Alexander Wang: 'It's, Like, Weird To See My Name On Things'
share this story
At 25 years old, Alexander Wang is already a fashion designer wise beyond his years. Although he started out five years ago clothing size two models, Wang has broadened his base to a wider and perhaps more mature range of customers in search of his type of "urban cool," the New York Times notes.
"His clothes just hit the edges of what's acceptable. They appeal to that part of you that wishes you were a skinny hipster," said Sally Singer, Vogue's fashion features director, who called Wang's style "humorously slutty."
Wang, however, has remained hardnosed amidst the success of his collections, overseeing all aspects of his business. He works with his mother; his sister-in-law, an accountant; and his brother, well-versed in international business. Wang told the Times:
"Fashion in some people's eyes is very untouchable and super-indulgent. For me, it's just clothes to be worn. And at the end of the day, the point is to sell the product."
He's also remained humble, remarking, "I am not reinventing the wheel. I'm not an artiste," and also mused that it's weird to see his name on his clothes. He had this anecdote to share about about his childhood fashion inspiration:
Once, thumbing through a dog-eared copy of Harper's Bazaar that he had taken from a hair salon, Alexander, then 8, encountered an image that is still etched on his retina. "It was a model in a pinstripe Tom Ford suit for Gucci," he recalled. Even as a schoolboy, he was savvy enough to recognize the model as Georgina Grenville and the photographer as Patrick Demarchelier. "I carried that picture with me everywhere," he said.
Loading comments… 
First Posted: 03/18/10 06:12 AM ET Updated: 05/25/11 03:55 PM ET