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Jason Wu Spring 2010: X-rays and Inkblots

"When something is so incredible it sticks with you, resonates with you and inspires you," said Jason Wu, citing artist Tara Donovan whose work he saw in Boston last year as the impetus of his creative process for his Spring 2010 runway show in New York on Friday, Sept. 11.

Not one who shies away from color, Wu's visions for spring paired black and white graphic prints, namely an elegant X-ray and Rorschach inkblot, with floral fushia patterns that complimented the others contrasting features. Electric hued highlights, in addition to Wu's signature belted waist, included sashes, and a hypnotic, almost roadmap like, stitching detail that added jazz to a more conservative tweed sheath.

"Donovan sculpts using unexpected materials like taking plastic cups, straws, buttons and making them extraordinary," said Wu. He makes it easy to see where the creative talents overlap with his use of ostrich feather, festive Swarovski crystal and his general expertise with shape and motion on the female form.

Wu revealed that each of the final dresses was sculpted on the models, taking up to 4 to 5 hours on each one which he hand-stitched himself. "I really have 38 girls, 38 looks and 38 individuals that all had looks created and inspired by them," he said. The designer challenged himself this season by trying to take his style one step further, making it more applicable to daily life yet still glamorous, such as his tweed hoody suit with gold buttons and denim jumpsuit that hit the spot.

"Designers, we're blenders, we look at everything around us and we channel that through our work," Wu said. " This is just my way of doing it."

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