Jason Wu: I was obsessed with drag queens
Jason Wu was obsessed with RuPaul as a youngster because he was 'so tall and glittery and impressive'.
RuPaul is one of the most famous drag queens in America, and is famed for wearing huge wigs, immaculate make-up and figure-hugging clothes when on stage.
When designer Jason was little he had no idea RuPaul was actually a man and thought the character was the prettiest woman in the world.
'I thought that he was a she,' he giggled to Interview magazine. 'Later, of course, I found out that it was a man. But he was so tall and glittery and impressive, with the big hair... You know, a fashion-obsessed boy would be into that.'
The 30-year-old star also discussed how he first realised he wanted a career in fashion. From an early age he couldn't get enough of clothes, although he didn't have the usual fabric and pins to indulge his passion.
Instead Jason would splash any money he had on Barbie dolls and then go to great lengths to give each of them a unique look.
'I would buy Barbies and take them apart and then remake their looks,' he explained in the latest edition of the publication. 'I used them for hairstyling. It was a whole process. I had a lot of dolls - like 150.'
Things have moved on a lot for the star, who now dresses the likes of the US First Lady Michelle Obama. Last week he was unveiled as the new artistic director of Hugo Boss womenswear, where he plans to develop 'a strong, feminine collection'.