A single pair of heels click-clacked down a hallway lit by flickering fluorescent lights. As music started to intensify, more heels. Then the slam of a door. And finally, darkness. Close one’s eyes, and the image of a busy office just before close comes to mind.
The rods of fluorescent lights beam brightly again, lighting the runway of Alexander Wang’s Autumn/Winter 2018 ready-to-wear show. A loud, club beat layered with the click-clack of heels plays as models begin to parade down the runway.
This show was Wang’s last appearance at New York Fashion Week, after announcing his collections will now be released on the pre-season schedule (in June and December). Unlike collections in the past, Wang decided to turn away from his usual use of nightclub settings and antics for something a bit more mature, and it worked in his favor.
With this collection, Wang introduced power dressing for modern women—bosses in their own right, with little attention paid to rules and patriarchy. The setting was a nod to past corporate ideals of the late 80’s and early 90’s, set inside an empty office space on the 21st floor of 4 Times Square (Conde Nast’s old haunt). Guests were seated in rows of stuffy grey cubicles.
Working almost strictly in a monochromatic palette of black, white, and grey, Wang added intrigue through his use of utilitarian hardwares: zippers, grommets, and studs embedded into the workwear. Silhouettes of classic suiting were reconstructed with sharp edges and hiked up hemlines— perfect for taking charge of the boardroom. Activewear was given a playful spin with mink trimmed sports bras, and crisp button downs were paired with leggings which read “A. Wang Platinum,” undoubtedly an ode to the platinum credit card phase of the 90’s.
The looks were accessorized by a selection of mini frame sunglasses —representative of the ones found in The Matrix—, studded backpacks with fur trimmed straps, and hosiery branded with “Alexander Wang” down the leg or “CEO” emblazoned in crystal on the thigh.
A closer look at the accessories and beauty for Wang's A/W 18/19 collection. Slicked back hair held together by a banana clip and small frame sunglasses. Image courtesy of Allure via Getty Images.[/caption]
Leather was a major fabric for this collection, varying in texture and composition; from smooth mini skirts, blazers, and trousers to a calf length vinyl jacket. Bright fuschia tweed and leather joined forces at one point, paired together in a series of jackets and skirts for a playful balancing act. The juxtaposition of texture and bright colors was beautiful against its drab setting.
Models held intense stares as they marched down the runway. Their hair was gelled back into a sleek style held together by platinum claw hair clips, an army of powerful women on their way to claim what is rightfully theirs. Alexander Wang’s last New York Fashion Week was more than successful. This collection proves the designer has matured, but can still be playful. The Wang girl has always been sexy, but for this collection he decided to liberate her as well, pushing the norm of corporate dress codes in a freeing time for women. She is now set for control over the boardroom and the night club.
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