Designer Jason Wu tries to make fashion more accessible
NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - Fashion Week just ended, but one New York designer is keeping the party going through next weekend.
Jason Wu is taking over Cadillac House in downtown Manhattan, making Fashion Week more friendly and open to the everyday consumer.
Wu says he spent his entire life trying to move to America. As an immigrant in these kinds of times, he thinks it’s really important to be a leader in the NY Fashion Week scene, bringing more energy to the industry and to people who might not be as familiar with it.
If you’re not familiar with Wu, you probably know his work.
He designed the first inaugural ball gown Michelle Obama wore in January of 2009, and her second gown in 2013.
Wu says it was amazing to dress the first lady for both inaugurations. He never imagined he’d become part of American history.
This month, Wu is hosting #Greyout, a two-week takeover of Cadillac House on Hudson Street in Soho, where just about everything is in Wu’s signature color.
He’s collaborated with more than 10 different brands, to make their signature products in Wu’s custom shade of grey, that he developed with Pantone.
Wu says it’s a calm, warm, and super chic color that makes him feel good. There are different lifestyle products from Sharpie, Moleskine, The Greats sneakers, Ancient Greek Sandals, Behr paint and LeSportsac, at a range of different price points.
From Deborah Lippmann manicures (in grey, of course) to workout classes and talks, Wu says there’s something for everyone at #Greyout, whether you’re a fitness junky or you love beauty or fashion.
Wu even presented his Spring 2018 Grey Line collection here on Monday.
Grey Jason Wu, is about comfortable, beautifully crafted and designed clothes, he says. It’s not about seasonal trends, but about women who want to invest in a wardrobe.
#Greyout is Wu’s answer to the changes in the retail business model, with more people shopping online at home and fewer sales happening in actual stores. Wu’s idea was to give people a reason to leave home and come to a particular space to participate.
#Greyout has a Moleskine wall, where people can write messages and a Sharpie wall where people can draw.
There are plenty of ways to interact and different events going on throughout the week. Next week, Wu says, they’re giving out Morgenstern ice cream. Those grey Sharpies, the only pen Jason designs with, are free to take with you.
#Greyout is at Cadillac House through Sunday September 24th. It’s free and open to the public.
www.greyjasonwu.com/greyout
http://www.cadillac.com/world-of-cadillac/cadillac-house.html