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Inspired By Alexander Wang

Inspired By Alexander Wang

Few things in life evoke the giddy pleasure we feel when perusing Alexander Wang's line or trying on his garments. Frankly, even the sound of his name sends our fashion-devoted hearts racing, so believe us when we say we're still elated about our personal encounter with the designer last fashion week. The reason for our enthusiasm is simple: Wang’s fall collection is exceptional. The pieces are a smart juxtaposition of masculine tailoring with sexy touches and the entire line will indubitably influence our wardrobes in the coming months.



It’s hard to whittle down our favorite items from such a standout group, but nevertheless, we might have to call out Wang’s Baggy Pants ($495), Cashmere Knit Beanies ($175, available at Barneys in September, 212.675.3846), and Asymmetrical Leather Vest ($830) speak to us in a particularly persuasive way. In a perfect world, everyone would have the budget to purchase these pieces (and the rest of line too), but even if you don’t, there are still ways to get the Alexander Wang look. Read on for an affordable way to achieve the designer’s fall vision of, “girls, running around in the night, having fun,” and enjoy!

1. Delia's Motorcycle Fleece Jacket ($45)
This innovative piece of outerwear exudes the same sort off-duty model cool that Alexander Wang accomplished in his fall designs. It particularly reminds us of his Felted Wool Jacket ($794) and the Asymmetrical Leather Vest ($830), but it's available at a fraction of the price.

2. Topshop Mesh Tier Skirt ($40)
Just like the Bandage Skirt ($620) shown on the runway, this mesh nude skirt will add a feminine touch to an otherwise industrial outfit. You can go a step further in emulating the look and layer it over American Apparel's Interlocking Pencil Skirt ($32) in black for a truly “inspired by” style.

3. Lucky Brand Jeans Stash Bag ($168)
Wang put the finishing touch on his already brilliant designs by styling them with his new ten-piece selection of washed leather bags. We drooled over them in person and are particularly in lust with the distressed Black Leather Hobo Bag ($796) and Motorcycle Bag ($830). Lucky Brand Jeans' Stash Bag has a similar worn-in feeling and serves as a perfect budget-friendly substitute.

4. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray ($23.99)
Even if you can't afford a single Alexander Wang piece, you can replicate the models' hair with this fantastic spray. The one and only hair genius, Guido, relied on this exact product for creating unkempt and messy locks when styling the models in for Wang's show.

5. MICHAEL Michael Kors Berkley T-Strap ($129)
Sadly, the cut-out booties with zippers worn by the models in Wang's fall show were specially produced by Manolo Blahnik just for the runway, and thus not available to the public. However, the MICHAEL by Michael Kors Berkley T-Strap Pumps are a truly stellar alternative. (Plus, the similar zipper detailing will correspond well with fall's chain-link jewelry craze.)

6. Forever 21 Burnout Top ($14.80)
Inspired by Wang's ultra-soft Longsleeve T-Shirt ($166), this semi-sheer top from Forever 21 will serve as a great basic piece in your winter wardrobe and is ideal for layering. Wear it underneath a vest, oversized blazer, or some chains to play up its rough-around-the-edges style.

7. American Apparel Recycled Beanie ($16)
Just like Wang's Cashmere Knit Beanies ($175), this hat will perfectly accent any casually undone and loose ensemble. It also happens to be made out of recycled cotton, which technically classifies it as ecologically-friendly!

8. Wasabi Multi Chain Knotted Bracelet ($99)
In addition to lending her styling know-how to the delightfully distressed looks at Wang's show, the marvelous Erin Wasson adorned the models in bodychain jewelry from her own personal collection. For a similar aesthetic, we like the delicately crafted Wasabi Multi Chain Knotted Bracelet. Check out Wasson's body armor-inspired jewelry line, LowLuv when it finally arrives at Maxfield (310.274.8800) next month. —Jessica Amento

Runway photos, courtesy of First View.
DISCUSS Inspired By: Alexander Wang
38 post(s)

Re: using the comment forum to plug websites...I agree, it is not always in perfect taste to do so and does kind of elicit a "spam" effect, but perhaps think about the reasons why someone might be plugging their blog. For instance being new to the blogosphere and just using the great resources available to us to try and build a readership, which i think all bloggers will agree makes blogging much more enticing. Not everyone plugging their blog is doing so with obnoxious intentions.

