the wanger

wang 1wang 2
not necessarily what i consider to be the best or worst looks from the collection, just a sort of..summary?

When September rolled around and Alexander Wang showed That Awesome Football Collection, I was totally ready to hop on board with this kid. This time around...not so much? Ehhh? Wang said it was supposed to be a sort of progression from a very Wall Street, banker-like feel to something more free-spirited and gypsy-inspired. The Wall Street stuff I liked. 3/4ths length pinstripe skirts with a strip of leather hugging the bottom, the camel coat-cape, and those woolen sunglasses-oh, the woolen sunglasses! Wang is practically an old hand at deconstructing "basics" by now. But these pieces mixed with somewhat awkwardly styled velvets and ill-fitting slips made for more of a mish-mash between the banker and gypsy personalities and less of a progression from one to the other. And as for the independent spirit pieces, the elements that were taken from that sort of costumey idea of a gypsy - lace, velvet, colors like mustard and maroon - weren't updated or developed enough to look much different from something you could find in a thrift store (and we all know I love thrift stores, I just don't love stuff you can find in a thrift store costing hundreds or thousands of dollars). The dresses that closed the show were draped in a way that felt more contrived than free-spirited, leaving the models looking more uncomfortable than liberated from the pinstripe and tweed we began with, which, as I understand it, was supposed to be the concept.
Alexander Wang definitely stepped more outside of the regular black black gray black gray thing and I'm so happy to see him putting dresses out on the runway that are not typically it-girl-y. The stuff did look better on models in the photographs backstage, and the accessories are pretty killer, but I'm pretty bummed! Still, not gonna lie, I do love a sweater-boot. It sounds like something the birthers of The Snuggie would make up, only better than that makes it sound. Oh, and the pearl stuff. I need more old lady garb.
It is commendable that he did step more out of what I would guess, based on previous collections, is a kind of comfort zone, which leaves me excited for next season.

98 comments:

Isabel said...

Guuuh, I really didn't like the velvets. An when I watched a video of the show on Showstudio, I really hated the music. You know what the kicker is is? I hate "that awesome football collection" too. I'm a Wang hater, sad to say.

Mitchie said...

Good review. Summed my thoughts completely. I wonder though, will you be invited again to another Wang show? Or is he open to criticism...

FASHION SNAG said...

Great review Tavi!

www.FashionSnag.com

Hannah said...

i dunno i thought it was good but not great! well the concept behind the whole thing anyway, i'd be lying if i said i wasn't a little disappointed...

and i never thought i'd say this but the greasy hair is actually growing on me.

Francesca Robertson said...

i kind of like it, goth meets preppy

xoxo,
F

lekisskiss.blogspot.com <-- Texas gal bloggin fashion from NYC!

birdofthesummer said...

I would have to agree with 100% of what you just said.
I'm incredibly envious of you having been in NYC for fashion week and such.
Meh, I'm just here sitting here in a snobby suburb of Chicago sipping my hot chocolate and wishing we would have a snow day for once.

I hope this doesn't sound creepy, but seriously you are SUCH a huge inspiration to me. First off after reading your comebacks to peoples remarks from school, made me realize you are fucking hilarious.
AND, emotionally strong.
BLAH BLAH what the hell I sound like a strange girl who is saying things i'm sure you've heard but one last thing about this inspiration thing I'm going on.
Your style is awesome and inspiring and a work of art(imagine me saying this really fast because thats how i'm thinking it.BAH, I'm not witty.:[)
Okay.
I'm done.
Swear.

Ashley Morgan said...

I, as well, enjoy a sweater boot. As for the "gypsy" concept.. I'm with you.. I guess it doesn't come across to me.

WendyB said...

Who DOESN'T love a sweater boot?

Prutha Raithatha said...

ha!! u agreeee..yeahieee

http://donotshoeme.blogspot.com/

Selfish said...

wang is so great and his previous collections were definitely more popular than the current ones, I think he is trying to ease our minds into something completely fabulous. love the velvet, if you wore something in a deep red velvet, you would totally work it!
http://vodkacaviardreams.blogspot.com/

Erin said...

10th comment! Yeah!

