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Sunday, February 5, 2012

Jason Wu for Target

New at Target 
starting today February 5th
This post is not only about the new line of clothing and accessories by Jason Wu now 
available at Target but it's about my own connection to him.
First let's look at some of the new collection.
So it was the fall of 1999...
I was creating one of a kind fashion dolls for a living
and also doing graphic design.
One night I got an email from a guy in New York asking me if I could create him
a doll logo similar to the one I used for myself.
He said he admired my work.
At the time...my fiancé had just left me and I was in the middle of moving home.
Not a good time for me.
I explained that I was too busy to take on a logo design at the moment.
I assumed it was just another amateur doll designer
and would probably just be a waste of time.

That email came from a boy named Jason Wu.

Imagine how shocked I was when a year or so later...dolls started showing up manufactured by
Integrity Toys with Jason Wu's name on them and a logo somewhat 
similar to my own.
Well, I thought that's probably all that will be seen of him.
Nope...the next time I saw him was in a piece on tv about how he designed the Ru Paul doll.
The fabulous Ru Paul doll.
Yes, he was just a kid.
other dolls designed by Jason
This is just a small sampling of dolls he designed.
He went on to design for Ashton Drake and other companies.
Lots and lots of dolls.
But perhaps you know him from this....
Yes, he designed Michelle Obama's Inaugural gown.
He's a favorite designer of her's.
His designs grace the red carpets in Hollywood.
He began his fashion foray with the money he'd made designing dolls.
He was still in high school when he contacted me back in 1999.
His is a fantastic success story where talent and hard work and genius have given a very 
deserving artist the recognition and success he deserves.
I adore this little black dress.
So here we are...13 years later...
In 1999...we were both designing dolls but I was much more well known in doll circles than he.
And now here we both are at
He designing an exclusive fashion collection and I working the Guest Service Desk in OKC.
Funny how life goes...isn't it?

Of course if I'd known he was going to be super famous one day...I would have some how found 
time to do his logo. But at the time I had too much going on and I thought .... I've got to let this one
go...besides....I'm sure nothing will ever come of it anyway.

Just shows....you never know.

13 comments:

vintage girl at heart said...

wow.just wow.

Debbiedoos said...

Beautiful work. I can't wait to check out his line at Target! Thanks for sharing this awesome story. You are right you never know. Timing is everything!

Cottage and Broome said...

Thank is an amazing story! Laura

Mary Ellen said...

Wow! What a story! I can't wait to see his dresses at Target!

Mary Ellen
The Working Home Keeper

Amy Chalmers said...

Wow! OMG! That is another fascinating Nita tale!~and told so well, this really does show how we should follow our dreams. And even when you do, luck always plays a role.

Cindi Myers said...

I was just told the other day at work to watch the new commercial for Target. They said it had a black cat in it that I would love!
Then to find out he's the guy who did Micelle Obama's dress....
but to read THIS...well, it blows me away.
I guess it's a huge reminder to make time to create no matter what's going on in our lives...

Karena said...

Nita isn't life amazing. It is such a small world & less than 6 degrees of separation.

I am very excited that Jason's talents have brought him so far! Cannot wait to see his collection at Tarjay!

Please do come and join my Valentine Giveaway!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

The Visual Vamp said...

Your turn will come Nita! You are super talented.
I like Jason Wu very much, but his clothes for Target are a little too little girl for a big girl like me :-)
Plus, I will never again be a part of the pop-up media hype that Target incites.
Missoni was a disaster.
Wish they would just stock these special designers for at least a whole season.
Great post darling.
xo xo

Kelsie from Our Country Home and Studio Photography said...

That is so funny...How proud all us doll artist former and current are to see one of our own go so far so quickly...He truly is an amazing young artist...I about fell off my chair when I saw the target ad the other night, the second he walked thru the door I was like OMGosh that is Jason!!!

Blessings Kelsie

Dawn said...

oh Nita, I have enjoyed this story. You stated that his logo today is similar to yours then...wow. My friend Kathy, follows and adores your blog. We were at her house last night here in NJ reading your story about how your chair broke. The way you write about your mishaps (like the fly) is hysterical. She loves you but she does not have a blog. Anyway, keep on keepin on darling. Dawn Suitcase Vignettes xo

Debby said...

Ouch............ so sorry.......you just never know. Love how you are both at Target, hah,

Anonymous said...

And you still never know what the future will have in store for you too! Your still a talented lady :)

Kathy

Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

Wow. Kind of left me with a sick feeling. But no sense in living in the what if's. It's never too late to dream again. Embrace your creativity!