CDFA Swarovski Award for Accessory Design 2010

The newest recipient of the CDFA Swarovski Award for Accessory Design is truly the boy wonder. Alexander Wang had only completed his first year of studies at the Parsons School of Design when he decided that learning design theory wasn’t enough. With the blessing of his family, he left school and acquired an internship with Marc Jacobs. Hitting the ground running, the internship was only the beginning; after working with Vogue and Derek Lam, Wang returned to his original plan of creating his own line. His collection of deftly crafted cashmere sweaters became the launching point for the creation of a formidable fashion empire. And he has achieved all this by the tender age of twenty-five.  Now the CFDA Swarovski Award for Accessory Design.

Wang’s line has since expanded from sweaters to cotton dresses, to handbags and shoes. His appeal stems from the versatility of his designs. He understands that women don’t want to spend a long time choosing an outfit to look good. His style is called “model-off duty” and is ideal for the woman who wants to look casual and gorgeous at the same time. His pieces have been seen on fashionable starlets like Mischa Barton and Rachel Bilson and he has achieved cult status amongst the runway circuit.

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Wang displays insight uncommon in designers his age.  He knows the rule: looking good to create a good impression extends from the 9am meeting to the 5pm family dinner, to the 9pm cocktail party with friends.  Women want designs which are accessible and adaptable. Wang’s softly draped tencel dress can be paired with a cashmere sweater and ballet flats for work and re-paired with heels and a lariat for late evening drinks.

His foray into the world of accessories has yielded him further success. Studded leather handbags and stiletto boots transform an outfit from workday casual to evening social. Wang’s handbag collection includes more than the traditional hobo; soft velvet bucket-bags, laser cut leather duffels, the smoky leather clutch- Wang succeeds in creating a precision cut accessory that belies its casual appearance. It’s the epitome of cool.  And it is this ability that earned Wang the CFDA Swarovski Award for Accessories Design.

The baby faced designer has certainly earned his accolades.