fashionologie

Jason Wu Fall 2012

Christina Perez — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:04:16 PST

>> For Fall 2012, Jason Wu served up his most powerful and elegant assortment yet. The designer found inspiration in China - and specifically his own relationship to it. "I went back to Taiwan, where I was born, a year and a half ago," the designer said. "I realized I was ready to take on one of the biggest subjects I grew up with: how does a Chinese designer do 'China'? I've lived in America, Canada, and Japan, but to come back to this means so much to me."

So, what does China mean to Wu? Though the references the designer chose to focus on - Mao's military, the Qing dynasty, and the 1932 film Shanghai Express - could lend themselves toward cliché, Wu managed to keep his versions modern, fresh, and tight. Silhouettes were sharp without an ounce of frill, while embellishment came in the form of lace appliqué, quilting, piping, fur, and beads. "It's my most luxurious," Wu explained. Luxurious, yes, but also utterly transportive as well.

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Ralph Rucci Cancels Fashion Week Show, Lana Del Rey Covers Vogue UK

Christina Perez — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:03:15 PST

These stories and more - here in our daily news roundup.

Lana Del Rey is Vogue UK's March cover girl. She was photographed by Mario Testino and wears Spring 2012 Louis Vuitton. [Fashion Foie Gras

Ralph Rucci will not show during New York Fashion Week. Instead, Rucci has opted to hold private showroom appointments. "Cost is always a factor but [that] was not the driving force behind this decision," the communication director for the label says. [Vogue UK]

A former Harper's Bazaar intern is suing Hearst for unpaid work hours. The lawsuit claims that during the intern's tenure at the magazine, she sometimes worked up to 55 hours a week performing duties that were more employee-like than intern-like - and she wants to be paid for it. [Styleite]

Gisele has sent an email to friends and family requesting prayers and positive vibes for husband Tom Brady, who will play in this Sunday's Super Bowl. "I kindly ask all of you to join me on this positive chain and pray for him, so he can feel confident, healthy and strong. Envision him happy and fulfilled experiencing with his team a victory this Sunday," the email reportedly said. [Huffington Post]

And, in fashionable animal news: Jason Wu, Doo.Ri, and Erin Fetherston all have really, really cute pets. [Glamour]

All the Jason Wu Pre-Fall 2012 Accessories

Christina Perez — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:52:33 PST

>> Jason Wu's signature accessory shapes meet the rich colors of the Maharajah for Pre-Fall 2012. There are Mini Miss Wu bags in punched-up patents, Jourdan chain crossbody bags in cleverly textural colorblock, and perky Karlie clutches with zigzag trim. But our favorites? All the drool-worthy, totally gorgeous shoes. Lattice-strapped sandals, two-tone platforms, lace-up buckle booties, shiny contrast brogues - all totally girlie, without a hint of priss. Click through to see the entire collection - which, incidentally, also marks the first anniversary of Wu's accessories line - here.

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Watch the Latest Jason Wu For Target Commercial

Christina Perez — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:18:02 PST

>> The Jason Wu for Target collection hits stores in just two weeks - and the excitement is mounting. In this recently released video, the line's bow-adorned mascot, Milu, gets up to all sorts of cat-like mischief in Wu's studio, all to the tune of Brigitte's Battez-Vous.

See The Entire Jason Wu For Target Collection

Christina Perez — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:48:58 PST

>> The complete Jason Wu for Target lookbook has finally arrived. Inspired by French New Wave films and the actress Jean Seberg, the 53-piece capsule features a selection of seriously covetable separates - blouses with Peter Pan collars, pleated skirts, and nautical-tinged dresses - as well as a hefty assortment of luxe-looking handbags and accessories. "My goal was not to duplicate anything from my main collection," Wu explains. "Instead I designed completely new clothes and accessories that reflect my taste and have a voice of their own." With everything in the collection priced under $60, it seems that soon everyone will be able to afford a little piece of Wu to call their own as well. Click through to see the entire collection, hitting stores February 5th.
At left, an image from the Jason Wu for Target ad campaign.

