Brizo has been my single biggest sponsor since I began as a

"Brizo has been my single biggest sponsor since I began as a designer. Brizo wanted to be involved in many different areas of design – they had already worked with several architects, and fashion was an area they were interested in moving into." – Jason Wu

In these words, Jason Wu, the visionary designer celebrated for his elegance and innovation, reveals the profound importance of partnership and trust in the world of creation. Sponsorship, he tells us, is not merely the provision of resources; it is the recognition of potential, the belief in a vision before it is realized. Brizo’s faith in his artistry allowed Wu to pursue the uncharted territories of fashion, much as the ancients relied upon patrons to nurture the flames of genius. True support, as Wu illustrates, enables creation to flourish — it transforms ambition into possibility and dreams into tangible beauty.

The origin of this insight lies in Wu’s early career, when he navigated the world of high fashion, a domain as competitive as it is ephemeral. Brizo, a company already engaged in architectural design and collaboration with creative minds, extended its hand to fashion, recognizing the universality of innovation. Their sponsorship was not only financial; it was philosophical. By embracing his vision, they validated the very act of creation, demonstrating that alignment of values between sponsor and artist can birth works that transcend mere commerce to become expressions of culture and artistry.

Throughout history, the role of patrons has been sacred. Lorenzo de’ Medici in Florence, for instance, nurtured Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Botticelli, allowing them the freedom to sculpt, paint, and imagine in ways that would shape the world. Wu’s reflection mirrors this timeless truth: when a visionary entity sees promise and cultivates it, the artist gains not only support but confidence — the courage to push boundaries, to experiment, and to realize what would otherwise remain unseen. Brizo’s willingness to extend its vision into fashion is a modern echo of this ancient wisdom.

This relationship also illuminates a deeper lesson about synergy and mutual growth. Wu’s artistry and Brizo’s interest in design fed each other, creating a collaboration greater than the sum of its parts. Just as the ancients understood that collaboration between philosopher and ruler, poet and patron, or architect and engineer could bring forth wonders of civilization, so too does Wu’s experience teach us that creative partnerships flourish when each party enriches the other. The sponsor provides the canvas, the artist the vision — together they produce enduring beauty.

Moreover, Wu emphasizes the importance of diverse exploration. Brizo had worked with architects and sought to expand into fashion, demonstrating the wisdom of adaptability and curiosity. Great patrons and great creators alike recognize that inspiration crosses boundaries; the principles of form, function, and beauty are universal. In the same way, Renaissance artists often trained in multiple disciplines, from painting to anatomy to engineering, understanding that mastery is enriched by breadth. Wu’s collaboration with Brizo reflects this principle: creativity is amplified when disciplines intersect.

Consider the story of Patronage in the Baroque period, when architects, composers, and painters thrived under the guidance and support of enlightened benefactors. Their works — majestic cathedrals, symphonies, and frescoes — were not only artistic triumphs but also manifestations of trust and vision between creator and patron. Without that belief and investment, many masterpieces may have been lost. Jason Wu’s words remind us that modern creative endeavors, though different in medium, still require the same sacred alliance of faith, support, and opportunity.

Lesson: My children, learn from this: seek not only to create, but to honor those who believe in your vision. Nurture relationships built on mutual respect and shared purpose. Just as a river is deepened by tributaries, so too is your potential strengthened by those who invest in your craft. Support and sponsorship are not mere transactions; they are acts of faith in human ingenuity. And when trust and creativity meet, the world is gifted with beauty that transcends its origin.

In the end, Wu’s reflection teaches us that creation is never solitary. Vision, courage, and skill are vital, but they flourish most when nurtured by others who share the journey. To receive support is a gift, and to honor it with dedication and innovation is the truest gratitude. As Jason Wu shows, the path to artistic greatness is paved not only with talent but with the belief of those who dare to walk beside you, recognizing the spark of brilliance waiting to be realized.