DESIGNER JASON WU’S SPRING MANI-PEDI

Jason Wu may be fashion’s most versatile rising star. He began his career designing clothing for dolls, then went on to deck out the world’s most notorious drag queen, Rupaul. He has remarked that he’s dedicating his career to the idea that no one should ever, ever have to wear acid-washed denim again. And for anyone who hadn’t already noticed, he landed on the world’s mainstream fashion radar two years ago, when First Lady Michelle Obama wore a frothy, one-shoulder Jason Wu confection as her Inaugural ball gown.

Wu’s latest dance-partner: CND Creative Nail Design, based in Vista, CA. Wu has announced a partnership with CND for Spring, 2011 , offering a limited edition collection of 5 polishes (four colors, plus one feathery, tweed-texture topcoat—a low-key alternative to shine). It’s the first time that either Wu or CND has crossed the beauty/fashion line to co-brand. The collection features the designer’s signature limestone gray tone, named for his mysterious Muse to whom he refers as “Miss Wu”.

But this romance is nothing new. Wu has worked with CND for the past eight seasons during New York Fashion Week, with CND creating custom manicures for Wu’s models as they sashay down the runway in their giant pussycat bows and infinitely subtle shades of wheat, white, ecru, eggshell, bone, stone, ivory, griege and toast.

The Jason Wu Collection for CND honors five iconic women: Miss Wu, Brigitte, Sophia, Veronica, and Anna. Bardot, Loren, Lake, Wintour? Perhaps. But as for the identity of Miss Wu, our lips are sealed. Available while supplies last, starting next May, 2011.

PHOTO: WOO-WOO TO YOU: Jan Arnold, Style Director for CND, backstage in NYC with designer Jason Wu