Numerous people accused Alexander Wang of sexual harassment, groping, and assault in 2019. After initially denying the accusations, Wang appeared to admit to them in 2021. He apologized to the victims and laid low for a few years.
Alexander Wang returned to New York on Wednesday night after spending the past two years focusing his attention on China’s booming business growth. You wouldn’t know that his brand had been damaged just two years ago based on the attendance.
Wang saw it as the first major salvo in his attempt to comeback. His business has not suffered from the accusations. He gained two new big investors from China, Challenjers Capital, and Youngor Group.
He also made more than $200 million per year with plans to double it in the next five-years. His reputation in New York’s fashion scene was at risk. He missed last NYFW and instead showed in Los Angeles. His first show in New York was his “romantic” return. It took place in the same space where Jing Fong used to be before it moved from Elizabeth Street towards Centre Street.
The scene was set with a black-and white zebra print floor and red curtains that reached the ceiling, evoking the Black Lodge in “Twin Peaks.” The moody music of “Phantom of the Opera,” added to the ominous atmosphere.
Alexander Wang was the answer to the question, “Would the fashion world show up for Alexander Wang?” The audience of 150 was filled with the New York fashion elite. Anna Wintour, Harper’s Bazaar’s Samira Nar, and Steven Kolb, the CEO of CFDA were all spotted. Gabbriette Betchtel and Julia Fox walked the runway. Ava Max and Nikita Dragun were also among the crowd.
However, the warm reception from the fashion industry was not without its critics. Social media reactions ranged from mildly annoyed to openly hostile.
Louis Pisano, a fashion journalist, was openly critical about the positive coverage Wang’s show received, and the celebrities and influencers who helped him return.
“I’m not surprised by the reception the show received,” Pisano said to Glossy over DM. “Over the past year, we’ve seen Alexander Wang’s aggressive image rehabilitation, mainly via celebrity friendships and stars of the moment, which puts in peoples heads that if so’so thinks it’s cool again then so should I.”
It reminds us of Dolce & Gabbana.
