So showstopping, even the designer welled up: Karen Elson and Karlie Kloss take to the runway for Jason Wu's 'labor of love' collection at New York Fashion Week

The designer admitted that he welled up when the models stepped out onto the runway
The collection proved extremely difficult to execute, with chains in the hems and 'anchor points to keep everything together,' he said

PUBLISHED: 21:48 EST, 6 September 2013 | UPDATED: 21:48 EST, 6 September 2013

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After a fall collection that was heavily sculpted and engineered, Jason Wu set off to craft spring styles that emphasized ease.

That proved rather difficult.

The clothes he previewed Friday at New York Fashion Week at a loft space in Soho were 'a dialogue between construction and ease.'

Red carpet ready: Karlie Kloss models a ballgown at Jason Wu's New York Fashion Week show today

Challenging creations: The bias-cut, gold-beaded dress Karen Elson (center) wore to open the show was a sign of Wu's delicate approach

The bias-cut, gold-beaded dress Karen Elson wore to open the show was a sign of the delicate approach that was followed up with feather-light and sometimes sheer slip dresses. Those dresses, some covered in tiny beads, were technically difficult to execute, Wu said.

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It impressed tennis star Maria Sharapova, who sat in the front row and then went backstage to pose for photos with Wu.

Labor of love: Wu said the collection was fraught with technical challenges

White-out: The heavy beading in the collection was offset by feather-light pieces that belied the skill required to make them fall just so

Other celebrity guests included Alicia Keys and Jessica Pare of 'Mad Men' fame.

'Jason has a remarkable talent of creating a feminine and romantic look through the use of drapery and unique tailoring,' Sharapova said.

For something a little racier - but still chic and tasteful - he turned out some leather looks that incorporated corsetry. For edge, he threw in some utilitarian touches, such as cargo pockets and heavy hardware.

Actresses Mickey Sumner (left) and Emily Mortimer (right)

Acting up: Screen stars Mickey Sumner (left) with Emily Mortimer and Mad Men's Jessica Paré all sat front row

We're with Anna... Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour flanked by Alicia Keys (left) and Maria Sharapova (right)

All the elements came together for an outfit that put a black satin motorcycle jacket with a black satin bra and ivory embroidered skirt.

'I wanted to let the body do its job and not do a lot of manipulation to the silhouette, but then to get them to hang just right was a feat.

'There are chains in the hems and anchor points to keep everything together,' Wu said. 'It was a labor of love.'

Showing them how it's done: Elson leads the models back onto the catwalk at the end of the show

Round of applause: Designer Jason Wu steps onto the runway at the end of the show

There was so much labor and so much love that Wu said he welled up when the models stepped out onto the runway.

'It's the first time we see it all together, and that's a lot of emotion,' he said backstage right after the show. 'Emotion is good. It has to mean something.'

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Who would wear these clothes? Only females Size 0-2. Not practical.

- ISO13485 , Michigan, United States, 08/9/2013 02:55

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It disgusts me that designers make clothes so small that the models have no choice other than to be stick thin to get work.

- little miss sunshine , Over the rainbow, United Kingdom, 07/9/2013 21:59

Click to rate Rating 15

Many of these young 'skeleton' girls are new in business, they are severely insecure and to feel more confident and 'liked' if they starve themselves.

- Bess , Mayfair, 07/9/2013 18:30

Click to rate Rating 26

Someone please feed the models, they look hungry

- Dancing Queen , Nottingham, 07/9/2013 18:22

Click to rate Rating 33

So, so pretty.

- Herself , Sofa, 07/9/2013 17:35

Click to rate Rating 11

The first several outfits are incredibly similar to Ralph Lauren's fall line a couple of years ago. IMHO.

- Brooke , Los Angeles, 07/9/2013 14:30

Click to rate Rating 19

Very feminine collection, flowery fabrics and colours, cleaned and structured cuts...........and a lot of talent. Thank you !