Show Report: Alexander Wang A/W 13 Womenswear

With a debut collection for Balenciaga soon to launch, Alexander Wang could well be excused for letting his signature line slide – but no, the designer’s downtown-cool magic was in full effect for Autumn/Winter 13 as ultra-modern leather and fur confections in stark charcoal, black and inky-blue took to the catwalk in force. Models donning 'cognac' pony tails (as Redken hair stylist, Guido Palau described them), took to the runway within Manhattan’s opulent Cunard Building in multi-textured separates and outerwear, complete with Wang’s trademark sophisticated-sporty detailing. Against the epic ‘Rocky 3’ theme-song, ‘Eye of the Tiger’ blared, streety hoods and glam fur boxing gloves were sent out - a dramatic chic-tough vibe Wang’s made his own, and that’s arguably become the city’s official downtown uniform. There was something of a couture 40s and 50s designer edge to the collection comprised of mohair sweatshirts and t-shirt style tops adorned with metallic hardware, effortless menswear-inspired suiting and sultry cut-outs on dresses and sleek coats – an harmonious union of commerciality and experimentation, and no doubt an indication of what's to come from Balenciaga with Wang at the helm.