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For Chinese designer Wang Tao, founder of fashion label Taoray Wang, New York Fashion Week is not an overly commercialised showcase, but a stage where she can create a global fashion trend.

Wang debuted her latest collection on Saturday at Spring Studios in New York, where 40 new looks embodying her signature note of sophisticated minimalism sent out a clear message: women can be feminine and powerful at the same time.

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“Beauty is all about attitude,” Wang told Chinese news agency Xinhua, talking about her muses for the new collection; they include American model Lauren Hutton, who rose to fame in the 1970s, and symbolises handsome and unconventional beauty to Wang.

The designer found Hutton especially attractive because the model refused to fix the gap between her teeth as others demanded. “She is not afraid of being who she is and that to me is very beautiful,” said Wang.

Inspired by Hutton's style of dress, Wang introduced wool hats and wide-leg pants to her collection.

Another inspiration came from US President Donald Trump's younger daughter, Tiffany, who always looks feminine, sexy and bright, said Wang.

Tiffany Trump, 25, attended the Taoray Wang catwalk show with her mother, Marla Maples (who was married to Trump from 1993 to 1999), and her boyfriend, Nigerian businessman Michael Boulos. She also attended the designer’s spring-summer 2019 show last September.

While Hutton and Tiffany Trump have little in common in their dress styles, both are confident and courageous, said Wang. “I want to encourage women to express themselves,” she said.

The designer, who is known for her flair in using basic colours such as grey, white and black to create elegant and confident looks for career women, added different shades of yellow and blue to create more warm, bright and energetic looks.

“Sand and salt water are two distinct substances but together they make beautiful beaches,” said Wang, who explained that she always enjoys taking on the challenge of playing with contrasting ideas.

The dichotomy of femininity and power is one set of ideas she has explored since the launch of her namesake brand.

“People think smart women can't be too pretty. That's wrong. I want to change that,” said Wang.

Often hailed as the “queen of the suit”, Wang started her career making suits for men. When she turned to women's suits, she tried to add details on the waist and sleeves, which later became her signature.

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The designer often adds a belt or pleated girdle to the suit to emphasise a body’s curves, and uses slit sleeves and big cuffs to give jackets a feminine touch.

In the latest collection, Wang introduces coats with slit sleeves that allow customers to wear them easily over a suit.

“Career women have busy schedules and my clothes allow them to 'grab and go' while still being glamorous,” said Wang.