Wu's the man

Fashion's latest darling, Jason Wu, has been roaming the lavish Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, camera in hand. But the diminutive designer stands out from regular tourists. Wu — who shot to international fame after Michelle Obama chose his fluffy ivory gown for the presidential inauguration ball — has been furiously jotting down his thoughts and sketching non-stop.

"I always keep a sketch pad by my bed. I have so many ideas in my head. I keep jotting it down as and when it comes to my mind. And I have clicked so many pictures because the Middle East is one of the most visually inspiring places I have seen," Wu told tabloid!.

"Tokyo is another city which was equally interesting. After my visit, I used the contrasts, colours and the energy found in Tokyo in my last collection," says Wu. Always on high alert, the Taiwan born designer did not even lounge back against the plush cushions as he spoke to tabloid! after his Middle East International Film Festival panel discussion titled Afternoon Tea With Jason Wu.

"The problem is that I am a workaholic and I have trouble sleeping. Even at 2am you will find me sketching. Whether I am on the road or on a vacation, it doesn't stop."

Wu, who walked the red carpet on Thursday with the likes of Hilary Swank and Demi Moore, says he has already laid his eyes on his next exciting project.

"I would love to dress Freida Pinto. She is really a great actress and so beautiful."

He was equally charmed after meeting Demi Moore. "She is what I call effortless chic. She is so beautiful and it was good chatting with her. I have grown up watching her movies."

Strong convictions

Devoid of any of the flamboyance or tempestuous temperament that is usually associated with fashion prodigies, the 26-year-old designer is as grounded as they come. Case in point: he has no qualms about attributing a large part of his global success to America's first lady-turned-style-icon Michelle Obama. "She helped me put my brand on the world stage. For some brands, it takes 30 to 40 years for things to happen in such a magnitude."

Packed with strong convictions, he is far more effusive when elaborating on the trend that all women should now embrace.

"Remember, short is the new long. I believe that short dresses can look as good as long dresses. The lines have blurred now." His war-cry for skimpy hemlines was in full display during his 2010 spring collection. Having said that, he is not an advocate of following trends blindly.

"Although I don't thumb my nose at any trends. I think you should never take trends too literally. Put your own spin on the trends. Fashion is about individuality and should never lose yourself when you wear clothes."

He follows this philosophy while catering to his ever-expanding client base. His roster is impressive and is studded with many Park Avenue princesses and celebrities such as Ivana Trump. "Every day when I meet my clients, I find the process so inspiring. There are different kinds of women I dress and that is where the fun lies. It can be one dress but five women in that same dress will wear it differently. That is the fun of fashion where the clothes and the person really become one.

Quicktime: Jason Wu

tabloid! caught up with the diminutive American designer Jason Wu on the red carpet …

Your idea of a style icon?

Anybody who has a simple and classic style. It is timeless.

Have you seen the festival highlight The September Issue?

Yes, I have seen and I loved it. I look forward to seeing it again.

What are the trends to watch out for?Colour is very important. I think we will see that a lot in the next few months.

What are your impressions of Abu Dhabi?

It's wonderful but very hot. It's just been five minutes and I am already sweating. I am looking forward to hitting the beach.