New York Fashion Week: Jason Wu

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Since being thrust into the spotlight after designing First Lady Michelle Obama’s inaugural gown, Jason Wu’s career has skyrocketed. His label has expanded to include handbags, shoes and now sunglasses, as seen in his spring 2012 runway show, which mixed couture and sportswear shapes with pops of bright color, not unlike what Raf Simons did in his monumental spring collection for Jil Sander last year.

But Wu’s take was lighter and sexier, with a high-waisted pair of shorts and matching bustier in a black and white photo floral print bringing to mind a 1940s screen siren, and the weightless Pop Art yellow, shocking pink and electric blue gazar finale skirts and dresses with hems raised in front to show some leg.

Wu did his own version of the haute T-shirt in a black and white floral photo print, paired with a feathered black skirt. Rubber-coated, brightly colored wind breakers and raincoats with pleated backs or peplums added to the sporty mood. And the spikey-looking crystal embroideries on some pieces, echoed in the models’ spikey hair styles, added a refreshing hint of subversion not typically seen in Wu’s work.

There were some beautifully blingy details, too -- an ivory houndstooth lace top bugle beaded to glorious effect, paired with high waisted floral pants, and the point collars on shirt dresses and button down blouses embroidered with Swarovski crystal, turning clothing into jewelry.

For those willing to try to DIY, it may be time to get out the old Bedazzler again!

--Booth Moore

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Photos: Photo/Mary Altaffer/Mike Coppola/Getty Images Photo/Mary Altaffer

Mike Coppola/Getty Images)