Shanghai designer impresses NY with banker chic

Shanghai-based designer Wang Tao on Monday celebrated two years since her New York Fashion Week launch with a stunning collection of elegant banker chic for the independent, clever woman.

Wang -- who studied fashion in Japan, worked in Britain and still keeps a studio in London -- chooses to show her collections in New York as the financial capital of the fashion world.

Hers is a sophisticated look that elongates the figure with seasonal on-trend vertical stripes, black and white blazer-style dresses with sexy frayed hemlines, delicate lace tops and soft pleats.

It was a meditation on classic masculine-inspired office wear, made luxurious in the use of gorgeous fabrics and feminine with lace detailing: a look after the heart of many a Park Avenue businesswoman.

Next year she is planning to open a store in Manhattan, her first outside China for namesake brand Taoray Wang, and she sees the Big Apple as a key emerging market.

"We have a lot of career women working in New York and so maybe that's why this market is becoming very attractive to us," she told AFP. "The market is here."

While she showcased some Eastern-style high collars, the secret Chinese ingredient to her clothes is the patterned silk linings -- not outwardly visible but which feel beautiful on the skin.

Women have to care about themselves, she explained.

"It's not just a look, it's a feel so I think maybe I care more about how do you feel when you're wearing the clothes," she said.

Speaking English with a noticeable London accent, she said she finds inspiration in friends who are bankers, investors and lawyers.

"I just find them incredible," Wang said. "I like strong, clever, independent women."

She offered the beautifully tailored jacket dress in ivory, black and navy, or in silk for evening. There were asymmetrical white lace skirts worn under the blazer and pinstriped pants and blouses.

Her wide-leg trousers had a panel overlay to create movement. There was a beautiful black top with cream ribbon shoulder straps and a one-shoulder pleated black and white dress in wide vertical stripes.

Another highlight was a sophisticated jumpsuit designed for the powerful, professional and modern woman who wants to be stylish, elegant and sexy.