All Articles Tagged "jason wu"
‘A Fashion Show Doesn’t Necessarily Need To Represent Reality:’ Top Designers Called Out For Lack Of Black Runway Models
Source: WENN
BuzzFeed delved into the issue of certain designers having runways filled with only white models, by talking to five known casting directors in the industry. Raf Simon’s who heads Christian Dior was the main culprit having virtually colorless shows, since taking over in April 2012.
To his defense, the designer is not the actual person to cast the shows, but he does have sway on the women chosen. Allegedly Maida Gregori Boina and Rami Fernandes – who also do Calvin Klein and Jil Sander’s stark white shows—are the ones who work with Dior.
“I feel we’ve made strides in the past three to four years, thanks to people like [former model] Bethann Hardison, but this season in particular was one of the worst seasons in terms of diversity,” said James Scully, the casting director for Tom Ford, Jason Wu, Derek Lam, Stella McCartney, Lanvin and Carolina Herrera.
Read more on StyleBlazer.com.
Report: More Models of Color on NYFW Runways, Still Only 8.1 Percent of “Looks” Worn By Black Models
A model in the Todd Lynn show. Image: Rex Features via AP Images
Jezebel has done an exhaustive analysis of the 143 shows and live presentations that took place during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and found that there were more models of color walking the runways than years past. Still, the overwhelming percentage of models (79.4 percent) were white. That means that, of the 4708 “looks” shown, 3,736 were worn by white models.
Fewer than 10 percent (8.1 percent, to be precise) were black. Asian models actually came in second with 10.1 percent representation, followed by Latinas at 1.9 percent and finally, the elusive “others” were .5 percent.
“These results may be partly attributed to the season, because one trend that is apparent in our data is the preference for slightly more models of color at the spring-summer collections and slightly fewer at the fall-winter collections, which may be due to a belief on the part of casting directors that darker skin tones suit the bright colors of spring clothes better than they do fall’s more somber hues,” the site reports, based on off-the-record sources.
Still, six percent of shows had no models of color and 20 percent had three or fewer. Among the more diverse shows were Tracy Reese, Jason Wu, Ralph Lauren and Betsey Johnson.
Even before the Jezebel report, The Wall Street Journal was crowing about the diversity on the runways, using as an example Singapore-born Prabal Gurung, who gave the quote that pretty much sums up the whole issue: “Beauty is beauty.” In terms of race, he says he’s also looking to provide role models for his niece.
But ultimately, it’s about the market. That Journal story goes on to talk about the huge Chinese luxury market and how the desire to appeal to it played a role in the increased number of Asian models participating in NYFW. (If that’s something you’d like more info about, read Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster which has a stunning section about the shopping habits of this growing market.)
The top Asian model was Liu Wen, who walked in 21 shows. Cora Emmanuel topped the list for black models, walking in 17 shows. Number two on Jezebel’s list is Joan Smalls with 14 shows. She’s originally from Puerto Rico.
Overall, the fashion consumer is a diverse one, and the industry should recognize that and reflect it in its shows. With a more diverse crop of young designers coming up through the ranks, a more mixed group of models will likely be coming to the catwalk soon.
Viola Davis Covers L.A. Times Magazine… Naturally
Look at this future Oscar winner rocking her TWA! Viola Davis graces the cover of L.A. Times Magazine this month and she’s looking like we’ve never seen her before.
Not only is she showing her natural, she’s also wearing some fabulous threads by Jason Wu. Check out some of the pictures below:
She also spoke with Andre Leon Talley, contributing editor of Vogue about how her childhood helped her get into character for The Help.
On using real-life experience to draw on for her role in the The Help.
“I have stories of being spit on. You have to realize I was in a predominantly white culture … And third grade was the worst because every day after school I would wait at the door and the bell would ring. And as soon as the bell rang I ran as fast as I could from the front door to my house, which was at least a mile away, because I would have eight to nine boys with sticks, bricks, anything they could find, who were ready to kill me.”
On what her mother told her about bullying“She said, ‘Viola, I want you to take my crochet and needle and you put it in your pocket and if they stop you again you tell them you’re gonna [stab] ‘em.’”
On how her life defined her career
“Having it hard made me build so much character … You have to actually say, ‘Is the world going to define me or am I going to define myself.’”
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Be Inspired by Zoe Saldana’s Backless Jason Wu Gown
Always one to stunt on the red carpet, Zoe Saldana was serving up sultry in the black, backless gown with an embellished collar. If you want to go black and backless but not quite so formal as Zoe’s , check out an alternative at our sister site, Styleblazer.com.
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Jason Wu for Target Filled with Dainty Designs – View the Complete Collection
The hype for Versace for H&M has finally died down. This can only mean one thing. It’s time for a new fashion collaboration! Enter, Jason Wu for Target!
Teaser images of the collection surfaced last week, but the ENTIRE Jason Wu for Target collection was released on Tuesday. Mr. Wu (designer of Michelle Obama’s inaugural gown) has created pieces inspired by the femininity found in French new wave films. This inspiration can be seen in the details of the garments – chic separates, bows, aline skirts and nautical stripes galore!
“My goal was not to duplicate anything from my main collection,” Wu explains to T Magazine. “Instead I designed completely new clothes and accessories that reflect my taste and have a voice of their own.”
As a bonus, the price is oh-so right for this dainty collection with nothing priced over $60! You’ll find Jason Wu for Target in stores starting February 5, 2012. We recommend developing a game plan now because these collaborations have been known to start cat fights over couture!
Check out the entire collection below:
Are you planning on snatching up a piece of the collection? Or, are you over all these collaborations?
Photos via Glamour.com
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Dress Like FLOTUS: Jason Wu to Be the Next Designer for Target Line
Sponsored By:
Well look who’s going to be at Target! (pronounced “Tarjai” in hood language.) The go-to designer for our FLOTUS, the fashion forward Jason Wu. Wu is known for creating Michelle Obama’s iconic inaugural ball gown, and she has been a fan of Wu’s uber-feminine and creative pieces since her days back in the Chi before President Obama’s presidential campaign really got going. According to reports, the upcoming line at Target will include handbags, scarves, and of course, some pretty fierce apparel. Wu’s inaugural ball gown is said to be the look that launched his career, and now, the designer gets much love from other big name celebrities like Ivana Trump, and Mad Men star January Jones. Wu had this to say to Women’s Wear Daily about his collabo with Target:
“The exciting thing about this limited edition collection of affordable women’s wear and accessories is that it allows me to reach a wider audience and bring my designs to people who may not have been able to purchase them before.”
We have a feeling Wu’s looks are going to be in “hellas” of high demand, and on the same level of must-have madness as Target’s most recent Missoni collaboration. I’m anticipating some gorgeous skirts, and I’m praying for a good, GOOD price. Check it out when the full collection drops for the retail giant in February.
Will you check it out?
Michelle Obama’s 10 Best Looks
Not since Jacqueline Kennedy have we seen a First Lady known for her impeccable style. That is until President Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States. Accompanying him into office was his wife, First Lady, Michelle Obama. Besides her Ivy League credentials, she brought something else into the White House: style.
Donning affordable designs from J.Crew to custom-made couture gowns by Jason Wu, our First Lady has a sense of style that is stalked by most fashion publications and mimicked by every-day women from housewives to CEO’s.
Michelle Obama’s style is a mixture of contemporary class and casual elegance. From her signature kitten heels and pencil skirts to her knit trousers and Converse sneakers (yes our First Lady rocks Converse sneakers), check out 10 of Michelle Obama’s best looks.
