Jason Wu's Sping/Summer 2014 collection. He has capitalized on his early lucky breaks. Photos Provided to China Daily

"Everything changed overnight," he recalls. "It was a huge opportunity, although I did not realize that at the time. All I cared about was that she looked good in the dress, like any designer would. I don't know much about politics and I don't try. It is not my world. That is why I am not a politician.

"I have grown up significantly, and over the past few years, I have spent time trying to live up to expectations and defy expectations that I would be a one-hit wonder."

There is no danger of anyone thinking that stellar start was a flash in the pan. Confirmation of Wu's arrival as a major force on the international stage came with his appointment as womenswear artistic designer for the giant German fashion brand Hugo Boss, with his first full-scale collection due to debut in stores this year.

It means an even more hectic international schedule, with time split between home in New York and business trips to Europe and Asia. Like most savvy entrepreneurs in the fashion world, Wu has his eyes firmly on China, making regular visits to see clients, checking on stores that carry his garments and, occasionally, making appearances on the CCTV program Creative Sky, where fashion experts comment on the work of up-and-coming designers.

"I think in China there is an increasing demand for evening wear and dressy clothes, as well as ready-to-wear," he says "There are a lot of places to go now and events and parties of real magnitude. Beijing is one of my favorite places. It is always changing, and at a speed that is hard to believe, and I love the contrasts. There are very historical parts. You don't see that in New York.