Jason Wu on What It's Like to Dress Michelle Obama and Diane Kruger
Jason Wu's fan club reads like a who's who of women power players in America: The First Lady, Michelle Obama, has chosen him on multiple extremely important occasions; Diane Kruger often turns to him for her red carpet moments; and then there are Kerry Washington, Jessica Alba, Blake Lively, Emma Stone, Chloë Grace Moretz… You get the picture; the list goes on.
Many industry players have long been fascinated by the fact that Taipei-born Mr. Wu's first foray into fashion was, aged 16, via a range of super-luxe clothes for dolls (produced by Integrity Toys and now called the Fashion Royalty collection). But jump ahead to today and there could be nothing more real—and really drop-dead impressive—about Jason's human-sized creations. His deft hands take swathes of satin and chiffon and spin them into ultra-flattering, ultra-feminine pieces that his glamorous roll-call can't help but feel good in.
This year has been a big one: Jason married his long-term partner Gustavo Rangel in Tulum, continues to impress everyone with his tenure at Hugo Boss and he's just launched a special collaboration with beauty brand Caudalie—which means we had the opportunity to speak to this now integral part of the glossy American fashion landscape. Keep reading to see our interview with Jason Wu, then keep going to shop his latest wares.
WHO WHAT WEAR UK: You really paved your own way in terms of starting out in the industry. Where did that drive and dedication come from?
JASON WU: I’ve always wanted to be a designer, for as long as I can remember. My parents really supported and urged me to follow this passion. My mother bought me my first sewing machine when I was nine years old and I just never stopped. She was my first real inspiration, and I always l look up to her.