As a fan of Jason Wu’s work, I feel incredibly moved by his latest collaboration with the legendary Taiwanese artist Tong Yang-Tze. This partnership is more than just a collection; it’s a testament to cultural fusion and the power of art. The way Jason has seamlessly integrated Tong’s calligraphy into his minimalist designs is truly breathtaking. It’s like watching a beautiful dance between tradition and modernity, where each step feels timeless yet challenging.
One day, fashion designer Jason Wu traveled from afar to personally seek the agreement of renowned Taiwanese artist Tong Yang-Tze for a collaboration in his upcoming collection. He felt that a simple phone call or video chat was not enough for this significant partnership. As he shared with The Hollywood Reporter after the unveiling of his Spring 2025 collection, “I had to do it in person because I needed to.
82-year-old artist Tong is finalizing a set of large artworks that blend traditional Chinese calligraphy with modern styles. These pieces will make their debut at the Great Hall of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art on November 21, marking her first significant U.S. project. Wu expressed his admiration for Tong, stating, “She is highly revered in Asia, and I wanted to honor her artistry because she truly deserves recognition — not just because she’s 82 but also because she has more vitality than me.
The Spring 2025 collection by Wu, combining Tong’s artistic flair with Wu’s minimalist and fluid design philosophy, was presented to the public on Sunday at Hudson Yards. This collection, showcased in an open-air setting, demonstrated a harmonious blend of traditional calligraphy and modern aesthetics. Wu admired Tong’s free-flowing prints, stating, “They seem so contemporary, yet they have always been part of her work. They are timeless while also pushing boundaries; even if you’re Asian, she’s encouraging you to rethink traditional calligraphy that has existed for millennia. Her work is dynamic ink, not just words, but visual expressions.
In a large-scale application, Tong’s calligraphy and brushstroke techniques were integrated across Wu’s entire collection, adorning sporty jackets, breezy silk chiffon separates, dresses with unconventional hemlines, and deconstructed designs. Interspersed among these pieces, Wu designed items that exuded an artistic flair in soft tones such as ivory, black, pale pink, and terra cotta. This subtle color scheme was showcased alongside a 21-foot steel sculpture created by designer Elise Co, which served as the focal point of the presentation. Wu expressed that he aimed to create pieces that are timeless and to establish a common thread connecting all aspects of his work. He emphasized that it’s not just about Elise Co and Tong Yang-Tze; it’s also the hairstylists, makeup artists, workers in his studio – he wants everyone behind the scenes to be recognized. He feels it’s long overdue.
Fundamentally, Wu aims to redefine the boundaries of American style. “It’s commonly assumed that American designs are just commercial, but they’re not,” he stated. “America stands for culture, and we excel in pop culture. As an independent designer based in New York, it’s crucial for me to be a part of the American fashion scene and maintain my strength, as there are fewer of us remaining. I’m an independent business owner, so although we may not have all the resources that larger brands do, we can express ourselves freely.
Wu’s artful, independent streak has earned him a loyal fan base, with Diane Kruger, Amanda Seyfried and Viola Davis among the stars who have worn his designs on red carpets. But he laughed when asked if any of the designs on Sunday’s runway might be seen at the upcoming Emmy Awards, especially a diaphanous ivory tulle gown with a banded strapless silk neckline. “I was up all night and only went to sleep at 5 a.m.,” he noted on Sunday afternoon. “I don’t know who might make requests, but I do know we made that gown last night in our studio. Maybe I’m too honest in admitting that, but that’s the thing about independent designers: We get to execute a vision, and we have to do it with pennies and make it look monumental. But that’s OK, I don’t need all the money in the world.”
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2024-09-10 22:54