NYFW18: Alexander Wang

ON the 21st floor of number four Times Square, the former Condé Nast building, Alexander Wang held his AW18 show. Opening with flickering lights, the space was set up as a mock office, with cubicles, grey carpet and signs which read AWG, Serving the Industry Since 2004’ What followed was a collection which echoed women’s power dressing of the 80s mixed with futuristic workwear.

There were lots of mini-dresses heavy on zips, leather skirts and elaborate athleisure. Hosiery was key, with many of the models wearing black lace or sheer black stockings with the designer’s name running along the leg. The office attire was completed with black high heels – which coincided with the soundtrack of stilettos clacking on a hard floor – spiky studded gloves and some serious sunglasses. While probably not entirely appropriate for work, these working girls of 2018 meant business.

Kaia Gerber wore a black deconstructed mini dress with large buttons down the centre and carried a sparkly silver clutch. The hairstyles were the perfect match for the executive look – scraped back and up in a claw clip – another allusion to the ‘80s. This was working life taken seriously but in style. It was corporate chic at its best. As his final show for the traditional New York fashion week, Wang pulled it out of the bag.

by Grace Calton