Asian America’s Rising Stars in Fashion

Desfiles Alexander Wang, originally uploaded by ladylikeliving.

I just read an interesting article in The Wall Street Journal today by Ray Smith about the rise of Asian American designers in the U.S. fashion world. Names like Alexander Wang, Jason Wu, Philip Lim, Doo-Ri Chung and Derek Lam are rising among the ranks and their rising fast.

What I appreciate the most is that these designers do not rely on their heritage for inspiration. There are no East-meets-West themes where everything looks like a funky kimono or qipao. Instead they are making modern clothes that have universal appeal. Here’s my favorite part of the story:

Today’s Asian-American designers don’t wear their “otherness” on their sleeves as did the wave of Japanese designers like Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto, who took the fashion world by storm in the ’80s with avant-garde designs. Many young Asian-American designers’ clothes, such as Jason Wu’s blend of modernity with the intricacy of couture and Phillip Lim’s modern takes on classic looks, are generally aimed at a broad mainstream audience.

Do you have a favorite Asian American designer?

Filed under: Fashion, Alexander Wang, Asian-American, Derek Lam, Designer, Doo-Ri Chung, Fashion, Fashion Week, Jason Wu, Philip Lim

Jason Wu’s Star Shines with Obama’s Inauguration Gown

Inauguration Day 2009: The Obamas at the Youth Ball, originally uploaded by USA TODAY.

Looks like Michelle Obama has become our generation’s Jackie O. Immediately after the Inauguration ball, Jason Wu has shot to super stardom in the fashion world for the white, one-shoulder gown that she wore that evening. While it’s not my favorite designer gown in the world (to be perfectly honest), I was impressed to read that she selected the works of relatively-unknown designers.

I read the profile story on Jason Wu in the New York Times and was surprised to hear that the Taiwanese-Canadian fashion designer didn’t even know that his dress was selected until he saw it on TV. Sounds like a really cool Cinderella moment. However, it seemed strange that none of the designers who submitted designs/gowns for Michelle’s Inauguration wardrobe were paid. But I guess, the publicity that ensued afterwards was worth the work.

Filed under: Fashion, Asian-American, Designer, Fashion, Inauguration, Jason Wu, Michelle Obama

NYFW S09: Nuj Novakhett and Jason Wu

Vote for fashion., originally uploaded by urzzz.

In honor of New York Fashion Week, which concluded on September 12th, I will be highlighting my top picks from the show’s Asian and Asian American designers all this week.  As you may or may not know, Fall Fashion Week is a showcase of ready-to-wear (RTW) collections for Spring 2009. First up, introducing Nuj Novakhett and Jason Wu. All the photos are courteous of WWD.com and Polyvore.

Nuj Novakhett

Nuj Novakhett (pronounced Newzj Nova-ket) is an up and coming designer hailing from Thailand. From what I have read, she got her start by secretly enrolling at Parson’s School of Design during her study abroad in the U.S., instead of completing the family-approved political science degree. You’ve got to admit, the girl’s got guts!

Nuj’s line first debuted in Spring 2006. This season, she created a rather unique presentation by displaying her collection on 4×4 girls on a white platform in a studio setting.

Jason Wu

Jason Wu is 25 year old Taiwanese-Canadian designer with a global perspective. Born in Taipei, he grew up in Vancouver where he learned to sew and make patterns. At the age of 14, he went to Tokyo where he studied sculpture and spent his senior year of high school in Paris, during which he decided to be a fashion designer.

Jason’s collection “celebrates” a women’s hourglass figure with a vintage style that’s classic and timeless. Looking through his RTW Spring 2009 collection, I can’t decide if he is pulling his inspiration from the 40s, 50s or 60s, but either way, I just love the look that he’s created this season.

Filed under: Fashion, Asian-American, Designer, Fashion, Fashion Week, Jason Wu, Nuj Novakhett, Ready-to-Wear, Thailand