I'm not a big fan of the collection. It is so deep... Dark... Dangerous...

Lol...

-Erin
Style-Savvy.blogspot.com

Erin said...

10th comment! Yeah!

I'm not a big fan of the collection. It is so deep... Dark... Dangerous...

Lol...

-Erin
Style-Savvy.blogspot.com

Meghan Roberts said...

I am usually an advocate for Wang- you should hear me constantly praising him and his geniusness.
But this is below him.

Dear Alex, take notes from Marc Jacobs.
Thank you<3

Love you and your blog!

-Meghan

Http://www.inafashionfairytale.blogspot.com

Lions, Tigers and Fashion OH MY! said...

I am not into the pin-stripe stuff...but I like that crochet-ish crop top ;)

xoxo

www.lionstigersandfashionohmy.com

Emily said...

The collection is very slowly growing on me. What are your thoughts on the velvet insanity for fall?

xx

Mila said...

Um... I'm not sure. I liked some of it (the skirts and coats) but not the velvet!

Tavi said...

Mitchie-Haha, we'll see! I hope so, because I thought it was crazy that Cathy Horyn got uninvited to Armani because of a thumbs-down review.

birdofthesummer-Thank you so much, really! Not sure about "emotionally strong" but thank you for that too haha. We really do need a snow day, don't we?

Rock Couture said...

Loving me some sweater boots!

:)

http://TheStylerevolution.blogspot.com

C A said...

I find Alexander Wang one of the best american designers at the moment. He brought a lot of fresh air to new USA's fashion and New York Fashion Week, where most of the designers just do more of the same. I believe we'll see Wang very often in the future.

Katy said...

Hmmm, I love velvet, but I agree it didn't seem very "gypsy". I thought the woolen pinstripe sunglasses were hilarious and awesome.

Katy said...

Hmmm, I love velvet, but I agree it didn't seem very "gypsy". I thought the woolen pinstripe sunglasses were hilarious and awesome.

Kate said...

I feel like I'm really going against the crowd here but I actually loved the collection on the basis of the runway photos (not that I was lucky enough to be there!)

I absolutely loved the dotted pinstripe pieces and the way that he balanced the tailored look with a more free-flowing, but not totally unruly feel.

I really do think Wang is on to something and I'm sure were gonna see his unique vision evolve in seasons to come.

Kate xx

ps. Absolutely love your blog!

AFitz said...

I wasn't blown away by this collection, but to be honest I never am with Wang - still, it's exciting to see how he's moving in a different direction while still keeping his trademark aesthetic, and I admire that even if I'm still not a huge fan. At the very least it makes me look forward to what he's going to come up with next fashion week.

dani d. said...

yeah i pretty much agree... so not impressed. but i do love that camel coat/cloak! i don't know, maybe you need to see it in person? i loved last season and then i saw it in the OC store and i fell IN love.

dani--d.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I actually really love velvet, but sadly me and the fabric just weren't made for each other.

My science teacher from freshman year (hs) calls velvet, sexy fabric
lol

Sandy Joe said...

I don't know if you saw it but there's a little illustration of you in the spring issue of h&m magazine.

I V Y said...

so i detect velvet leg warmers? weooowww :)

Tavi said...

Afitz/Anna-Yeah, I mean I'm definitely excited to see what he does next, especially since he DID step out of what I might think, based on his previous collections, is his comfort zone. It just wasn't developed enough this time, I think.

zoomslow said...

Well, from your review, the overall feel I'm getting is that the collection was a bit disparate. After a lot of research for a paper on Bakst - I concluded that a kind of 'psychological unity' is best - where a select number of elements are developed, and then these are constantly played with (in terms of scale, colour, repetition...).

The effect is two-fold. The garments and collection have a grounded, unified feel. But also, if the 'psychological unity' is strong enough, then a subconscious effect is produced. I think advertisers use it a lot. Um...yeah! :-)))

Unknown said...

I was disappointed too. I've kinda expected too much, because SS'10 was simply incredible, one of my faves and here... upstairs, downstairs... hopefully next Wang's collection will be more bright.

Anonymous said...

I'm really half and half on this collection. I do however like the idea of velvet, because I am a fan of the fabric. You can rock velvet if your bad A$$. The collection was kind of a splatter of ideas.

