Jason Wu
New York
Taiwanese Canadian designer Jason Wu took an early interest in fashion, sketching dresses he saw in shop windows. Jason learned his craft by making and remaking doll clothes. He credits the miniature form he started with as formative to his design—it made him focus on getting the small details right when he went on to make real clothes.
Jason studied at Parson’s School of Design. He launched his namesake company in New York in 2007 and had his first runway show in Bryant Park with friends from school. In 2008, he received a “Rising Star Award” and was selected as a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist. 2009 was a breakthrough year for Jason, as he designed Michelle Obama’s embroidered silk chiffon inaugural ball gown.
“In the last few seasons, it’s much more about deconstructing the garment. I’m much less concerned about being perfect,” Jason said about his recent collections. “It’s about the workmanship and the beauty of making clothes. How all the details are special and should be appreciated, especially with so many clothes on the market, what we make has to mean something.” His well-known glamorous style has evolved over the years to be both edgy and wearable.
