Jason Wu's leather plans

Designer Jason Wu is keen to add to his ever-growing fashion empire by adding a leather goods line to it.

Jason Wu is to create a leather goods line.

The designer - who launched his eyewear range in March - is keen to expand his fashion empire with a new collection as he thinks it will be a great addition.

He said: "My eyewear collection is only the beginning of my accessories range, stay tuned for later this year - there is more to come. Now that I have an established ready-to-wear business it seems to be the natural step to expand into the world of Jason Wu. There is so much more I would like to do to complete the vision."

Jason - who counts Michelle Obama among his celebrity fans - has been spending a lot of time in Florence, Italy, researching his new range.

He told vogue.com: "The beautifully ornate architecture has been very inspiring. I always find great inspiration while I travel."

Jason has previously spoken of his shock when Michelle wore one of his creations for her Inauguration Day ball gown.

The 27-year-old star - who created the iconic white, one-shouldered gown Michelle wore to celebrate her husband Barack Obama becoming US President in early 2009 - only found out when he saw the ceremony on TV.

Jason said: "I was approached about designing clothes for her so I set to work and then delivered them to the offices myself. But I had no idea she was going to wear any of them. She looked fantastic and I love how it got people talking about fashion - without conversation we don't have fashion."