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Jason Wu Pre-Fall 2012

fashionologie — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:45:56 PST

>> Jason Wu's "regal" Pre-Fall 2012 collection is inspired by Indian maharajas and the colorful illustrations of Charley Harper. "Combining the two meant a strict silhouette with stately embellishments," Wu explained. Both evening dresses and daywear came hand-embroidered, and Wu doubled the size of his year-old accessories collection, introducing the Daphne leather frame bag, named after Daphne Groeneveld.

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This Week's Best Dressed

fashionologie — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:34:06 PST

>> It's a week of double-timers: two Haider Ackermann looks, two Calvin Klein looks, and one model who appears twice. See who's wearing what - and where - in the slideshow.

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Marc Jacobs-Dior Talks Halt; Alexander Wang, Raf Simons, and Jason Wu Now Being Considered

fashionologie — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 07:24:26 PST

>> Marc Jacobs, long the favorite to take over at Dior, may not be headed to the house after all. Talks between the two parties have once again halted, WWD reports, and Dior has stepped up both the pace and depth of negotiations with other designers - Alexander Wang, Raf Simons, and Jason Wu, in particular. Riccardo Tisci is also still in the mix, but given his strong momentum at Givenchy, is viewed as unlikely to be appointed.

Although last month, talks between Jacobs and Dior were said to be progressing - Bernard Arnault reportedly flew into Manhattan to meet with Jacobs - and there was no explosive breakdown, Arnault and Dior recently decided to move onto another scenario - in part because Jacobs requested that he take his Vuitton design team to Dior, which would leave Vuitton without creative support, and Phoebe Philo, the preferred candidate to take over at Vuitton, reportedly prefers to continue at Celine.

The Dior search is said to be focused on finding a designer - young or mature - with an affinity and respect for the brand's glamorous DNA, and a vision for taking it forward, post-Galliano. However, one source told WWD: “It is not impossible that [Arnault] resumes his talks with Marc.”

Demi-Couture Is On the Rise

fashionologie — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:16:18 PDT

>> Designers are clocking an increased demand for the high-end side of ready-to-wear - demi-couture, as it's called. Mary Katrantzou's Jewel Tree dress, left, which required four studios putting in more than 150 hours to make, caused one seamstress to cry, and retails at $14,200, sold 18 units this Fall. Matthew Williamson president Joseph Velosa reports: "Pieces over $5,000 now account for six percent of our business. To put that into context, two years ago we sold nothing at that price." And Azzedine Alaia joined the couture schedule in July, showing what he called "semi-couture" - pieces which could be purchased as-is - to much acclaim.

Although these clothes have price tags that run mid-four to five figures, they are sold off the rack through the typical retail channels, rather than involving the time commitment of multiple atelier fittings like a couture piece does. Katrantzou's Jewel Tree dress, for instance, is currently available on Net-a-Porter and can be delivered next day.

Jason Wu, who has a houndstooth tweed overcoat with gold bullion embroidery for $15,000 and started using Paris ateliers like Lesage and Lemarie a few seasons ago, says: "Between all the designer collaborations and everything that's going on, we need to give people a reason to buy. There are some things that just can't be done for cheaper."

And Prabal Gurung, who is selling a hand-painted organza and braided chiffon gown for $15,000, adds: "There's a customer who wants this stuff, but it's like one in each city. You hope to sell a lot, but five total is great."

Jason Wu For Target, Coming Next February

fashionologie — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 07:28:03 PDT

>> Jason Wu has partnered with Target on a collection hitting stores and online Feb. 5, 2012. "My collection for Target embodies my signature aesthetic of feminine sophistication, with a mischievous nod to the 1960s," says Wu. "I've had an incredible experience partnering with Target, and I am looking forward to bringing these affordable designs to women across the country." He has designed apparel, handbags, and scarves, which will range from $20 to $60, for the occasion.

See a sketch and a swatch of fabric from the line, plus Wu's muse for the collection, in the slideshow. A preview video, below.

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