A native San Franciscan, Alexander Wang moved to New York at 18 to attend Parsons School of Design. He began designing his first collection during his sophomore year using the downtown street lifestyle, 80s influences and French chic fashions as his inspiration.

Alexander Wang launched his clothing line in 2007 which consisted of sexy and slouchy tees, tanks and dresses.  It was his vision and line’s cool, downtown aesthetic that won him the Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund Award in 2008.  Today, his label is described as “off duty model” wear and includes a line of accessories and handbags ranging from large totes, satches, hobos and clutches.

One of them has garnered a lot of attention and well, it’s easy to see why.

Images: Shopbop

The Alexander Wang Bianca Vest Bag ($850), is a little, shall we say, odd? Then again, sometimes fashion doesn’t always make sense in the ‘real world’, – just ask Marc Jacobs!

This bag isn’t something most women would wear/carry but you have to give it to him because he had the gumption to create it.   However, aside from this vest bag, the rest of the Alexander Wang handbag collection is quite tame in comparison. He uses a lot of zippers, washed leathers and distressing that give all of them a worn-in feel.

Image: Shopbop

One bag in particular I find really cool is the Jess Small Shopper, from afar it looks like your ordinary over-sized black tote but up close you’ll need the attention to detail and luxe leather that was used.  I love the slashed leather detail though I have to wonder if it would get snagged on anything. In any case, it’s a great looking bag that I wouldn’t mind carrying around.

If you want to see more of the Alexander Wang handbag collection, check out the official website or head over to Shopbop.

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Designer Profile : Alexander Wang

I’m crazy for this picture, not just for the inherent irony, but because I love that Rihanna eschews traditionally conservative wedding garb in favor of honoring her own personal style. I love the Alexander Wang dress and Christian Louboutin’s. Work it, girl.

Oh, yeah, and here are the bride and groom looking fabulous! That almost floor-length mantilla is seriously covetable, and I wouldn’t be surprised to find the mantilla making a major comeback.

Photos © www.bauergriffin.com

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Rihanna At Marc Jordan’s Wedding!

(Images: ShopBop)

Rebecca Minkoff Devote Tote ($650)

Rebecca Minkoff Ostrich Rendezvous Clutch (on sale $269)

Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Stamped Croc Dunaway Bag ($495)

Alexander Wang Jess Small Shopper ($895)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Bombay Large Satchel ($548)

The black bags above ar available at ShopBop. They are just a few of what we have to look forward to. Each one is gorgeous and luxe without trying too hard.  If you ask any handbag lover, or fashion fanatic, one of the top pieces one should have in a bag collection is  a gorgeous black handbag. It’s a staple. The only problem is, there are so many to choose from and sometimes it’s so hard to choose! But we have to make choices, and while trends come and go, a good looking black bag will always be in style.

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Timeless Black Handbags for Fall

(Image: Barneys New York)

The Trudy Tote is a versatile tote that unzips to provide you with more room to stash your essentials. The bag is made of smooth perforated leather and features comfortable rolled leather handles, a removable shoulder strap and zip top. The interior is lined in fabric and there are ample pockets for all your needs. It measures 16″ x 14.5″ x 7″ and is also available in black. This Alexander Wang tote would be a great every day bag for work and play. Definitely something that will look great and last forever. It’s available at Barneys for $850.

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Alexander Wang Trudy Tote

The Gap chose talented South African accessories designer Albertus Swanepoel to design five unique khaki hats for this special collection.  These limited edition hats are beautiful and innovative with simple yet unique twists on a traditional safari hat.  The hats will be available in Gap stores nationwide starting Wednesday, July 17 (today in NY) but are available to order online today.  I can’t wait to try them on in the stores!  Get one before they sell out!

Here is the complete collection:

Albertus Swanepoel Khaki Fedora $39.50

Albertus Swanepoel Khaki Bucket Hat $39.50

Albertus Swanepoel Button-Trimmed Khaki Hat $39.50

Albertus Swanepoel Pleated Khaki Hat $39.50

Albertus Swanepoel Khaki Wide Brim Hat $39.50

Check out the entire collection of CFDA/Gap Special Edition Khaki collection online to see the clothing pieces designed by Vena Cava and Alexander Wang.

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Gap Design Editions Khaki Hats

(plaid sweater by Alexander Wang at Kick Pleat)

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hot or not: alexander wang sweater

Anyway, you can still check it out. They have Vena Cava(love them) and this week is Alexander Wang. You’ll get Rag & Bone next week!

Many apologies, there’s just too much cool stuff to look at on their site!

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I screwed up