Jason Wu has made finding new ways in which to telegraph a sophisticated well-heeled look his life’s pursuit, without falling into the trap of creating clothing that is too lady-like or polished to a frigid perfection. It’s quite a sartorial high-wire act and this season Wu pulled it off with an effortlessness that hinted that heno longer needs a sartorial safety net.
Now that he has made it past the symbolic ten-year anniversary of his signature brand, there is a sense that Wu has achieved true self confidence and understanding of who and what he is all about. His women, as embodied by front row guests Jennifer Hudson, Diane Kruger and Jamie King, are strong, seductive and sure of themselves. They can pull off a lace slip dress or one tied to the body with a few well-placed ribbons just as easily as they can a tailored midnight navy skirt suit with a downy finish, or a top spliced together front to back with two different weaves of knitwear.
Top marks go to the fitted plaid-patterned pants with wool feltstrips lining the outside of the legs that slip open suggestively below the knee. Brightly colored fur collars on outerwear added a pop of youthful energy into the mix. They somehow balanced out the use of velvet seen on footwear, either high or square low-heeled, that were both decadent and delightful.
This was a fine show from Wu, one which presented quite a few strong arguments for making an effort to look your best every day.