Roving Reporter: Jason Wu

I hold a special place in my heart for Jason Wu, and not just because he’s been heralded as one of the ‘new great American designers’. More like because he designed the delicate inaugural-ball gown worn by my new First Lady, Michelle Obama. I managed to notice it was decently ethereal when my contacts weren’t blurred over from doing the ugly cry while nodding my head to Barry O’s inauguration speech on YouTube.

Wu wooed (sorry, had to use that one) a bigger crowd to his show this fashion week, and although hopefully no one was brought to tears by his collection, it’s safe to say there will be healthy demand for his fairytale-inspired, endlessly ladylike pieces.



Jourdan Dunn started the show with a tie-waist blazer and peg-leg trousers (it’s the ankles again!), and Wu quickly transitioned to a very flattering grey sheath dress with epaulet shoulders.


The designer offered a full range of colourful separates – perfect for the office or a charity brunch – but I felt some of his strongest looks came in basic black, white and grey. Check the flyaway panels on this high-waisted skirt, balanced perfectly with 90s-style shoulder ruffles.


No good fairytales come without a happy ending, so Wu sent out a handful of tiered ball gowns, plus these two simple and sweet stunners. Take your pick between strapless and floaty in cream or petticoat-lifted and 50s-inspired in polka dots. Either way, the bold necklaces – a bit like the sparkle from a fairy godmother’s wand tap – reminded editors and buyers everywhere that this year, Wu’s getting all his wishes granted.