Connect with us

Alexander Wang on His 10 Year Anniversary: 5 Things You Need To Know About the Designer

Published

on

Do you remember what the fashion world was like before Alexander Wang’s casual-yet-edgy-yet-refined creations hit the scene? Neither do we. It seems like he’s been around forever, but Alexander Wang’s eponymous brand is turning 10 this month! In celebration of Mr. Wang’s big anniversary, we’re rounding up 5 things you may not know about the designer.

Alexander WangCourtesy Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

He’s as charitable as it gets
To celebrate the 10-year milestone, the designer decided to give back. Wang is reintroducing the ten most beloved pieces, handpicked from all his collections, which are available now on his website and at his Soho store in N.Y.C. The capsule collection was voted on by fans via social media using the hashtag #WANG10. Wang is also teaming up with the organization DoSomething.org, for which he released a campaign featuring 38 of his most famous friends (like Kim Kardashian and Cara Delevingne) modeling the exclusive hoodies and t-shirts. The best part? 50% of the retail price will go to DoSomething.org.

Next up, Wang is partnering with Beats by Dre (again!) to bring back the Beats X Alexander Wang Studio headphones. The matte black and gold accessory is available online (and at his NYC flagship) now. And he’ll be donating 90% of the retail price to DoSomething.org!

Lastly, Wang is the latest designer to partner up with Evian. His exclusive packaging of the bottle will be available at his spring ’16 fashion show, after party, and will be available at select retailers, WWD reports.

Wang won the CFDA’s Fashion Fund award in 2008 — even after rebuffing judge Diane von Furstenburg
In 2007, Wang launched his first ever collection, which received widespread critical acclaim. But how does one know that his collection has received Anna Wintour-worthy praise? You win the CFDA/Vogue’s annual Fashion Fund award, which Wang did — only one year later! Before he won, Diane von Furstenburg had asked him to design sweaters for her after seeing one of his designs on someone else — and he said no (politely, of course). The year he won the CFDA award, DVF wound up not only on the panel, but also as his mentor, Wang told Yahoo Style. (No bad blood there.)

His collaboration with H&M crashed the website’s server
Ten minutes before the Alexander Wang for H&M collection went live on H&M’s website, it crashed due to such high levels of traffic. The collection sold out worldwide in minutes and you’d be lucky to nab a piece off eBay, even today. Wang’s sporty-chic line received immense praise, and the creations got a lot of fashion insiders thinking: Will he be tapped to design the uniforms for the 2020 Olympics? Unclear, but we can’t think of anyone cooler (or more talented) to represent American athletic wear.

After only 3 years, he’s saying goodbye to Balenciaga
After Nicolas Ghesquière’s departure in 2012, the fashion world was taken by storm when the label announced that street-style pioneer Wang would be replacing him. Wang presented his first collection as Creative Director in February 2013, bringing a fun and sporty edge to the legendary house of Balenciaga. However, Wang will be departing as Creative Director this year,  and his last show for the label will be on October 2, in Paris.

He hangs with the coolest kids downtown
Judging by his DoSomething campaign, it’s no surprise that Alex Wang has a really fashionable squad — but he has a particular affinity for models of the moment Anna Ewers, Lexi Boling, Binx Walton and Hanne Gaby Odiele. The foursome, known to themselves and fans alike as the “bad girls club,” are often featured in his campaigns. Get to know them, below.

Instagram Photo

@annaewers: Perhaps the closest to Wang, Ewers is consistently photographed alongside the designer, whether it be at high-profile Galas, music festivals, or in numerous Instagram shots. She recently graced the cover of Vogue Paris, was included in this years Pirelli calendar and is a runway staple at all fashion shows. (If you didn’t already follow her on Insta, now you are!)

@lexiboling: You might recognize Boling’s name from a downplayed controversy this past February in which “bad girl” member Lexi was accused of bullying Kendall Jenner due to a comment made on a Vogue Germany Instagram post Kendall. With that in the past (the two models have been photographed together since), Boling continues to reign as one of the high-fashion models of the moment, featuring in campaigns for Mugler and Sacai — and most recently, she appeared on the cover of Vogue Italia.

@binxwalton: Walton is known for her versatile, androgynous appeal, which is perhaps what makes her so in demand. Walton couldn’t be any more perfect for the high-fashion world, although she recently appeared next to Gigi Hadid on the cover of Teen Vogue, proving that she can do more commercial fashion just as well (she also just appeared pretty-in-pink on Elle France’s September issue). Alongside Anna and Lexi, she’s ranked as one of the top 50 models by Models.com.

@hannegabysees: Since 2005, Belgian model Hanne Gaby Odiele has retained her place as the queen of cool. A street style trendsetter (you’ll find countless Tumblr’s dedicated to her), Odiele has appeared on almost every major runway and in numerous high-fashion campaigns. Most recently? Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang! If you’ve been trying to master the model-off-duty look, you now know exactly who to Google.

Do you love Alexander Wang? Are you sad to see him leave Balenciaga? Share your thoughts in the comments, below!

RELATED VIDEO: Here’s Your New York Fashion Week Backstage Pass with Kelly Cutrone!

