Kinky lace and leather at Jason Wu's NY fashion week show

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Two legends of fashion photography came together in the mind of Jason Wu on Friday when he sent out a spring-summer 2013 collection that encapsulated his vision of a strong yet sensual woman.

The Taiwan-born, Canadian-bred designer, one of the stars of the ongoing New York fashion week, is a special favorite of Michelle Obama, although one wonders if the United States (US) first lady might find his latest work just a bit too risque.

Veteran model Carolyn Murphy, 39, opened the 42-look show in a Lower Manhattan warehouse in a black crocodile embossed leather sheath with point d'esprit tulle corset, descending a runway towards a floor-to-ceiling mirror.

Backstage, Mr Wu said he was inspired this season by the seemingly contradictory styles of New York photographer Lillian Bassman, who died earlier this year, and German-born Helmut Newton, who passed away in 2004.

The Jason Wu Spring 2013 collection is modelled during Fashion Week in New York, on Friday, Sept 7, 2012. Two legends of fashion photography came together in the mind of Jason Wu on Friday when he sent out a spring-summer 2013 collection that encapsulated his vision of a strong yet sensual woman. -- PHOTO: AP