Alexander Wang for H&M
Alexander Wang’s designs for H&M are sporty and statement-making. Priscilla Valdez ’15
Priscilla Valdez ’15
Esteemed American designer Mr. Alexander Wang teamed up with H&M to release a both fashionable and affordable clothing line. Customers worldwide swarmed H&M stores, and even overloaded the H&M website, upon the launch of the brand’s latest designer collaboration November 6.
Since 2004, H&M has joined forces with renowned designers and style icons with the tagline, “high-fashion design doesn’t have to be a matter of price,” according to hm.com. With the intent to make designer-quality clothing more accessible to everyday consumers, the discounted shop has featured big names like Isabel Marant in 2013 and Versace in 2012.
“First of all, it must be someone that we like a lot, then it must be something very different from the previous collaboration,” H&M’s creative advisor Ms. Margareta van den Bosch said, according to vogue.co.uk. “We chose Alexander because we had never made a sport collection and I think he really brought sport into fashion.”
At only 30 years old, Mr. Wang is known for his athletic, urban style, and is already a distinguished name in the fashion world. His designs for Balenciaga and his own brand label, Alexander Wang, can be priced at over $1000. But, pieces from his H&M collaboration range from $10 to $400, a bargain for label lovers, adding to this collection’s popularity.
Convent of the Sacred Heart senior Ailish Cunniffe visited H&M’s flagship store in New York only two days after the line’s launch and found her search futile.
Courtesty www.theguardian.com
“I went to their location in the city really excited to get some cheaper Alexander Wang, but when I got there it was completely sold out,” Ailish said. “I should have known, though, because I passed by a few nights before and saw people already lined up waiting to buy the clothes.”
Mr. Wang’s designs can be identified as innovative and futuristic, and his pieces for H&M are no exception. The completely monochromatic collection bears heavy resemblance to sportswear, but a high-end version of such.
Mr. Wang’s take on stylish performance wear includes mesh-paneled leggings, neoprene dresses, and even a t-shirt whose “Wang” logo appears only when the wearer sweats. Sporty clothing as everyday wear is a trend that has been developing for a couple of years, and Wang’s collaborative line has resurfaced its popularity amongst fashionistas.
“I love the sportswear-as-fashion trend. The black and white is so minimal, yet it’s enough to make a statement on its own,” senior Annie Werdiger said.
As budget-savvy fashionistas wait patiently for the next H&M collaboration, they will remain dually ready for the gym and runway in their new Wang wear.
– Priscilla Valdez, Co-Arts & Entertainment Editor