–Adeline Duff

Advertisement
Comments

Videos

(Lyric Video) Cleva Music (@MusicCleva) – “Steppa Dreams”

Published

on

Prepare to be blown away by Cleva Music/C.M’s latest hit, “Steppa Dreams.” With an astounding 4 million streams in just one week across all platforms, this track is setting the industry on fire. CM’s confident assertion, “People feel my shit,” reflects the undeniable connection he has with his audience. His distinctive sound and infectious lyrics have garnered him global attention, establishing him as a frontrunner in the music scene. With each release, CM pushes the boundaries of creativity, redefining what it means to be a true artist. His unwavering dedication and passion shine through in every note, leaving fans eager for more. As “Steppa Dreams” continues to soar, it’s clear that this rising star is destined for greatness, and the world eagerly awaits his next move.

Continue Reading

Blog

DeeYounginn Releases New Visual “Right Now”

Published

on

By

Fast-rising Charlotte recording artist DeeYounginn makes 2024 his moment and it starts with his latest single, “Right Now.”

In the latest visual, he cruises the streets in a foreign rapping about his undeniable impact, living a lavish lifestyle, and more. After gaining popularity with previous hits, the latest release is the perfect origin point for newfound fans as DeeYounginn rises to the moment as one of the year’s hottest new stars in modern hip-hop.

“Right Now” sets up the rising star’s upcoming album arriving in 2024. Check out the new video below, and, afterward, follow the rising star on social media for daily updates and more.

Continue Reading

Interview

Behind the Scenes: Deja Destinee’s Creative Process and Musical Inspiration

Published

on

The music industry is an ever-evolving landscape where artists must find their unique voice to stand out. In a detailed conversation, the grind of music and creativity were dissected with candor and passion by Shah Cypha and the multi-talented artist, Deja Destinée. They unpack the essence of Deja’s brand, her perspective on the music industry, and her multifaceted ventures beyond music.

The Genesis of a Brand: A Personal Story Through Music

The brand an artist creates is often a tapestry woven from their personal stories. For Deja Destinée, her name carries a legacy and an inspiration that fuels her artistic presence. “Deja Destiny is destiny… My first name was by my sister… Named after Tyra Banks’ character in Higher Learning… Destiny was named by my grandmother before I was born,” she recounts. This personal lineage adds depth to her music and offers her audience a piece of her narrative, creating a genuine connection that transcends the rhythms and lyrics.

In the music industry, the background behind a name often holds a significant weight, and Deja’s is intertwined deeply with her familial ties. Her music doesn’t just offer sound; it provides listeners with resonance, a shared experience that taps into the emotional fabric of the listener. This personal touch has become a beacon for her brand and her music, positioning her as an artist with a story to tell, a history to honor, and a future to shape.

Commanding the Stage: Performance as a Reflection of the Artist

A major theme from the discussion centered around Deja’s approach to performance. Stating that music comes as “first nature,” it’s evident that her on-stage persona is where she truly shines. Describing her performances, Deja says, “I give a lot of cocky energy. When I get on the stage, I usually bring my dancers, I have, you know, the flashy custom outfits… it makes them feel good, and for it to make them feel like they really that b\*\*\*h.”

This attitude exemplifies the confidence and showmanship that Deja brings to her craft, setting her apart in a crowded industry. The energy of a live performance, where the artist and audience feed off each other’s enthusiasm, is particularly crucial for Deja. Each show becomes an intimate conversation between them, a shared moment of empowerment and celebration of talent. It’s in these details that Deja’s commitment to her artistry, and her desire to elevate the music experience, shines brightest.

A Nexus of Creativity: Beyond Music

During the conversation, it became apparent that Deja is not content with being pigeonholed as just a musician. With interests in acting and entrepreneurship, such as her unique skincare line *Co-Skin*, she relays, “I do hair, I do makeup, I have my own like, skincare line doing shea butter… It’s so many things that I feel like I can tap into.”

Her tenacity to take on multiple creative endeavors showcases not only her talent but her understanding of the importance of diversification in a modern artist’s career. Deja leverages her platform in music to venture into other areas of interest, broadening her reach and solidifying her presence both in and out of the music world. This blend of artistry and enterprise spotlights a new generation of artists who are as business-minded as they are creative, indicative of the changing tides within the industry.

The Future Sounds of Success: Deja’s Continual Growth

As the conversation turned towards future prospects, Deja Destinée laid out her vision of evolving within the industry and her plans to be a game-changer. With new music on the horizon, including the engagingly titled single “ATE”, and a role in the upcoming film premiere set for June 6th at Newark Cinema, Deja’s grind is relentless.

Echoing her earlier sentiments on the significance of grinding, she reiterates, “To work and put in the work… when you don’t want to do it, put in the work then, too, because in the end, it’s gonna pay off.” It’s with this unwavering dedication and drive that Deja Destinée forges ahead, paving her path with an unshakeable belief in her art and her ability to influence the industry.

Deja’s narrative is one that is building upon the foundations of authenticity, perseverance, and an uncompromising vision for what she wants to achieve. With a solid grounding in the values instilled in her name and approach to music, the future beckons with infinite possibilities, each one an opportunity to further the imprint of Deja Destinée on the world.

STREAM THE LATEST SINGLE SHE/HER ON ALL DIGITAL PLATFORMS NOW

Continue Reading

Trending

*