June 4, 2018 |
With a heavy drum roll, the riff of an electric guitar, strobe lights and heavy stomping, Alexander Wang started a new chapter, in his element amongst the New York city skyline at South Street Seaport’s Pier 17. “Today marks a new beginning, a new identity, and a new day for my brand,” said the notes. This was Collection 1, Alexander Wang’s first show off-schedule, after adopting a June and December show pattern to align with pre-season collections. And so it was Wang, rough and tough with meaning. Going back to his roots, literally, Alex Wang was celebrating his family’s immigration to America. In the big wide white open space the girls dominated, rock and rolling in headbands, heavy wide shouldered leather jackets were cropped to show micro skirts, belted low waisted. Mercedes Benz was on the roster, the logo on bumper style belts and the AMG logo on gloves. Why? Because these girls are going places. Speedy. Yet chunky laced up sneaker boots grounded the tightest short shorts, biker style. The all-American red, white and blue flag crept onto socks, and glittered on little bags that swung full shine ahead. Leather bondage belts were stacked up round the waist and the cult side bag was tripled. More is always more. That’s the way we roll. Visor sunglasses were streamlining, faster and faster. Chinatown was printed down the side of flannel pants, paired with baseball jerseys. Mini tailored jumpsuits and fabulous embellished fringed lace vests flew open, all the classic party points ready for the Wangover. It was a Wang gang takeover, Bella Hadid and Kaia Gerber leading the pack but the ultimate Wang gang girl Binx Walton closed the show in the prettiest crystallised chainmail. That Wang warrior spirit. They go hard.
Photographs by Jason Lloyd-Evans
