Jason Wu Spring/Summer 2012
Caitlin Surakitbanharn
uptown elegance is getting a subtle edge at Jason Wu lately. still poised and polished, of course, but perhaps Miss Wu has taken a liking to black swans, aggressive heels, and a saucy cat-eye sunnie. she seems to have maybe stashed her lady-like pumps in favor of adding some edge to her perfectly frothy, boldly hued cocktail gown.
the classic Jason Wu staples are still in place - happily colored blouses in luxurious fabrics and smart knits paired with a collar (this time the collar is embellished with sequins and beading), and amazingly well-tailored trousers, but there is a dash of edge this time, undoubtedly. a touch of leather, pattern mixing, a thin gazar 't-shirt' shown with a satin peplum skirt adorned with ostrich feathers, and even the KAWS collaboration technical print... it's a welcome departure from the Jason Wu norm. it's cool.
his strength will always be evening wear though. the vibrant blue, yellow, and pink gowns with 'mullet' hemlines were show-stoppers. he kept them interesting with a dropped reverse 'waist' in the skirt, belted the true waist (but used the belt backwards, a nice touch), and even put the bodices in a beautiful ivory color with a demure neckline but dangerously low cut back. the gowns and dresses had a dreamy movement to them, the girls floated down the white, lacquered cobblestone runway - lots of contrast, lots of polish, lots of drama, and just a little bit of edge, a beautiful edge, to keep us downtown girls' interest piqued.