-xo

JeremyHaute™ said...

hi, i'm going to catch up on your blog, because i find you hilarious

Yan said...

like!!!
http://leighyan.blogspot.com/

Steffanie's Style said...

The hair and well mainly there heads look really creepy!

interesting pieces!
___________________________________
Check out my fashion blog, I am an aussie teen who needs more followers!

http://www.its-steffanie-style.blogspot.com/
___________________________________

Siru said...

At first I didn't like it at all, bu it's growing on me all the time.

juliet xxx

Anonymous said...

This collection is kinda disappointing sing Wang's last season was awesome....and the velvets just made the entire outfit look old with it's clean cuts...

http://fashionismysoulmate.blogspot.com

Daisy said...

I quite like it! Fab post !

UshiSato said...

dont like it!

Alban Giudicelli said...

Great collection

Jorge Alexander said...

I dont like it, too

Chloe Tweeny said...

I never really did like Alexander Wang, and this collection didn't wow me either

blds said...

What's good for the windows and couches is never great on a womans body. not only does velvet adds a thick layer and makes you look fat when your not but it makes you feel like rushing to the funeral homes and selecting your gilded casket for the life after.

La Dolce Moda said...

true, it does look like he stepped out of his comfort zone. His dresses are pretty au vant garde, and kind of "make a statement"
though I would never have the guts to wear them, they're original for the runway.
And also true, they look kind of thrift store outfits.
Can't wait to see his next season, I totally have faith in him!

as always, it'd be an honor if you stopped by: http://ladolcemoda7.blogspot.com/

bye, (oh and if I haven't said it enough times: I love the way you write and describe the shows!! &ur blog is awesome totally addicted to it!)

francesca
(http://ladolcemoda7.blogspot.com/)

stylespotterfashionblogger said...

I know, disappointing hey....! The models looked greasy and uncomfortable.. But fear not, I know someone who went to the show room as a buyer and apparently some of the pieces that weren't in the show are beautiful. I hope he brings something out next season that will prove him as a long term designer.

Skinny Suspenders said...

I think that was one of the best reviews I've read speaking of Alexander Wang's collection this season.

Hal E. Liebling said...

I agree, I wasn't all that impressed either. I liked his use of color but everything else was give or take. I have yet to buy anything of his, but considering the leather bags are made in China, I'm not all that interested.

halcoholic.com

Anonymous said...

I usually don't care for Wang, but I like this collection, probably because I just watched Heathers. Honestly though, I'm bored with most of the collections I've seen and am overall disappointed by fashion week...

Khanh said...

What I always loved about Alexander Wang is the way he "desconstruct" basics as you said.

Playing with classical shapes, forms, to refresh the girl silhouettes. And I also always loved the materials he used. For example, for spring 2009 show: he reivented classical jersey pieces like t shirt and swimwear into party dresses; or during the 2010 spring show: Mixing sport and american classical pieces to make feminine, urban outfit.

This time, I just don't understand what is the point with velvet. Velvet is traditionnaly the fabric used for king coats, and today, jackets. How could they became those kind of grey satiny leggings?

It seems like the main point this time he didn't studied carefully visual sources, historical references.

Brittney said...

Wow, I have to say that I am thoroughly impressed by your review. I couldn't agree more.

Brittney711@gmail.com

ctrl-s said...

Style Rookie laying down the LAW. <3.

Emma said...

Agree 100% with you. I LOVED the spring collection and I guess I set my standards too high. It really was a non-cohesive collection. It seems like he took some scrap materials from his studio and sent them down the runway. Did not feel the gypsy part, just a really weak collection. I really loved the boots. Going to keep my standards high of him,I just know he has it in him to do better. Like you said, glad he got away from that model-off-duty thing. Loved the post, great wrap up of the collection.
Have a great day!

youhou said...

Hello, I love your style !!
I'm french and i don't speak english very well !

Post a coment to my blog and Says I what you there think !
Thank u !

xoxo

HighStreetJudges said...

