I congratulate New York fashion designer Alexander Wang for a Spring 2011 collection that took two very important steps forward in terms of overall style evolution. First, NO BLACK!!! It's refreshing to see a sans black collection from "Mr. Downtown Cool" himself. The offerings this time around were fun, festive but still very "Wang". Just a more optimistic Wang.

The structured yet deconstructed looks fit in perfectly within Wang's established aesthetic. The smock-like jackets were my absolute favorites. So chic and flattering, I couldn't help but admire how much Wang has come along. If I ever said he was a one-trick pony, I'm prepared to take it back and eat crow.


Another well-executed step forward came by way of shoes. High-heeled construction-style booties were nothing short of genius. Not that they haven't been done before, it's just these were better than their more mundane predecessors. It really is a pity that, taking into account how fantastic this collection was, Wang decided to neglect his most successful venture to date - handbags!


 What can I say about the incredibly boring bag offerings - I suppose I just said they were boring (which they are) - other than they were a HUGE step back. Tisk, tisk, Wang. Don't just go on the assumption that your fan base will scoop up ANY bag you put out just because it's a Wang bag. Other more well-established labels (Fendi, anyone?) have done this season after season only to meet with financial loses.

Crack that whip and work on your bags for fall, OK? ;-)

Photos via Style.com