Although Alexander Wang described his fall collection with the term “extreme opulence,” the actual pieces offered a different narrative. Dominated by slate gray and black hues, the collection exuded a sense of streamlined elegance. The sleek blazers and robust padded coats, crafted in bold black leather, showcased this aesthetic. These garments, accentuated by fur belts shaped into frozen, undulating waves, added a touch of playful sophistication.
The opulence in Wang’s collection may well be embodied by the faux fur and rhinestones, which were prominent motifs throughout. Faux fur was featured in various elements, including the lining of a jean jacket, the large lapels of a high-tech khaki nylon trench, and decorative touches on denim miniskirts. The playful side of the collection emerged with pieces like a Meret Oppenheim-inspired tank top and a fluffy bra paired with a leather dress, one of Wang’s personal favorites. The quirky faux fur belts also found new life as the hems on cropped high-neck sweaters and logo t-shirts. “It’s gestural,” Wang explained. “Like the attitude of tying your shirt at your waist.”
Rhinestones added sparkle to body-hugging dresses available in both mini and maxi lengths. These dresses often featured a yanked-and-tied-at-the-hip look, inspired by a famous image of Kate Moss leaving a party with her gown’s hem tied up after an accidental tear. Wang applied the same fur and crystal embellishments to shoes and bags, maintaining high heels and dainty, rectangular evening purses. The collection also showcased simple, breezy garments with geometric influences: a long cylindrical knit maxi dress with a tube shape and floppy cowl neck, a slinky cape from a large half-circle of fabric, and a playful dress with a draped, folded hemline in a continuous donut pattern. “It’s just easy,” Wang commented. “To feel minimal and not so worked. And then we add the crystal embellishment.”
Overall, the collection captured a carefree spirit and a hint of Wang’s trademark irreverence. It evoked memories of his 2010s heyday, tapping into a cultural moment ripe for nostalgia. The designer recalled seeing Charli XCX at Outside Lands and experiencing a sense of déjà vu. “I was like, ‘Oh my god, this feels so familiar,’” he remarked. This sense of familiarity is likely why the brand is reintroducing its popular grommeted-bottom Rocco bag in three sizes this season, now with a lighter design.
