Alexander Wang’s Fashion Week catwalk show on Saturday in New York was a lot more than just a fashion show.
First, it was an anniversary: the 10th of Wang’s namesake brand. It was also a homecoming, of sorts: Wang has just ended his prestigious stint as creative director of Balenciaga in Paris after three years, and is turning his focus solely to his own company, rather than splitting his time between continents.
It was a big party: women danced the night away, while attendees sipped beverages and munched on mini sandwiches.
And since this was Alexander Wang, it drew a constellation of stars. The front row included Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Kylie Jenner and The Weeknd.
The show, held in a cavernous space on a pier on the Hudson River, began with Wang’s models – female and male – streaming down the runway in designs that emphasised the hard-edged streetwear he’s long been known for. There were big white T-shirts, lots of oversized jackets, ample hoodies, mesh tanks and low-slung striped trousers. There were bomber jackets, black leather bustiers, plenty of denim, roomy tennis-type sweaters and lots of fringe.
When the models were finished, it was time for a short film, a sort of montage of images celebrating the 31-year-old-Wang and his label over the decade. “I always wanted to be in fashion,” the one-time fashion wunderkind said in one clip. “I never thought it would take me this far so soon.”
Then the immense screen went black, emblazoned with the huge white letters of Wang’s name and the designer ran out for his bow in his signature all-black attire, dancing, waving and smiling.
Backstage, over the pounding music, Wang said that the evening’s fashions were all about “the idea of going back to my girl and saying, you know what, the everyday and the mundane is what we’re [focused on]”, before adding “we’re rejecting innovation and we’re thinking about what’s right in front of us”.
Regarding his next career move, Wang acknowledged that it was a time for a transition. “I’m excited,” he said. “I’m very grateful for the last few years; I’m so proud of the work that I’ve done with my teams over in Europe and what we’ve accomplished, double- digit growth every single year and that’s what I’m most proud of.” He added: “I’m extremely happy to be home.”
Wang had plenty of support from his celebrity friends.
“Wang, man,” Lady Gaga replied when asked what had brought her to the show.
“I love him, he is a good friend. I’m here to support him and I can’t wait to see the show and celebrate 10 years.”