        Posted by: stephanie  |  2008-08-17 10:10:10

I really loved his collection but I think of him as a great stylist more than a designer. Just my opinion!

        Posted by: Su  |  2008-08-17 06:13:38

stop yelling at me, liz whatsyerface.

        Posted by: fashiongirl  |  2008-08-17 03:33:03

I have those Michael Kors heels..I wear them constantly, they are the most perfect, comfortable shoes EVER!

        Posted by: Kelly Christian  |  2008-08-16 21:14:39

If you're having problems getting the daily story, email hello@whowhatwear.com and we'll try get it sorted out! -WWW

        Posted by: Who What Wear  |  2008-08-16 18:58:56

Love this post, great job! You guys should really do an "inspired by" post like this for Balmain's Fall/Winter Collection. Alot of people love love love that entire collection, but just can't afford it. Balmain and Alex Wang were my absolute favorite collections for fall. Flare- I haven't been receiving WWWD emails anymore for about a year now, yet when I try to subscribe again it always says "already a subscriber", its so annoying. I agree with you Ryan.

        Posted by: bella vita  |  2008-08-16 18:05:05

DON'T BE A HATER!!!!!!! lowluv and bliss lau are nothin but two girls doing similar things. To post a comment based on rumors is pathetic!!!! GET THE FACTS STRAIGHT, NEW YORK TIMES NEVER MADE A COMMENT ABOUT THIS. Before you start typing...do your homework.

        Posted by: liz  |  2008-08-16 13:23:35

"marvelous" erin wasson ripped off fashion genius bliss lau's jewelry line of bodychains for her lowluv lable. she even used them in alexander wang's runway show, stating they were her own design. what a pathetic loser! even the ny times did a piece on that scandal. buy the original, guys!

        Posted by: fashiongirl  |  2008-08-16 08:22:01

I LOVE LOVE LOVE alexander wang, every one of his pieces are amazing... PS is anyone else not receiving wwwd.com emails anymore..excpet randomly, like once a week??

        Posted by: flare  |  2008-08-15 23:42:44

I love this, the color palette is to die for. I pretty much want each item featured, though I wish I could find a bandage skirt, at a more reasonable price.

        Posted by: Clemmie  |  2008-08-15 21:36:26

well done wwwd! i think this is the first time that i actually will buy some of the clothing choices you provided. you hit the nail on the head. keep it coming

        Posted by: la de da  |  2008-08-15 20:13:41

Thankyou for bringing that up Ryan. I think it's in exremely poor taste to constantly plug your blog on here. I purposely won't go to them ,although I'm sure they're quite interesting, because of it.

        Posted by: Erock  |  2008-08-15 18:45:56

I loved, loved, LOVED Alexander's collection, BUT - I think the pieces, as stand alone pieces are quite boring. No doubt super well made, but it just seemed like it was high up on the fabulous styling and not so much on staple pieces you could keep wearing/buying. Love the B&B spray and now I've seen them, I WANT THOSE SHOES! xx Fashionfierce

        Posted by: fashionfierce  |  2008-08-15 18:26:03

LOVE LOVE LOVE Alexander Wang!! nooottt sooo excited bout this post-- the faded tee and shoes are beautiful but the choice of pics is uninspiring in comparison to the rest of his looks....... when i saw his name- yes! when i saw this post- .......

        Posted by: TresChic  |  2008-08-15 15:37:43

his fall/winter collection had a lot of great looks. like the tailored men's style trousers, billowy blouses, and gorgeous jackets. I don't know why you all included plain and uninspiring outfits such as these.

