Manolo, Louboutin, Choo and . . . Wang?

August 8, 2008

Clothing Designer Alexander Wang to Launch Shoe Collection

You may not know his name, but you do know his signature look. Inspired by the style of Kate Moss and quirky young models, or models-off-duty (M.O.Ds), designer Alexander Wang’s style niche is one of cool, insouciant chic in a “I don’t pay attention to labels, I just wear what I like” kind of way. Fans of this irreverent, molto street vibe will soon have another reason to know this up-and-comer’s name.

Perhaps inspired by his collaboration with shoe god Manolo Blahnik for his first runway show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Wang is preparing to launch his “aggressively sexy” shoe collection in spring 2009. Wang will also release a second, lower-priced diffusion clothing line that he describes as “athletic-meets-Miami Vice,” so we expect a sexy South Beach feel to underscore his footwear as well.

According to Women’s Wear Daily: There are five styles, each a variation on the platform sandal.

“Everyone’s been doing an open-toe,” says Wang. “I added the thong to give a fresh perspective and make it more provocative. The thong between your toes, it draws your attention to that area.”

Priced at $125 to $250 wholesale, the collection ranges from a perforated leather bootie to a heel topped with fringe. Wang even tossed in a few tough-chic fetish references, courtesy of actual body-piercing rings he’s used as hardware.

Popular with Hollywood stars Rachel Bilson, Mischa Barton, Lindsay Lohan, and Ashlee Simpson, Wang enjoys more than his fair share of trendsetting fans. With this kind of A-list clientele, ShoeMinx predicts that the phrase “Shoes by Alexander Wang,” will be heard on the red carpet next season.

And with confirmation of rumors that a Sex and the City sequel is indeed in the works, dare we speculate that audiences might see Carrie pairing the Wang buffalo plaid cardigan she wore in the first movie with shoes from the new line? That kind of Carrie-approved validation would give Wang something else in common with Manolo: one-name status. Heady prospect indeed. You read it at ShoeMinx first!

Here’s a sneak peek at the inaugural Alexander Wang line.