From Left: Alexander Wang, Zac Posen, and Ralph Lauren fall 2010
Velvet—especially red and oxblood colored—was all over the New York runways for fall 2010. Alexander Wang draped the deep red fabric into asymmetric mini dresses with black lace detailing, Zac Posen used vampy reds for pleated bustier dresses and seventies style trouser suits, and Ralph Lauren kept it classic with velvet mutton sleeved tunics and floor-length evening gowns.
Click the gallery below for more fall 2010 velvet looks from New York.
The Alexander Wang fall 2010 collection last night left some editors scratching their heads and chalking any missteps up to the young designer's growing pains.
Indeed Wang ventured out of his comfort zone, striving to put out a more sophisticated and polished lineup this season. He aimed to show some progression by presenting an entirely new look without neglecting the sensibility of his Alexander Wang-loving girls. In that, he succeeded. We're pretty sure his high-profile front row will scoop up the thigh-high leggings, chunky boots, camel capes, and even some of the velvet evening looks from this collection.
Using titans of Wall Street and their three-piece suits as a starting point, Wang deconstructed typical tailoring used in pinstripe and gray flannel classics from the Nineties and created a new power suit silhouette with midriff bearing jackets, tailcoats, Bermuda shorts, bondage straps, and the aforementioned belled skinny leggings pulled down over models' shoes. A black leather duster provided a moment of Matrix-style relief only to be replaced by draped velvet evening looks paired with mid-calf booties.
Misstep or not, Wang will be just fine as he continues to think smartly on the business side of things in addition to the creative. Offering major fashion statements at a contemporary price point and broadcasting his fashion show on a billboard in Times Square coupled with the success of his affordable T by Alexander Wang collection, the designer will undoubtedly keep attracting new groups of die hard devotees.
By taking two of New York's most exclusive fashion shows live for all to see in real-time, Nick Knight has become the new king of New York Fashion Week.
Both Alexander Wang and Rodarte will be working with Knight's ShowStudio to live stream fashion week presentations—Alexander Wang at 5PM EST on Saturday February 13, and Rodarte at 12PM EST on Wednesday February 16.
The push for live broadcasts signifies a movement towards the digital future of fashion content in which consumers are invited to experience otherwise closed industry events. As Knight puts it, "I see the future of fashion weeks around the world as not only a physical schedule of shows, but also as a digital calendar of fashion experiences online, which bridge the industry and consumer experience."
Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte and Alexander Wang will undoubtedly benefit not only from ShowStuido.com's bandwidth but also from Knight's forward-thinking filmmaking. Both shows will feature Knight-produced videos on the runway, much like Alexander McQueen's film featuring Raquel Zimmermann last September.
Source: Getty
Hannah Holman appears in Alexander Wang's look book for T, two images of which were also used for Wang's first foray into advertising—a guerrilla marketing campaign posted throughout lower Manhattan. We pretty much live year-round in his classic muscle tees and are very happy to finally be able to shop the current collection of accessories and T online at the new AlexanderWang.com. Images from the current lineup in the gallery below.
Model Hannah Holman stars in Alexander Wang's first advertising campaign. The images, photographed by Dan Jackson for T by Alexander Wang, will be plastered around downtown Manhattan—East Village, Lower East Side, and along Grand and Crosby Streets—as part of a new guerrilla marketing campaign for T. Wang hasn't ruled out expanding the theme to other cities, but noted, "Right now New York City is where it’s at. This is our home.” Posters hit the streets Monday February 1.
Much loved by fashion designers (Proenza Schouler, Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Narciso Rodriguez, and Diane von Furstenberg) and editors (Vogue), but little known to consumers, milliner Albertus Swanepoel has finally landed a lucrative corporate collaboration which should send his exquisitely-designed headpieces straight into the mainstream spotlight.
Known for his exceptional attention to detail, handwork, and use of exotic materials (such as the rooster feather hunting cap in Carolina Herrera's fall 2008 collection above), the South African-born, New York-based Swanepoel will launch a collection with U.S. hat manufacturer Stetson this fall. The line will be sold seasonally at Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue and retail for $180-$300. Thank you, Stetson.
From left: Carolina Herrera fall 2008, Proenza Schouler spring 2005, Alexander Wang fall 2009
Source: Getty
Nick Knight's current projects include videos for two New York fashion shows—Rodarte and Alexander Wang.
Sneak a preview of Alice by Alice Temperley, launching this season at Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Harrods, Net-a-Porter, and Neiman Marcus.
Escada looks to expend into cosmetics, menswear and a children's line to help turn a profit in 2011.
Stylist Keegan Singh does not like rubber ducky necklaces, does like black rubber kimonos.
André Leon Talley is still bashing red carpet dresses and offers his styling help. Unfortunately, we all remember this.
Source: Getty
Coming soon to Opening Ceremony: Alexander Wang sunglasses. The it designer builds on his coveted accessories line with shades that are sure to give the ubiquitous Ray Bans a run for its money. The line — a collaboration with Linda Farrow — features mostly black frames with pointy edges and zipper-like details. Don't be surpised if you see these on an Olsen face or two this Spring.
It's not often a runway trend comes around which can be bought for under $5. For spring 2010 the ubiquitous exposed sock is just that—both chic and cheap.
Slouched, sheer, and sparkling, the socks at Christian Dior were paired with metallic party dresses and platform sandals. At Alexander Wang and Alexandre Herchcovitch the look was knee-high and sporty, while Christopher Bailey and Hannah MacGibbon went for chunky knit socks in neutrals at Burberry Prorsum and Chloé, respectively.
Click below for affordable inspirations and then shop here and here for your budget-friendly fix.
Kurt Geiger
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