Alexander Wang’s 10th anniversary show for his namesake brand was a fashionable fête of the most luxurious persuasion, thus it was only right he make his swan song at Balenciaga just as explosive. He was brought on as the Creative Director for the French fashion house because of his “proven talent, modernity and individual and cosmopolitan vision of design” according to chief executive Isabelle Guichot and he truly delivered during his time there. For his finale, he showcased that quintessential Wang charisma from enlisting friend and muse Zoe Kravitz to model in the runway show, as well as choosing a soundtrack of hip hop legends: a genre he has clung to during his career.
Hip-slung waistpacks, cigarette cases, and come hither lacy slippers brought in his signature approachability and street-style sensibility, while the array of all-white looks injected a sense of purity. Perhaps cleansing the palette for the next designer who will be stepping into the esteemed role.
Boudoir-ready attire has been a prevalent trend of late and Wang riffed on it with delicate silk dresses, plush camisoles accented with sleeveless silhouettes, low-cut necklines, and feminine ruffles, as well as sleek and soft trousers with roomy legs and low rises.
Monochromatic collections often err on the side of dullness, but that wasn’t the case here at all. If the devil is in the details, then he might just be thinking of switching to a white wardrobe for Spring. Details including dainty bows, sultry mesh insets, his signature bralette reworked with extra straps and ruffles, and frocks taking on the shape of corsets and garters were all present.
Wang took his bow with some obligatory selfies: he is a millennial after all. It was definitely a moving juncture for the designer and the industry as a whole, but we know this means new and exciting possibilities for the future. We’re eager about what’s next.
Are you feeling Alexander Wang’s last collection for Balenciaga?
Images: VOGUE.com