Jason Wu Reflects on First 10 Years

Jason Wu Reflects on First 10 Years Jessica Iredale Anniversary story interviews often open with one predictable question: "Can you believe it's been X number of years?" It was no different for Jason Wu's 10-year, his answer to the question a variation on the standard "no, but yes" response. In his case, for a great number of people, it probably seems more like Wu has been around for eight years, since his name was propelled out of the insular world of fashion and into the masses on Jan. 20, 2009, when Michelle Obama wore his white chiffon gown to her husband's first inauguration. At the time, it was billed as the coronation of a neophyte. "'Oh, he started two days before and then she wore him and his career was made,'" said Wu, summarizing the lore into which the facts morphed. The truth is, Wu started his line in 2007, as a 24-year-old Parsons alum from Taiwan via Vancouver with a mature aesthetic based on polished glamour and cocktail dressing. Dressing the First Lady for her opening night provided Wu with the kind of aura and worldwide brand exposure that money can't buy, but it didn't keep the lights on for the next eight years. Wu did that by himself. So much Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook. Read More... Fashion 3