NICOLE EVATT
Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Jason Wu says he was inspired by strong women for his Spring 2015 collection, and he had two in particular in mind: Actresses Charlotte Rampling and Diane Kruger.

“They have impeccable style,” Wu says of the actresses, 30 years apart in age. “I imagined them in every single piece.”

Wu presented what he called a glamorous take on American sportswear — casual looks in rich fabrics. He used silk organza, suede, leather and what he calls “silk canvas.” A suit that looked like denim was actually made of silk tweed. In dressier looks, Wu’s fabrics took on a shiny, sparkly veneer. There were also several flowing gowns, including a backless one in navy, and one in a saffron-like color with a graceful cut-out in front.

“The idea of reflection has always been an important element in my shows,” explained the designer, famous for designing not one, but both of Michelle Obama’s inaugural gowns. “For this collection I wanted to concentrate on beauty. I wanted to celebrate women.”

In honor of German actress Kruger, 38, described by the fashion house as Wu’s “perennial muse,” the designer introduced what he calls his “Diane Bag” — a shoulder bag made of calf leather, exotic python and crocodile. And as for Rampling, the 68-year-old British actress inspired a “Charlotte Tote” — a leather bag featuring origami folds.

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