Ones to watch: Adrian Wu could be the next homegrown great

As natural as it may seem, it’s hard to find a designer these days whose aesthetic is rooted in the shape of a woman’s body. Adrian Wu is breaking boundaries by embracing it. Born in Burlington, Ont., the self-taught 20-year-old designer is already becoming known for the dichotomy of his subtle accenting versus his signature waistlines built up with voluminous piles (and piles) of upholstery. Opting mostly for draping and cutting into patterned raw silk, Wu’s pieces feel inventive, fresh and totally unique.

After teaching himself how to sew in 2009, and deferring acceptance to the Istituto Marangoni School of Fashion in London in 2010, Wu showed his Fall 2011 collection at the Vancouver and Ottawa Fashion Weeks. Recently he opened a boutique and studio to call his own, and we suggest picking up a Wu creation now. He’s likely to become the next great.

Adrian Wu is available by placing orders at adrianwu@adrianwu.com and at the Adrian Wu boutique (1455 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, Ont., 905-334-1215).

See Adrian Wu’s Resort collection »