Alexander Wang Tells His Immigrant Story With New CollectionWang:  “I share with you my pride in being an American with immigrant roots,”

Designer Alexander Wang dropped a new collection inspired by immigrant America that has the fashion world abuzz.

The collection brakes the mold not just in its execution, but also in its timing. Alexander Wang was one of a group of designers who this year decided to ditch the New York Fashion Week Schedule. Other designers who rejected the standard September/February schedule included Proenza Schouler, Rodarte, Altuzarra, and Rag & Bone. This latest collection from Alexander Wang (dubbed Collection 1 in reference to the designers new June/December show schedule) will become available for October through March deliveries

These words from the show notes can be felt throughout the ‘Immigrant Americana’ themed collection. The show, which took place on a rooftop in New York City’s South Street Sea Port, featured a wide range of cultural pieces. Models could be seen wearing star spangled face paint, Hawaiian Leis, western style bolo ties, and carrying Chinatown style ‘thank you’ shopping bags. The looks blended immigrant and American style and iconography to tell the designers personal story. Alexander Wang stated that he was inspired by his parents who came to America in 1973 in order to make a better life for him. The designer explained that he drew from both their struggle and from the American culture he grew to know and love, from Harley Davidsons to American Football.

Alyssa Vingan Klein of Fashionista described Alexander Wang’s collection as a refreshingly optimistic take on the subject of immigration. Particularly in comparison to recent outputs from other designers who have gone the route of political commentary, or fashion as escapism when addressing real world issues.

There was some disappointment from Jessica Iredale for WWD. This disappointment came from Alexander Wang’s proclamation that the collection represented a new identity for the brand. Klein felt that this latest installment from the designer was interesting but didn’t bring anything out of character for the brand as Wang’s statement implied it would have.

Although the collection may not be a totally new image for the Alexander Wang brand, it is certainly a refreshing take on a topic that is all too often treated with negativity and hostility.