New York Fashion Week: Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang is fully aware that if people want something enough, they'll go out of their way to get it. I really respect his 'controversial' decision to show the A/W 2014 Ready to Wear collection in a Naval Yard, in Brooklyn. He forced the fashion pack out of their comfort zone, admittedly they might not have loved it, but for fear of missing out they were determined to get to the warehouse (even when it was so remote that it doesn't even show up on Sat Nav). During fashion week there's a constant stream of catwalks and collections so designers are under pressure to make theirs the one to remember and Wang ensured his was, whether for the right or wrong reasons.

 "He dragged us all out to Brooklyn on a wintry Saturday night—it had damn well better be good" 

I don't massively love the collection, which I'd describe as practical and utilitarian - a refreshing change from a lot of fashion but the theme of extreme conditions and survival reminded me too much of Hunger Games. To me it seemed cold and lifeless; consisting of an excessive number of holster-style bags covered in zips and pouches, prepared for every gadget you could ever need. 

However the finale was enough to change my opinion. The final 12 looks entered the rotating catwalk in monolithic black but changed before viewers eyes as heat activated pigments revealed technicolour paisley patterns. The general consensus seems to be that this was the redeeming factor but I think Wang's innovation and risk-taking can be all too easily overlooked and he deserves credit for the successful fusion of technology with fashion and the setting played a pivotal role in consolidating the overall theme.

All images from style.com and video from Fashion Channel

Back to work...

It's been an embarrassingly long time since I last put up a post. So long in fact that fashion week's are practically upon us again, which gives me the perfect opportunity to share my opinions on the good and the ugly, the weird and the wonderful, that are inevitably going to grace our catwalks in the upcoming weeks.

But before I get started I thought I'd share images of the window display from Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge that is based upon the theme of 'Fashion School'. They've taken an entirely innovative approach compared to their usual slick displays, not to say I don't think that it is effective, as the mini doll like mannequins add a far more playful element. Each window illustrates a different lesson and incorporates humour to evoke a sense of nostalgia as viewers reminisce about their own school day memories. All the scenes incorporate seriously well dressed students wearing Christopher Kane and Alexander McQueen uniform but also successfully integrate accessories and cosmetics into the classroom environments.

Revealed just in time for fashion week this provided me with the inspiration required to get back to (blogging) work and now I'm all set for a lesson in NYFW style and ready to report back within the next few days.

All images from harveynichols.com