You're absolutely right. I agree there is something akward about some of those dresses and velvets. I didn't really like the lace on some of those outfits. I so much prefer the football colection, it was fresh. wearable, this is just plain akward. do like the accesories though

Emma Westbrook said...

I agree, I didn't like the velvet in this collection at all!

Felizia Medina said...

Great Review!! Even tho I have my own blog, I read urs all the time!

Anonymous said...

we had a forecasting lecture today of a quite charming and lovely gent, predicting key trends for s/s11.

anyway there was lots of lovely concepts and themes, one being 'alternaive' youthful, sweet and adolencent vibes contrasted with leather and studs and all things a little bit alt.

what i'm getting at here was that they're was a great big photograph of you in the middle of the moodboard for this presentation and he spoke of how much he adored you etc. i was estatic too see this, so i thought i'd let you know.

your little miss inspiration, even in manchester, england.

ana said...

ñññej... i didnt really like this show. hes very talented but not my style
tavi, U ROCK DA HOUSE!

daniela kate morosini said...

yeah...i mean this collection wasn't exactly coherant, was it?
coutureandcrumpets.blogspot.com

Maria José said...

Um... I am not convinced.. There are better collections.
xoxo

Irina said...

Good review, Tavi! I really like your writing style! I would die to know your oppinion about Converse shoes! E-mail me and visit my blog, please!

Jean-pierre MATTEI ( clothings maker who shares some fashion sketches .............................. ) said...

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I don't like at all what this designer does (just my taste ...^^... )

I find your previous post ...Fantastic ! Especially the coat( made wiht hats ) by Margiela...Unik !

Kiss ! ( = Peace ...^^ )...
========================================================

simonesays said...

This is weird. What you have written is exactly what I've been trying (and failing) to say about this collection for days... blogger telepathy, obviously? Haha.

Louise said...

I normally love Alexander Wang but this is certainly not something crazy about.
VELVETS???
www.sugarcoatedstyle.blogspot.com
I do feel bad using your prestige to try and get readers for my little blog !!!

Nathaniel said...

Great review, can't really say I agree entirely because I LOVED it, but I am totally with you with loving the accessories and the shoes.

http://lifeinleather.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

WRITE MORE REVIEWS!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hello, I don't know if anyone else has already told you that but you appeared on German TV a couple of days ago. When it happened I had to scream something like "Ohh my god, Tavi is on TV"... Well just thought I'd let you know.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry but it reminds me of the business wear in the junior's section of JCPenney. I know because I was shopping there for high school debate tournaments in the late 90s. We did goth, we did velvet, we did midriffs, we did cheap-looking business wear back then and let me tell you it wasn't always pretty - in fact I'm pretty sure it wasn't pretty, pretty much all of the time. Now some sweater leggings - I'll take those in every color please.

,Ellie ! said...

The hair just all looked a bit dirty and unclean, i really didn't like it. The suits weren't particularly nice either just all too much.

http://pretty-studio.blogspot.com/

Lady Danger said...

well said, but i really did like the velvet paints, i mean i dont think there is anything more comfertable than velvet legging, i could just roll in velvet all day. yeah didnt like the last half but i loved the deconstructed capes, and menswear, it was smart and edgy mixed with hardcore femininity.


i too am very excited for next season

http://www.improperopera.com/

-lady danger

EJ said...

haha, i really agree with wade and associates about the jcvpenney juniors vibe!

also with whoever said TAVI WRITE MORE REVIEWS!! please!

Isabelle said...

hi, should you be skipping school to go to fashion shows? maybe you're not skipping that much, but still...

Fleur d'air said...

I love your style girl! U're incredible =)

Come and read me! =)

http://cashmereflowers.blogspot.com/

samantha said...

it couldn't even hold my attention long enough to make it through the style.com slideshow. i get the concept too, but so much of it is ill-fitting and NOT in a way that makes you reevaluate silhouettes. and the hair was not pleasant.

that was a lot of hatin'.

http://discardedjunk.blogspot.com

OH HELL CLOTHING said...

I really like the orangey tone to the toes of the boot!

