The World Is Jason Wu’s Oyster

If Jason Wu’s wearable ready-to-wear collection was any indication, Ms. Obama’s favorite is more than just the kid in the taxt-cap videos. He’s growing up, and his collaboration with TSE is only further proof of this step towards maturity. At Tuesday’s presentation, the designer revealed 13  edited looks for the label, which included a delightful array of architectural double-faced cashmere coats, nubby fringed scarves, dresses and vests and slouched, pleated wool pants. He stuck to a neutral palette of blacks, greys, taupes, and caramels, throwing in a splash of red or mustard here and there for flavor. Standouts included a painterly crimson and cream crew neck top that resembled a horizontal Rothko and a buttery degrader canvas shift dress with spackle detailing.

“It was about pushing the knitwear technology to the maximum and growing up as a designer, expanding my reach,” said Wu, standing alongside a model in a smartly tailored pair of plaid pants. But the collection wasn’t all new territory. “There’s a lot of Jason Wu in this,” he affirmed, highlighting a series of hand-washed chiffon pleated skirts and dresses that peered out from under the heavy cashmere frocks, overcoats and felt blazers. Otto/Kiki Schoenfeld knit caps topped with fur pompoms, as well as long fingerless cashmere gloves and a striated fox coat were typical of Wu’s penchant for luxe whimsy.”I’m doing something that’s completely different from my own collection, yet still injecting my personality into it. Through this experience, I’ve really become a more confident designer because I know what my brand is about, but now I’m able to take on other things,” said a deservedly proud Wu. What will the rapidly evolving youngster take on next? “I don’t know, but right now, the world is my oyster!”