Wu-hoo: One of Mrs. Obama's favorite fashion designers partners with one of her favorite stores...Fashion Designer Jason Wu became globally famous after First Lady Obama wore his one-shoulder, crystal-laden, cream-colored gown to the Balls celebrating President Obama's inauguration. Today, Wu announced in Harper's Bazaar that he is partnering with retail giant Target for a limited-edition apparel collection. It's a happy turn of events for Mrs. Obama, who likes to shop "incognito" at Target: When she visits this Spring, she can buy some low-priced Wu gear in addition to buying chow for First Dog Bo. (Above: Wu and Mrs. Obama in March, 2010 when the gown was donated to the permanent collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History)
"My collection for Target embodies my signature aesthetic of feminine sophistication, with a mischievous nod to the 1960s," Wu said. It hits stores on Feb. 5, 2012, and will include clothing, handbags and scarves. Prices will range from $20-$60.
As she bid Wu's Ball gown farewell at the Smithsonian donation ceremony, Mrs. Obama said it made her feel "luscious" as she celebrated with the President, and hailed the gown as "a masterpiece." (Above: Mrs. Obama, Wu, and the gown)"Jason’s dress, as you can see -- this gown is a masterpiece," Mrs. Obama said. "It is simple, it’s elegant, and it comes from this brilliant young mind, someone who is living the American Dream."
Wu, an immigrant to the US from Taiwan, was just 26 years old when Mrs. Obama selected his Ball gown. Since then, she has worn other dresses designed by Wu, including the dress in the photo at the top of this post.
Wu talks about his upcoming collection in this Target video:
*Photos by Eddie Gehman Kohan/Obama Foodorama