        Posted by: louret  |  2008-08-15 13:51:40

I love Alexander Wang but i feel like he has the same design concept each season, it's never fresh or new. It's always like dark colors, ripped up jeans, and faded everything. i'd like to see something new. I would have excepted W.W.W.D. to do a more interesting post.

        Posted by: serena  |  2008-08-15 13:43:43

i'm enjoying this post. i have a similar bandage skirt and love it, but it is not flattering unless you have no hips.

        Posted by: kp  |  2008-08-15 13:35:01

<3 Alexander Wang

        Posted by: Maia  |  2008-08-15 13:19:34

Great post, but i have to ask: does anyone else think it's a bit tacky to come on here and plug your own blog?? They do it everyday, and it's like they're spamming us with the name of their blog, and it just seems a bit...rude, no?

        Posted by: Ryan  |  2008-08-15 13:10:03

I did a post on this back in FEBRUARY! http://www.fashioninsiderguide.com/2008/02/wang-and-wasson.html but great idea girls! i bought the bandage skirt and the leather vest. the skirt is REALLY unflattering!

        Posted by: ar  |  2008-08-15 11:46:37

i fucking love this post

        Posted by: alexandergray  |  2008-08-15 10:47:10

my daily/style *blog* > fashionchalet.blogspot.com < Alexander Wang knows how to have fun and look great doing it too! :) Wonderful choices. xx

        Posted by: Fashion Chalet  |  2008-08-15 10:46:35

I love the motorcycle jacket from Delia's but in grey!

        Posted by: real style real  |  2008-08-15 10:33:34

BEST POST!

        Posted by: stacey  |  2008-08-15 10:10:28

I do so love Alexander Wang, this was a great post. Im anxious to see his upcoming collections with his new stylist!

        Posted by: rockland  |  2008-08-15 10:06:33

I want those shoes, just don't know how much I would actually utilize them.

        Posted by: SheShe  |  2008-08-15 09:53:09

love this post. and i also cannot love burnout tees enough. kinda obsessed.

        Posted by: rr  |  2008-08-15 09:48:30

Hell yea! Thanks for giving us AFFORDABLE alternatives to this gorgeous collection. I'm thinking I'm really going to love the fall season this year.

        Posted by: Llew  |  2008-08-15 09:38:22

UGH i almost bought the michael kors shoes yesterday but a) my boyfriend convinced me not to and b) i want to be able to pay rent *sad*

        Posted by: Jessica  |  2008-08-15 09:11:19

Love this post! Great tip about layering the Wang inspired skirt with the aa interlocking one! Alexander Wang seems be the designer rolling off of everyone's tongues these days & his fall collection is to die for: feminine with the perfect amount of grunge. www.lecheapcestchic.com

        Posted by: stephanie  |  2008-08-15 07:05:12

this was one of my favorite collections ever. i love the jacket.

        Posted by: ashley  |  2008-08-15 06:52:47

Guys I just bought some marc by marc jacobs ankle boots and I bought the wrong size in a desperate attempt to get some before they sold out I ended up with the wrong size and now I'm trying to find a happy home for them! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110278901130&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=001

        Posted by: Beth  |  2008-08-15 06:41:01

i love all these pieces! great post!

        Posted by: beth  |  2008-08-15 06:16:25

I love Alexander Wang and those Michael Kors shoes.

        Posted by: Camilla  |  2008-08-15 05:49:12

I love Alexanders Wangs design, I love anything abit grungy iheartfashionxxx@blogspot.com x

        Posted by: ja xxx  |  2008-08-15 04:23:12

I suggest a beanie from h&m. $3.90! and its incredible. PensareAncora.blogspot.com

        Posted by: caroline  |  2008-08-15 01:19:26

owh my.. i just bought a similar shoes from Charles & Keith early this month and i love it !

        Posted by: Ity Nadira  |  2008-08-15 01:13:22

i love that fleece jacket.

        Posted by: fashionlov3r  |  2008-08-15 00:25:46

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