Alexander Wang’s debut collection for Balenciaga was as a master study of Cristóbal Balenciaga’s design DNA. “It was really about going back to the house, and the codes that were true to Balenciaga, but with dynamic new materials,” said Alexander Wang after unveiling his debut collection in the house’s salon on Avenue George V.
Wang stayed true to Balenciaga’s timeless modern aesthetic with magnificently cut cocoon coats, molded peplums, rounded shoulder jackets and petal skirts with an architectural sculptural quality. With an almost absolute restriction of color, he opted for bold, modern silhouettes in black and white which served as a starting point for the collection. The first look out, included a black wool coat with scalloped edges and fur accents on the sleeves worn with slim high waisted trousers and a white turtleneck. The look was anchored by black, low heel boots with contrasting silver wire that wrapped around the ankles.
For day wear, Wang offered inventive textured intarsia knit tops with molded peplums over cropped, black wool trousers. Next, a cropped, sheared, white fox bomber jacket was paired with daring black lace trousers that revealed a bit of skin through the open weave of the fabric. Futuristic brocades added a cool new dimension as Wang sent out cut away jackets with rounded shoulders and volume in the back that stood away from the body.
Alexander Wang’s Fall 2013 debut collection conveyed a fresh, young optimism that begins a new chapter for the storied house of Balenciaga.
Edwardo Flores for Global Fashion News