Paddy☮ xx
Click here to visit me at LITTLE RAZZI

Le Jardin said...

i agree. i've seen better from wang. but i like his and since i do, im ready to see what he does next and if he can bring it back

http://kagglejardin.blogspot.com

fashion nugget said...

why is he so damn awesome?
the third photo just reminds me why i love fashion so much.
hes a fucking genius.

http://friendswithpools.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

I used 2 photos from your last post (not this one). If i need to remove it let me know! :) http://www.madeline-sophie.blogspot.com you can see the post i used it in

Anonymous said...

I used 2 photos from your last post (not this one). If i need to remove it let me know! :) http://www.madeline-sophie.blogspot.com you can see the post i used it in

Anonymous said...

I used 2 photos from your last post (not this one). If i need to remove it let me know! :) http://www.madeline-sophie.blogspot.com you can see the post i used it in

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

sorry i dont know why it repeated it

Maria said...

Hey,
Well, im just starting to be realy adctit to this blog…

I dont know if you heard of Ronaldo Fraga, a Brasilian designer, but he awalways comes to mind when i see your outfits...
http://www.ronaldofraga.com.br

greatings from brasil...
Maria

Unknown said...

Can we refrain from the use of the word "genius" to describe just any old designer? i honestly don't think it really applies to Alexander Wang because he has only been designing for a few years and hasn't really done anything incredibly notable that would qualify him as a "genius". I really think this term is overused in this industry. There are a few people who actually deserve the title (rei kawakubo, miuccia prada, martin margiela etc.), but i think overusing really detracts somewhat from the value of the title. Now, Alexander Wang is indeed a talented designer, and one who has a long career ahead of him, but in my opinion, he isn't exactly a genius... yet. Just my opinion. Sorry for rambling!

gec said...

shock horror. Japanese fashion of exposing unfortunate part of upper thigh has made it to the catwalk!

Diane said...

Thanks for the review,I believe one of the important elements it's also the use of underwear as outerwear, the big trend that we have around these days. Those pieces look great!

kiss

Emily said...

Hmmm. This collection has me scratching my head. Velvet? Really?

Domino said...

I totally agree. I loved some of alexanders previous looks/shows. But honestly this show was borderling ugly. I though it was definatly not his best.

For your consideration,
Domino
http://domino-fashionprodigy.blogspot.com

Vanessa* said...

Thank god I'm not alone. I thought it was a sin in fashion world to not LURVE Wang. I thought none of the other kids on the fashion playground would talk to me anymore if I didn't write sonnets about his work. Frankly, I have yet to be impressed fully by any of his lines. I do like some individual pieces yet I do not salivate over them. And I thought fall'10 was kinda godawful. Oh well. There is something for everyone in this crazy world.

Charlotte said...

looove your hair color. and beautiful skiiirt =)

Cullen said...

alex dont invite her back next yr!!!!!

ashley_wilson said...

i really don't like this collection, it's so 90's grunge that i'm not a fan of.. and the color of velvet he used and the way he used it, it was bad in my opinion.. it looked so outdated, doesn't even look vintage, just outdated.

Caddy said...

I like the way she wears the black jacket in the first picture. My two faves among the shots are probably the first two. Too bad he didn't do anything with the hair like he did with the braids last year.

Hek said...

I've always thought that he's a little overrated.. Don't get me wrong, he's made a lot of nice stuff, but maybe there's been too much hype.

Mecca said...

Just thought it was all over the place. I get where he was going when he explains it, it just didn't quite translate. Better luck next time Wangy!
I wrote a strikingly similiar revue, I guess theres a consesus here.
scenestealerblog.com

Annie said...

Thought he was from Cali????!!!

Pascal Grob said...

i totally agree. it's funny how the designer I was looking forward to the most this season in new york, disappointed me the most. i guess that's what you get for having high expectations. on the other hand, i just adored thakoon's collection this time (yaya, i'm always comparing thakoon and wang because they're both young and have asian background while being from new york) – i already said it back when wang won the swiss textile award (along its 200'000$ or something prize money), that they should have rather given the money to thakoon, which surely would have made more of a difference than what it did to wang

Pascal Grob said...

oh, and i forgot to add that i'm very glad that you're not becoming some sort of pr figure for the designers and stay authentic and true to yourself :) very glad. and lovely pictures of you in the new pop issue!

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