Backstage At Jason Wu’s Chinese-Inspired (Yup, Emperor Hats Included) Show

Ominous music, long, swinging, aggressively blunt-cut ponytails bound with bondage tape, the most obvious Chinese influence yet, and a real nod to luxury defined Jason Wu's fall '12 production. And make no mistake, this show was a real production.

The designer is clearly ready to announce to the world that he's made it, and is ready to mix up his cinched-waist-teadress look he's most known for. Everything about this show, from the mink, lace and brocade accents to the sky-high stilettos and don't-mess-with me makeup, made Wu's point quite clear: He's ready to be known as a designer beyond the maker of Michelle Obama's inaugural gown, though we're not too sure Archean emperor hats and Mao-era jackets were the subtlest of inspirations.

Want more than just our word for it? Take a trip through to show with us (a better look at that bondage tape hair-do is worth it) after the jump.