In 1983, Stephen King published what would go on to become one of his more iconic works, the automobile horror story Christine. What does this have to do with Alexander Wang Fall 2017? Wang was born in 1983, and he riffs on the nostalgic thrill of King’s killer car in his new men’s collection. Sleek ’80s automobiles appear as graphics, lightning bolts rip down sweatshirts and tees, and Wang’s logo has been reimagined in a metallic auto font. The automotive motif continues in other, more playful ways, like the babes-on-motorcycle embroideries that appear on shirts, the tone-on-tone checkerboard suiting fabric that’s been made into a jersey top and sport shorts, and the motocross trousers that work on guys and girls alike. Of course, this being Alexander Wang, the collection ventures to go there with a 1-800 number graphic advertising the grim reaper on the back of a jacket.
It’s not all spooky stuff. As the first time Wang has combined his main line men’s collection and T by Alexander Wang men’s into a single range, this season is more practical than usual. In between the more capital-F fashion pieces are easy separates that real dudes will appreciate: faded black jeans, dressed-up-enough sweatpants, shearling-lined jackets, and mashed-up plaids. The question now is will Wang Gang guys embrace the trend the designer’s girls have loved all summer long: fanny packs slung across the body? Keep your eyes peeled.
