Urban Purity - Alexander Wang

A typically New York collection from Alexander Wang; and a departure from his usual sharp edged jackets and plethora of black. By his own admission, purity was an inspiration and this collection went right to the heart of the word.

From the predominantly white palate and the raw edging to the models bare faced, over oiled skin and painted hair, Wang’s collection was a calm current flowing through an ocean city still reeling from the fiscal problems of the past few years. For Wang, clearly concentrating on simplicity, showed that he can provide sensitive day wear, as well as his strong, metropolitan evening wear.

Canvas jackets with patch pockets and press studs worn over long dresses of almost parachute material gave the collection an urban ethereal mood. Gone were the dark hues and sexy prowler attitude of previous seasons. In its place were karate inspired jackets over cropped trousers, giving a sportwear feel that was enforced by ribbed cuffs on white silk bomber jackets and trainer laces on mushroom, open toed ankle boots.

Hemlines were long, layering used effectively and the waist dropped. Separates were clearly the mainstay with a few shapeless silk dresses in mint and terracotta thrown in. Graffiti prints and minimal gold and silver patching were the only embellishments though Wang did play with texture in the form of tonal chunky knits that slouched coolly off shoulders and delivered a comfortable and stress free way of dressing for his young, hip customer.
Abandoning any reactionary power dressing mentality at this austere time, Wang’s summer, using the optimism and energy of youth, is shaping up to be a relaxed one.