We live in an era of vanity where chic and couture are household terms. Whether this is a good thing or bad is debatable but fashion is dominating our world. Even our children have high fashion senses and it’s possible that it’s better then our own. In the many years we’ve gone though trends and fads and countless designers have either kept up with the times or dropped out of the competition from sheer lack of skill. We are lucky enough to have several Asian-American fashion designers in the current that have continued (or even if fresh to the scene) to grace each day with new styles for every season and category.
New to the fashion scene Chinese-American designer Jason Wu has shocked the world with his elegant designs most notably worn by the 1st lady herself Michelle Obama. In 2008 Michelle surprised Wu by wearing a stunning one shoulder floor-length ivory silk chiffon gown with Swarovski crystals, rhinestones and silver embroidery at the inaugural ball, a gown in which he had submitted for consideration months prior. This chiffon dress launched Wu’s career prompting numerous calls shortly after the reveal.
With new found success Wu continues to style the first lady as well as taking on a tremendous amount of A-list clients. His style is of elegance and grace typically incorporating classic Hollywood elements. Wu’s designs can be purchased at prices that would make Oprah weep but that is the price to pay to don the styles worn by the wife the president of the United States.
From high fashion to the everyday wear Japanese and African-American designer/model and force to be reckoned with, Kimora Lee Simmons takes urban wear to a new level. Simmons began her career as a fashion model at an early age. Her marriage to Russell Simmons later in her life earned her the opportunity to create a branch of her husbands already established company Phat Farm. Baby Phat became the prominent clothing of the new millennium creating countless trends and setting new bars for urban women’s fashion.
What is most loved about Baby Phat is it’s verity of products and diversity in sizes. Baby Phat is the fashion for women of all colors and various sizes. This is what made the company the success that its predecessor Phat Farm failed to keep hold of. Simmons has since parted ways with Baby Phat but continues her creative designs with Kouture by Kimora. With Kouture by Kimora simmons keeps some of the classic urban essentials loved in Baby Phat but integrates sophistication for a more versatile wear. Kouture by Kimora is sold exclusively at Macys and is available at great prices.
Back to couture Chinese-American designer Vera Wang gives us a vision of grace, elegance, beauty and sophistication all wrapped up in a high priced wedding dress. Recently acknowledged by Oprah Winfrey on her Power List of 2010, Wang’s bridal clientele includes the biggest names in and out of Hollywood. The demand for an original gown designed by Wang possibly outweighs the consumer rate of a new released Apple product.
Wedding gowns are not the only designs by Vera however. She has implemented her craft into fragrances, house wares and even an affordable clothing line titled Simply Vera available at Khol’s. Vera has also designed affordable wedding gowns for David’s Bridals, creating a new wave of bridezillas.
Written by Editorial Staff