The baby faced designer Alexander Wang has been one of my favorite contemporary designers since I stumbled across his clothes at a sample sale in late 2007. He launched his first full women's wear collection in 2007 comprising predominantly of knits. Still famous for his luxe cashmere, he has come a long way in the last couple of years to become an in demand designer, who despite a tough economy had his floor space at Barney's actually increase.The Alexander Wang look is full of contrasts: luxe vrs street, sexy vrs androgyny, vagabond meets street-smart modernist. It is based on his intrigue of how women dress when they're not trying to dress up. I think it equates to effortless cool; versatile, simple, classy, all-occasion but with an edge.
Now, Alexander Wang has some serious fashion cred behind his name as he was just chosen as the fifth CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund recipient. With funding & support for his label, I can't wait to see what the future has in store for his label.
WWD reports:
At Monday night’s CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund dinner gala, Wang took home the top honors, pocketing $200,000 and a year’s worth of mentoring. Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai of Vena Cava and Albertus Q. Swanepoel of Albertus Quartus were this year’s runners-up, and will each receive $50,000 and a business mentor.
The winners beat out finalists Richard Chai, Jason Wu, Irene Neuwirth, Alejandro Ingelmo, Juan Carlos Obando, Obedient Sons & Daughters, and Organic.
Founded by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue, the fund is seen as an accelerator of fashion careers. Previous winners were Rogan in 2007, Doo-Ri in 2006, Trovata in 2005 and Proenza Schouler in 2004. Past runners-up were 3.1 Phillip Lim, Philip Crangi Jewelry, Rodarte, Thakoon, Derek Lam, Thom Browne, Cloak and Habitual.
Click to see how I've worn Wang.
Check out this amusing interview with Grazia Magazine where Chase Crawford thinks Alexander Wang is married to Vera Wang.
