New York-based designer Jason Wu on what it’s like to dress Meghan Markle

EVERY time Meghan Markle steps out in a new outfit, fans go mental and it instantly sells out. Now a designer reveals what it’s like when that happened with one of his dresses.

MEGHAN Markle is fast becoming a modern style icon, with every fashion choice she makes scrutinised around the world.

Everything she wears instantly sells out and she is able to catapult smaller labels, unheard of in some parts of the globe, into international success stories.

That’s exactly what happened to New York-based designer Jason Wu when Ms Markle wore one of his designs during the first annual Royal Foundation Forum in London last month.

The $2375 belted satin wrap dress sold out on Net-A-Porter and his brand made headlines around the world.

“When somebody like Meghan wears something of mine, the brand is instantly exposed to every corner of the globe and all eyes are on her. It’s really incredible,” Mr Wu told news.com.au during a visit to Sydney to promote his new fragrance.

Meghan Markle in the Jason Wu wrap dress. Picture: Chris Jackson/AFP

Mr Wu frequently dresses high profile women. He designed several gowns for former US First Lady Michelle Obama, including the dress she wore with husband Barack Obama at the 2009 Inauguration Ball.

The iconic white gown is now housed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.

Michelle Obama, pictured in 2011, standing with the gown that she wore to the 2009 Inaugural Ball. Picture: J. Scott Applewhite/AP

US First Lady Michelle Obama and designer Jason Wu look at a display of her inaugural gown, jewelleries and shoes at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington on March 9, 2010. Picture: Jewel Samad/AFP

“I have been incredibly fortunate to dress very inspiring women,” said the 35-year-old.

“In many ways, they were both in very important but also quite traditional roles and they really broke the glass ceiling.

“Both of them are real future thinkers and I feel really fortunate they appreciate my clothes, and are very encouraging of me.”

The $2375 Jason Wu belted satin wrap dress.

This dress has sold out on Net-A-Porter since being worn by Ms Markle.

Jason Wu first met Meghan Markle in Toronto when she was filming Suits.

Mr Wu, who was born in Taiwain and raised in Canada, met Ms Markle in Toronto several years ago, where the actress was based while filming legal drama Suits.

“I had worked with her before. I’m Canadian and she previously lived and worked in Toronto and we kind of got connected through the fashion industry there,” Mr Wu said.

As for how she came to wear one of his designs at such a high profile event, the answer was simple: “She wanted that dress and I sent it to her. It was very simple. All my collaborations are very simple. It’s the way I like to work. I’m very hands on.”

Fashion designer Jason Wu in Sydney. Picture: Justin Lloyd

When asked if he would be designing Ms Markle’s wedding dress, Mr Wu was tight-lipped.

“I have no details. I think when it comes to that, I’d rather be more confidential about my clients,” he said.

But he said he was thrilled to have his clothes given new life thanks to powerful, high profile women.

“We’re are a moment in history where these inspirational women are more important than ever before,” Mr Wu said. “I love it because through these women, the clothes take on a whole other meaning.

“It’s not just about looking amazing and feeling great. It says so much about the sartorial power than an outfit can bring.”

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