If there were any question of Alexander Wang’s ability to handle and differentiate two collections, this resort season provided a definite answer. On the heels of exploring street-smart, faux anonymity for his signature label — dark with the right touch of tough — Wang countered at Balenciaga with a deft riff on couture concepts, extracting from the sometimes weighty constructions of the house founder something light, airy and very beautiful.
In the tight capsule presented to the press, Wang showed a pair of exquisite sculpted, full-skirted dresses — one in white with a tufted cotton bustier and multitexture skirt, the other a delicate assemblage of pink, black and white inspired by the boned lingerie of yore. For all their construction, these radiated fresh, young appeal. Wang offered a counterpoint with an homage to the beach. Most obviously, he reintroduced swimwear. Otherwise, one look referenced a casually wrapped terry towel. Of course, fashion is nothing if not stealth; it was actually a dress, impeccably cut, draped and slit to there for maximum provocation.