Written by Micky Farivar. Photos by Walter Grio.
More photos below.
The Jason Wu Fall 2013 collection was as sophisticated as the crowd at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, MD for the 3rd Annual Great Ladies Luncheon and Fashion Show benefiting the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation. The glamorous scene of a simple runway adorned by a massive chandelier was surrounded by the crème de la crème of the nation’s capital society.
Better known in this city for having dressed Michelle Obama twice for the Inaugural Balls, Jason Wu is already an icon who has since joined the likes of Oscar de la Renta at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History First Ladies Collection. His utterly sophisticated Fall 2013 collection definitely spoke directly to the powerful and most confident women in attendance.
Part of that was due to the colors he chose: strict color palette of graphic black white, lipstick red, and deep violet. Confidence was blooming on the runway as Wu went deep into tailoring: assertive shoulders, strong nipped-in waist, short skirts to enhance sexy legs, exaggerated white shirt collars like the ones shown on a black polka-dot dress, belted with a flounce at the waist and a thick, white fold-over collar. Luxurious detailing were also a must: sharply tailored outerwear fur details such as black fox for the pockets on a jacket, python-print chiffon, black chantilly lace inserts and an unforgettable cocktail dress fitted in the back but adorned with ostrich plumes in the front.
Most appealing were the pleated cocktail dresses with leather details, bustier tops and Wu’s “pants-for-evening” look with draped peplum tops in red or black floating over stovepipe tuxedo pants. And that is how Wu created “Extreme Femininity” as he puts it to describe this collection.
After the show, I had the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Wu for a casual conversation.
JASON WU
What was your inspiration behind the fall 2013 collection you just showed?
The inspiration was really about the woman — the power woman. It was really the idea to bring the shoulders out and cinch the waist in. I call it Extreme Femininity because it was really sort of highlighting the most beautiful parts of a woman.
What inspired you to work with the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation?
Well, a few things: First, it’s a great cause. Elise Lefkowitz is a great friend who invited me and Saks has been a great partner of mine. With their encouragement I decided to come here and support the cause.
Editor’s Note: The Luncheon is co-chaired by Leonard A. Lauder and Elise and Marc Lefkowitz in collaboration with Saks Fifth Avenue.
How does it feel to have two inaugural ball gowns selected by the First Lady?
It feels really amazing! Certainly being able to make history is something that I would have never thought I would do. I am so proud of it and so honored to have been in that position.
When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?
I realized very early on. I always wanted to be an artist or an illustrator, you know? I was very artsy since I was 5. And I think I really discovered that the fashion industry could be a career for me was when I turned 9 or 10. It was when my Mom got me my first sewing machine.
I heard you said once that you want to be the antitheses of disposable fashion. What do you mean by that?
I don’t create “throw away” clothes. I don’t create clothes that are here today and gone tomorrow. I create clothes that are timeless and that will last in the stylistic sense. It’s something you want to own and wear for many, many years. And the other part is the way it’s crafted: Something that is beautifully made and with care. Most of my creations, about 90%, are made in New York. And the same thing goes with my accessories, my handbags, and shoes. Those are the things you want to have for life.
What was the best advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I’ve been given was from my mother: that you always remain a student. And I think I never forgot that. I don’t think you ever stop learning and I don’t think you ever know it all. I think it’s very important to be humble about everything.
Where do you find yourself being the most inspired?
When I am traveling. Anywhere. And when I am “in transit” — because you get to see unexpected things and go places you have never been. Like today, I was driving from Union Station and realized it was the cherry blossoms season! So it’s that moment, so beautiful, it’s really voluptuous, beautiful bunches of flowers… You just want to embrace all of that.
Who are some of your favorite designers?
Christian Lacroix, Yves St. Laurent, and Charles James.
What’s the one thing you couldn’t live without?
My iPhone.
Favorite food?
My favorite food… This is so hard… I like everything! Let’s see… Ok… I really like macarons… that’s one of my favorite things.
La Durée?
Yes! The best! The best! I also like Pierre Hermé.
And if you weren’t a fashion designer, what would you be?
A pastry chef! I love that!
EDITOR’S NOTE
Special thanks to Kerri Larkin, Marketing Director at Saks Chevy Chase and Carrie Tracy, Assistant Director Special Events at the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation for coordinating this interview. And of course, a heartfelt thanks to Jason Wu for spending a few minutes with us.
ABOUT ADDF
The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation was established in 2004 as a public charity to support the advancement of drugs to prevent, treat, and cure Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias, and cognitive aging. Our strategy of venture philanthropy is based on the idea that our research grant recipients are engaged in projects that are potentially viable in the marketplace with a possible return on investment. Our strategy has proven successful. The projects we have funded made measurable scientific strides, and some have returned their initial funding. Learn more at www.alzdiscovery.org.
ABOUT THE EVENT
The ADDF hosted its 3rd Annual Great Ladies Luncheon and Fashion Show on Thursday, April 11, 2013. The Luncheon, co-chaired by Leonard A. Lauder and Elise and Marc Lefkowitz, and in collaboration with Saks Fifth Avenue, was held at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, MD in a tent inspired by Fashion Week runway shows.
1