We headed to Bergdorf Goodman for Fashion's Night Out and caught up with Jason Wu at his doll signing. He gave us a sneak peek at his Spring 2012 collection, told us how he prepares for a big show, and why Diane Kruger is his muse. Watch to see our entire interview with Jason Wu.
As we hang up our slouchy woven and canvas bags and eye the Fall handbag bounty, we're reaching for bags that touch on all of our favorite trends. This season, the shapes are smaller, structured, ladylike — and most importantly, make us entirely more efficient with on-the-go crossbody styles. As for the details and finishes, hands-free, smaller satchels are textured and embossed, darker in rich berry and shades of midnight blue, and come on chains or classic leather straps. To make your Fall shopping just a little easier, we've curated our top 25 picks at every price point. Before you click through, keep these key takeaways in mind:
If you've been eyeing Diane Kruger's gorgeous little shoulder bag with envy, you're not alone. We've been lusting after the bags since Jason Wu debuted his handbags last Spring. Now seeing the Miss Wu in python ($2,350), draped casually off Miss Kruger's shoulder has only renewed our love — and our desire to shop. It's no small purchase, but owning a piece of Mr. Wu's chic designs is a worthy investment piece, and the perfect finisher for any look. If python's not your thing, shop the leather mini ($1,395) to channel the same sophistication.
>> Play on to the dark side. Jason Wu showed inky florals for Resort 2011, Valentino offered vines of black lace for Spring 2011, and coming soon for Fall 2011? A whole host of enigmatic blossoms in dusky hues from the likes of Bensoni, Chris Benz, and Lanvin (left), just to name a few. Victorian drama, it seems, is here to stay. Slip into the long shadows of Summer with these darkly romantic pieces — and let them linger straight through Fall.
Image courtesy of Greg Kessler
>> This upcoming Spring, Jason Wu and plastic shoe brand Melissa are teaming up to release two exclusive styles. Though both shoes are based on pre-existing Melissa bestsellers — the Ultragirl ballet flat and the Lady Dragon peep-toe slingback — they're injected with a strong dose of signature Wu: a Miss Wu owl logo bow tops the ballet flats, while a sunburst design culled directly from Wu's Fall 2011 collection adorns the pumps. “It was really interesting for me to explore design possibilities with plastic,” said Wu of the collaboration. “I wanted to take advantage of the materials I was given, make it all completely functional and waterproof and yet still remain extremely sophisticated.” Both styles will be available in black, burgundy, nude, and transparent gray, and also feature lining printed with pink and black lace. Wu is the first American designer to collaborate with Melissa; Vivienne Westwood, Gareth Pugh, and Jean Paul Gaultier have all previously partnered with the Brazillian shoe brand.
Jason Wu is making his mark as the first American to collaborate with Melissa, the famous plastic footwear brand based in Brazil. “It was really interesting for me to explore design possibilities with plastic,” said Wu. “I wanted to take advantage of the materials I was given, make it all completely functional and waterproof and yet still remain extremely sophisticated.” Melissa, who touts past collabs with Gareth Pugh, Vivienne Westwood, and Jean Paul Gaultier, teamed up with Wu to create two styles, seen above, using its signature silhouettes: the Ultragirl ballet flat highlighting the Miss Wu owl, and the Lady Dragon pump, featuring a gold sunburst accent culled from his Fall collection. The collection launches in Spring and will be available in three colorways, black, burgundy, nude, and transparent gray.
The 2011 CFDA Fashion Awards were a colorful affair at the Lincoln Center in NYC last night. The evening honored designers from Alexander Wang to Proenza Schouler — check out the full list of CFDA Fashion Awards winners on Fashionologie. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen earned their first nomination for The Row, though it was Prabal Gurung that took home the Swarovski award for womenswear. MK and Ashley were both decked out in their own line when it came to dresses and bags, with Mary-Kate adding a Chanel jacket to complete the look. Jessica Alba was summery in Diane von Furstenberg while both Miranda Kerr and Ashley Greene looked fabulous in Michael Kors.
Naomi Watts and Kerry Washington both wore custom Calvin Klein collections and Alessandra Ambrosio was decked out in Prabal Gurung. The supermodel twittered her excitement when Gurung took home the honors. Kirsten Dunst kept things classically tailored in a Patrik Ervell tuxedo. Lady Gaga sported a bright green wig and some insanely high heels while heading in to be recognized during the show for her fashion icon status. Anderson Cooper played host for the evening and was joined by some other stylish men, including Kanye West and Gerard Butler.
To see lots more pictures from the event including Marc Jacobs, Gerard Butler, Lady Gaga and others just read more
