Designer Alexander Wang made a triumphant comeback with his highly anticipated “Fortune City” runway show, marking his first show in two years. The event took place in the heart of Chinatown, Los Angeles, and presented the designer’s pre-fall and fall 2022 collections. Wang drew inspiration from the Chinese community, which has endured the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and a surge in hate crimes targeting Asians. By embracing his Chinese heritage and choosing Chinatown as the venue, Wang aimed to honor and celebrate the resilience and beauty of the community.
The runway show unfolded within a vibrant night market, allowing the public to indulge in traditional Chinese delicacies like dim sum, dragon’s beard candies, and shaved ice. As guests arrived, they were greeted by a striking statue of Bruce Lee, a beloved figure symbolizing the spirit of Chinatown’s Central Plaza. In a gesture of warm hospitality, oversized fortune cookies were distributed to guests before they ventured into the captivating show. The runway itself was bathed in the mesmerizing glow of Chinatown’s iconic red lights, complemented by the illuminating neon signs from Chinese gift shops and a prominent Chinatown hamburger sign, representing Wang’s unique fusion of Chinese and American cultures.
On the runway, Wang unveiled approximately 50 captivating silhouettes, commencing with a series of leather ensembles ranging from shorts to long gloves, capes, W logo-adorned belts, and oversized coats and jackets. The collection also embraced maternity wear, with a pregnant model confidently donning the same micro mini skirt and bra recently worn by Rihanna. Wang’s show manifested a harmonious fusion of hip-hop and traditional Chinese classical music, showcasing an eclectic mix of impeccably tailored suits, leather pants paired with micro bras or cropped turtlenecks, glamorous party dresses, whimsical frilly tops, and stylish sportswear jackets.
The collection ingeniously explored the boundaries of traditional outerwear codes, delving into innovative forms and structures. Wang introduced a novel heavy wool fabrication with stretch, transforming oversized wool coats into figure-hugging power pieces. The collection also featured smocked lycra, denim, and leather jackets, alongside thigh-high boots and oversized bags, augmenting the overall allure. Cut-out lycra silhouettes in hues of ivory, black, and prism pink imparted a touch of romanticism to the collection’s sporty fabrications. The show concluded on a vibrant note, with models strutting in glimmering glitter boots paired with denim jackets, sporty tracksuits, and ethereal white nightgowns, all set to a captivating slow-tempo remix of Corona’s classic hit, “The Rhythm of the Night.”
As the show reached its grand finale, an explosion of red party favors cascaded down upon the audience, amplified by the infectious beats of Black Box’s “Everybody Everybody.” Despite concerns about potential protests or disruptions, the event proceeded smoothly and seamlessly. Wang’s previous sexual misconduct allegations from 2020 appeared to be firmly in the past, as he had vowed to “do better” and stepped away from the public eye. This runway show marked his triumphant return to the fashion scene, reclaiming his creative prowess and reaffirming his position as a visionary designer.
In addition to his successful comeback, the Alexander Wang brand is also celebrating its 18th anniversary this year. Since its inception in 2005, the brand captivated the fashion world with its innovative and edgy designs. After showcasing in New York for several years, Wang embarked on a creative journey as the creative director of Balenciaga from 2012 to 2015. In 2018, he made the bold decision to opt out of the New York Fashion Week calendar and recenter his focus on the pre-collections calendar. To further solidify the brand’s revival, Wang recently collaborated with renowned actress Lucy Liu for a captivating holiday campaign in December.
For more information on Alexander Wang and his collections:
1. “Alexander Wang Official Website.” Visit Alexander Wang’s official website to explore more of his designs, collections, and the latest news and updates from the brand. Click here to visit the official website.
2. “Alexander Wang on Instagram.” Follow Alexander Wang on Instagram to gain exclusive insights into the designer’s creative process, behind-the-scenes glimpses into runway shows, and updates on upcoming collaborations and events. Click here to follow Alexander Wang on Instagram.
