JASON WU’S SS20 collection for NYFW resembled a freshly picked bouquet of flowers, with each look a new bloom.
After taking a two-season break, the show has been eagerly awaited and Wu certainly delivered with a selection of delicate, floral inspired looks set amid a runway lined by wildflowers and grasses. The overall impression was one of being tossed onto a hillside spring meadow – you could almost hear the bees buzzing among the petals, legs pollen heavy.
Since debuting his Ready-to-Wear collection in 2007, Wu has been dedicated to making clothes that are beautifully crafted from the inside out, with a focus on exquisite quality and traditional craftsmanship. This is especially true for the SS20 collection which featured finely embroidered pieces in luxe materials.
Wistful gowns in tulle that tumbled to the floor were a big focus of the show, and came in shades of peony pink, sky blue and sophisticated black and white. Ostrich feathers (a key staple of Jason Wu) were a main element in multiple pieces. One look included a fabulously feathered black midi skirt, paired with red satin shoes.
Hair was side parted, pulled back and tucked behind ears, leaving the face as the focal point. Eyes were swept with coral shades to accentuate the dreamlike romanticism which seemed to emanate from each ensemble. These looks wouldn’t look amiss in a pre-Raphaelite portrait.
Elegant feminine silhouettes and refined couture sensibilities are what Wu is known for, and his SS20 collection has once again proved just how expertly he does both.
by Alicia Pountney