Young Taiwanese designer, Jason Wu, is setting the ramps on fire with his latest Pre-Fall 2012 collection. Drawing inspiration from styles of the maharajas and artist Charley Harper’s stylized illustrations, Wu has laid out a feast for the eyes. Think high collared shirts with high-waisted pencil skirts done up in intricate designs. Or, very slim fitting pants topped off with a double buttoned jacket and black leather gloves.
One glance at the line-up will take you back to the era of the 50s and 60s. But Wu has also managed to retain modernistic fashion trends and the combination is simply stunning and empowering to women’s fashion. Masculinity meets femininity and the result is a look that is both strong and seductive.
Bits of leather on the collars give the whole line-up a darkish edge without going over the top. His incorporation of pencil skirts and intricate patterns offset what could otherwise make for pretty dark ensembles.
Jason Wu Pre Fall 2012 highlights
What is so great about Wu’s Pre-Fall 2012 collection is that every bit of clothing can actually be worn. Unlike certain sections of designers who seek to make clothes a little too couture, Wu has create a line that is just calling out to be worn. The collection has every style to suit any occasion. A satin sheen gown in a rich blue and tiny bits of green with a steep v-line and a long flowing bottom is perfect for a formal evening or ball, while a sleeveless collared pencil dress in beige with a buttoned down front, black belt at the waist and an embroidered collar with black leather gloves will sets heads turning for those occasions when you want to come across as meaning business.
Embroidered works and rich hues are reminiscent of the colors and patterns worn by the maharajas of old world. But what Jason Wu has done is avoiding his line-up look too rich or too sophisticated. He achieves this with clean cuts and a youthful edge. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see many Hollywood stars sporting his creations on the red carpet, what with outfits that remind one of old Hollywood glamor.
What clicks for the collection
What sets Jason Wu apart from other designers is his ability to create clothes to suit all styles. Boyish figures, voluptuous curves… any woman who can afford his clothes can look good in them. If you look closely, you'll notice that his 2012 Pre-Fall collection has hints of masculinity and femininity. What is refreshing is that his ‘masculine’ lines don’t lean strictly towards the male style. Feminine patterns, houndstooth paneling and pipe work on his skirts offset some of the more masculine cuts, making his collection very wearable, even for those women who don’t particularly like so-called ‘manly’ clothes.
The Pre-Fall line-up is stylish and very rich in terms of pattern work and hand embroidery. Since the cut of his clothes is so neat and simple, nothing looks overdone. It’s a perfect blend of luxury, couture and wearability.
Wu’s clothes aren’t the only hot thing either. His shoes and bags are to die for. Continuing his trend of beautiful accessories, his Pre-Fall collection sees old world style boots with stiletto heels that perfectly complement his pencil skirts. Feather shoes in black and green with a strappy layout speak of old Hollywood glamor while clean cut stilettos and slim platform high-heeled shoes add to the look of the high collared shirts and slim cut pants.
Wu’s bags, meanwhile, have been designed in three hues – black, white and chestnut leather. The clutches and shoulder bags are an added bonus considering it’s been a year since Wu released his to-die-for handbag line. Be sure to keep an eye out for his Daphne frame leather bag, inspired after a certain Daphne Groeneveld.
The StyleGuru verdict
The new buzzword is Wu’s Pre-Fall 2012 line-up and everyone can’t wait to get their hands on his creations. Whether casual, evening or red carpet-worthy, you can be assured that all items will receive the royal treatment. Refreshingly, he has succeeded in making even daywear seem regal. Take for instance his sporty sweaters that are designed in a crocheted weave. In fact, the beauty of this collection lies in his attention to detail like his employment of crocheted camel, houndstooth prints and jade embroideries.
Wu has always adhered to intricate detailing but his Pre-Fall collection for 2012 is even more so. Audiences are guaranteed no disappointments and women the world over will be left craving to see what his fall collection will exhibit.
