Every September fashion’s frontrunners come together to celebrate in style at New York Fashion Week, boasting an array of the industry’s top designers, models, editors and celebrities. Among the brilliance was the talented Alexander Wang, who launched his Spring 2016 collection which coincided with his 10 year anniversary.
Since parting ways with Balenciaga, Alexander Wang has had the opportunity to re-focus and revitalise his eponymous label, a label which sparks with the authentic energy that resonates from his personality and into his designs. The Alexander Wang signature style draws inspiration from cool street chic, with Wang himself describing it as ‘model-off-duty’.
The runway presented Wang’s Spring 2016 collection, which encompassed an effortlessly grunge, sporty street style. The clothing featured spiked sandals, chain earrings, mesh tops, silk slip dresses and oversized bomber jackets all within a relatively black, red, white and khaki colour scheme. This signature style takes the label back to its roots, drawing inspiration from modern mundanity that oozes attitude and post-millenialism.
“We’re always asking ourselves what’s modern. Well, what’s modern is what’s right in front of us.” Says Wang.
An avid hip-hop lover, Wang accompanied the runway collection with the likes of underground hip-hop rapper Lady Leshurr, a fitting addition to the show. “Everyone knows I’m a hip-hop boy, and there ain’t no denying it.” Says the designer.
“#WANGsquad front row.”
Among the viewers was an impressive list of celebrities sitting front row, with Kanye West, Kylie Jenner, Tyga, Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, Bella hadid, The Weeknd & Mary J Blige making up the #WANGsquad.
After the collection was displayed, Wang showed a video that looked back at his 10 years in the fashion industry. The reel was composed of his career highlights, including collaborations and memorable campaigns and finished with the designer cheerily sprinting down the runway as glitter and confetti rained down around him.
At the entrance were tees and hoodies for sale branded with ‘DoSomething’- A non-profit organisation which aims to support youth and social change, helping young people to take action on issues they care about through social media. Alexander Wang’s collaboration with the charity features an abundance of celebrities and models who are passionate about the cause.
After the runway show, the area was transformed into a lavish afterpary, which in classic Alexander Wang style was a celebration that was as notorious as the show itself. Among the antics were customised jello shots, pole dancers, Hooters waiters and performances from ludacris and Lil Wayne.
Wang’s SS16 collection is bold, grungy, fabulous and has an effortlessly cool hip-hop aesthetic. His trademark style is not only about selling clothes, but about selling culture, in an eclectic mixture of youthful energy and street style to channel high fashion through the lens of subculture.
The talented and b