert. (619/295-4441)
Recently, Wu talked about his collection and career with Ranch & Coast’s editor-at large Andrea Naversen.
When did you become interested in fashion?
As a child, I always knew I wanted to do something creative. One of my first drawings was of a mermaid, and even at a young age I was drawn to the feminine form. I spent my last year of high school in France and that is when I decided to become a designer.
Why did you want to become a designer?
I wanted to become a designer because design and fashion is something I have been passionate about my entire life. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else.
How would you describe your design philosophy?
Quality over quantity — the heart and soul of my designs lie in their fine craftsmanship and timeless quality.
Tell us about the inspirations for your 2010 Spring Collection being shown at Nordstrom.
For spring, I found inspiration in the work of Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazes. Her distinctive style of balancing organized patterns with rhythmic movement inspired the collection’s energetic mood. Shots of violet, fuchsia, and lime appear in knitwear, prints, and embellishments. The vivid color palette reminded me of a ’40s/’70s silhouette, reflected in the elongated trousers, lean jacket shape, and overall sexy and confident feel of the collection. I also looked to my longtime favorite artist and fashion illustrator Rene Gruau, who, like Milhazes, focuses on bold colors and portrays movement in fashion but in a distinctively French style.
We know that you are a favorite of First Lady Michelle Obama and that she has had a huge influence on your career. What was it like to actually meet Mrs. Obama for the first time at the Smithsonian?
It was an extraordinarily emotional and monumental moment in my life. I feel very grateful to be part of American history, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We all want to look wonderful. Do you have any advice for putting together a wearable wardrobe and always looking our best?
I feel that convertible dressing is very modern; I love the idea of a girl who can go from work to dinner with only a change of shoes. Also, know what suits your body, fit is of the utmost importance. A perfectly tailored dress never goes out of style.
What are “must have” pieces?
For spring, bold color stripes, body-conscious sheaths, high-waisted trousers, and bias cascade ruffle skirts,
