Alexander Wang had big news at his Resort presentation this morning: He's set to open his second flagship store next year, this one in Beijing. We've seen other luxury brands dilute their message in order to best serve the global marketplace this season, but that isn't Wang's approach. On the contrary, the urban, utility-chic vision he showed off on his Fall runway remains laser-focused for Resort, only this time there are more sports elements.
Fresh off his Accessories Designer of the Year win at last week's CFDA Fashion Awards, Wang is introducing his first-ever sneaker, the better to complement a collection informed by pictures of seventies-era marathoners. His starting point came across both literally (the color-blocked, contrast-trim running shorts come to mind) and more figuratively. Zip-front jackets were as slick as glass, pants had a tracksuit slouch, and a sexy L.B.D. was streamlined like a wetsuit.
Yes, scuba references surfaced here, as they have at other labels this month. In fact, Wang did some of the most covetable swimsuits we've seen anywhere, in bold solids with racy cutouts that were echoed in his dresses. The bikini as layering piece is a look we've been seeing New York City girls sporting this summer, and Wang had his own take: showing a two-piece as underpinnings for a fab patchwork windbreaker vest and black trousers. His label is booming, but he's clearly paying attention to his ground zero, the street.
