Entertainment

Jason Wu: Sleek and sophisticated in black and white

September 8, 2012 / 7:38 AM EDT / CBS/AP

The Jason Wu Spring 2013 collection is modeled during Fashion Week in New York, Sept. 7, 2012. Richard Drew

(CBS/AP) Black and white for summer? Yes, if you are Jason Wu.

Wu , propelled into fame after designing Michelle Obama's white inauguration gown in 2009, showed a summer 2012 collection Friday in New York that was sleek and sophisticated, from Carolyn Murphy's opening crocodile-like leather sheath to the navy silk tulle harness gown with embroidery that closed the show..

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Lace insets, bra tops, sheer fabrics and sharp tuxedos-turned-into-shorts kept lively what were really refined, classic silhouettes.

Wu, in a backstage interview, said he was inspired by two photographers with differing styles Helmut Newton and Lillian Basman. It was the second show in the early going to make specific reference to Newton, which could explain the dominance of black and white.

It was also the second to put leather harnesses on the models to give them a little bit of edge. They topped a white-lace embroidered shirt worn with black croc shorts, and over a pink lace sheath that also got a little bounce from a peplum.