Downtown Americana grunge defined yet another effortlessly cool Alexander Wang collection — “Collection 1” to be exact. And what better way to mark the beginning of Wang’s newly timed, off-schedule shows than with the inspiration and pride in Americana through Wang’s immigrant roots.
In true American fashion, a melting pot of patriotic references had its moment in the spotlight, from oversized football jerseys and championship rings to literal stars and stripes graphically painted across otherwise minimalist makeup looks. Embracing Wang’s signature nod to sportswear with hints of femme finesse, each look evoked a rock ’n’ roll edge that could easily be translated to the city streets. Re-imagined moto jackets complimented playful bandanas and biker shorts that peeked under pale washed denim cutoffs. Sheer bras and fuzzy cashmere jackets softened the otherwise masculine looks, featuring lavish leather and gratuitous layers of wide chain belts with auto hood ornaments.
A hodgepodge of American influences from Western bolo ties to Hawaiian leis coexisted with one another. Diverse cultural inspirations extracted from the United States map were abundant yet each look implicitly honed in on the downtown grit of New York City. Case in point: “Chinatown” emblazoned flannel plants and shimmering bodega grocery bags that elevated each look to make it current and dare I say, Instagrammable.
Check out some of the key looks from “Collection 1” in the gallery above.
