The Rapid Expansion of Alexander Wang

  

"For a line that was launched a mere three years ago with 't-shirt dressing' as its philosophy, leather pants are a sign of drastic growth."

Just a few days ago the lookbook for T by Alexander Wang for Fall 12 was released. With the debut of men's accessories, a new line called Objects, and a fall collection that is praised for taking Wang's design and brand to the next level, something new in the T line is expected.

That 'something new' takes the form of leather pants. That sounds silly but for a line that was launched a mere three years ago with 't-shirt dressing' as its philosophy, leather pants are a sign of drastic growth. Mind you it'll set you back about a grand but this goes beyond dollar signs.

A fur jacket from Alexander Wang's Fall 11 collection

"For Alexander Wang, affordability has been one of the brand's selling point."

This a glimpse of where the brand is going. T by Alexander Wang is becoming luxe therefore mainline Alexander Wang must become more luxe if there is to be a separation between the two lines. This expansion was already put in to motion for fall 2011 where fur pieces were introduced and were beyond Alexander Wang's usual price point. This continues for fall 12 where customer fabrication was introduced.

"We're looking at where we can push our language further." Alexander Wang said to Style.com.

What makes this shift especially significant for Alexander Wang is affordability has been one of the brand's selling point. Take for example his popular Rocco duffle and Diego bucket bags. Both retail for under a grand and compared to other it-bags, is cheap (sometimes half the price). If the mainline transition to a higher price point, then T by Alexander Wang will follow suit and act as the new contemporary line.

Whatever happens, I am curious to see where Alexander Wang will go as a brand. Maybe a third mainstream line a la Ralph Lauren is in the horizon. Who knows. These are exciting times and if Wang continues to play his cards right (and the pace he's going) I predict we have the "next great American designer" aiming for global takeover. But for now, we have leather pants to ooh and ahh over.

But can we get a damn Canadian store already?

all photos via style