Designer Profile - Alexander Wang
Glamour Meets Grunge With One of Fashion's Youngest Iconic Designers
May 12, 2009
"Anyone can get all dressed up and glamorous, but it is how people dress in their off days, that are the most intriguing," is the mission statement for the Alexander Wang label. Rocker, tough-girl chic personifies Wang's ready-to-wear collections of edgy, loose-fitted staples, including trousers, t-shirts, cardigans, and blazers.
Recognized for his effortlessly chic facade, or what he calls, "model off duty," Wang bases his unique design aesthetic on street style. The label exerts an irresistible perspective on pairing higher end pieces with lower ones, producing trendy, wearable designs. “There’s a certain amount of fantasy to fashion, but you also have to think about the fit…the accessibility. There’s no point in creating clothes so out-there, so special that no one can wear them,” said Wang in an interview with Style.com.
It Starts With a Childhood Dream
Born in San Francisco, Wang relocated to NYC at age 18 to pursue his dream to be a designer. After attending two years at Parsons The New School of Design, he dropped out and landed an internship at Teen Vogue. Although Wang lived his dream through contributions to top fashion houses, Marc Jacobs and Derek Lam, they weren’t quenching his desire to be a designer. In 2007, he launched his own womenswear collection of flawlessly crafted cashmere sweaters.
At the young age of 21 and little business experience, Wang established the Alexander Wang label, with the help of his economic savvy sister-in-law, mother and brother. His impeccable attention detail has gained him international acclaim and a cult-like following from socialites and popular celebrities.
A Star Designer is Born
The fall collection made its debut during New York Fashion Week’s Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear shows. Inspiration from his muse and stylist, fashion model Erin Wasson drew in a foray of intrigued buyers and an Ecco Domani Award soon thereafter. He won the 2008 CFDA / Vogue Fashion Fund Award and cash prize, allowing him to further expand the Alexander Wang label.
During Spring 2009, Wang developed a shoe line, chock full of towering platforms and a handbag line of modern hobo design. He then launched a capsule collection of affordable basics, named T by Alexander Wang, including t-shirts, tanks and t-shirt dresses, while remaining true to the label’s relaxed, worn-in signature style. There is buzz about jewelry and menswear collections, as well as a collaboration with Gap swarming as well.
Alexander Wang has acquired much success in such a small window of time. Nevertheless, whether it is a loose-fit pocket tee or a thick-heeled platform bootie, Wang is determined to adopt something truly remarkable.
