Last night was the night that we had all been waiting for as Kanye West finally debuted his collection for KW by Kanye West in Paris during fashion week, to much anticipation. As you would expect, just about everyone was there. “I did not want to miss it,” Linda Fargo, the fashion director of Bergdorf Goodman, told The New York times and that seemed to be the sentiment of the all guests yesterday.
Fargo was joined by Jared Leto, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Leigh Lezark, Lindsay Lohan and Ciara. Designers like Alexander Wang and Azzedine Alaia sat alongside Anna Wintour and Glenda Bailey.
Reports yesterday that Alexander Wang is in the running to take the Dior role were far-fetched so as expected, LVMH have been quick to refute the reports revealing that they are actually interested in Wang for "other reasons". Although no offer of investment has been announced, Wang's ever-growing empire has definitely caught the conglomerate's attention so a deal could be on the table sooner rather than later.
Alexander Wang's T collection couldn't be further from his mainline collection, but that's exactly what makes his growing empire so strong. Over the past few seasons, Wang has developed T to have a complete aesthetic of it's own and it's one that continues to go down well with editors and customers alike.
All of the staples were there from racer back tees to simple maxi dresses. My favourite pieces were the white shorts playsuit with sheer detail along the chest and big pockets, as well as the grey utility jacket and peach maxi dresses with cut out stips along the ribs.
Clockwise from top left: Alexander Wang, Derek Lam, Lacoste, Peter Som, Rag & Bone, Richard Chai Love
Get to know the name Julia Nobis. Although the name may not ring a bell, if you've been paying attention to the S/S12 shows this week you have definitely seen her face. This season, the yound model has already walked for Lacoste, Peter Som, Richard Chai Love, Derek Lam and Alexander Wang.
Despite his contemporary price point, Wang always executes his collections with the sophistication of the bigger established brands. As is true for his past collections, when Wang is inspired by something, he sees it though and takes that inspiration to the next level.
This season was all about sportswear - a feature that has become synonymous with the brand - channeling the wardrobes of NASCAR, BMX and motor cross athletes. This could be seen on the botanical print printed high waisted skinny trousers teamed with cocoon shaped tops in leather with the same print, not to mention the printed motorcycle hats that models held down the runway. Lazer cut mesh featured on bomber jackets to many editors delights, revealing a flash of colour on simple tees layered underneath. Wang also offered up tight bodysuits that looked something you would imagine a Formula 1 racer to wear, which made sense considering the inspiration for this collection but how practical that will be for the summer heat is questionable.
Although this wasn't my favourite collection from Wang, his constant experimentation with new fabric technology and his ability to take an inspiration beyond the literal can only be applauded.
Earlier on this month Alexander Wang spoke to Harper's Bazaar about his ambitions of turning his family run business into a global lifestyle brand, following in the footsteps for Ralph Lauren, and it looks like that's exactly what he's doing.
Not content with producing menswear, diffusion and accessories collections in addition to his mainline, Wang is now dipping his toe into the beauty world by collaborating with Sally Hensen. Like Giles Deacon, the designer has decided to launch his very own nail colour collection which will debit at his S/S12 show during New York Fashion Week next month.
It's been a good past few years for Alexander Wang. Over the last six years he has won three CFDA Awards, continues to show his mainline collection to critical acclaim, has successfully launched a diffusion line as well as a highly successful accessories collection and has just forayed into the world of menswear. But what's next for Wang?
It's all about creative a lifestyle brand like Ralph Lauren's he revealed in a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar. "Ralph Lauren is someone that I've always looked up to. That's what I want to be able to do — have control until the very end. And at the same time, have as much passion and love and enjoy it as much, and for that to be able to be translated into the product," he said . "You can really feel that from someone like Ralph. You know the things that he loves, you can see it, you can see it in the stores, you can feel it in the product that he creates."
It's that time again. The Fall issue of ELLE Collections has finally hit newsstands. Although we say it is every season, the latest installement is definitely the best yet. Touching on the controversy that has dictated the fashion headlines over the last six months, editor Lorraine Candyintroduces the issue by assuring us that it's still, as it should be, all about the clothes.
As always the issue features images that capture the key most memorable moments from this season. Nicola Formichetti's first bow as creative director of Mugler accompanied by Lady Gaga appears, as does a shot capturing the moment snow fell from the ceiling in the breathtaking production by Burberry - all of which is mixed amongst the latest campaigns and regulars like the season's best invites and Tommy Ton's best street style shots from the shows.
Pictures aside, what I most look forward to are the special interviews and this issue was no different. Susie Bubble was brought on board to talk to Alexander Wang about everything from those scathing comments from Cathy Horyn to his plans for the future and in a candid interview with Nicola Formichetti, the stylist professed his love of all things social media, revealed all about his latest porn project (yes, you did read that correctly) and how he juggles his comepeting commitements. Avril Mair also sat down to talk to Victoria Beckham after the royal wedding in an interview ithat was refreshingly fashion based rather than the tendancies to focus on her 'celebrity'.
At their recent Christmas in July event, Selfridges revealed that they have a lot of exciting projects in the work. First up is a partnership with Victora Beckham. The designer has created a one-off crocodile skin made to order bag exclusively for Selfridges' White collection which retails for a whopping £8,995. But she's not the only designer that has created a one-off white piece for the collection. Alexander Wang, Vivienne Westwood, Isabel Marantand Issa have contributed too.
The department store has also revealed that they are opening their roof to the public with sweetener brand Truvia. Last opened in 1939, the roof will feature a cafe and boating lake with the brands products.
