Back in November the 29-year-old designer was named creative director of Balenciaga and replaced Nicolas Ghesquière whose contribution to the fashion  house made  it what it  is today. There were many discussions surrounding his suitability for the role,  and whether he would be able to keep in step with the labels aesthetic. What he showed this morning at his runway debut for Balenciaga was impressive and not only proved himself to be ready for couture but also satisfied everyone attending the show.

Anna Wintour even said:

“I am very proud. It was such a restrained show. I thought everything was wearable, with obviously lots of bows to Balenciaga himself. I thought it was a very smart way to start, bu not giving too many fireworks.”

See more images of Alexander Wang’s debut runway collection on the next page.

It’s the New York Fashion Week photo we always love stumbling upon–muse and niece of Alexander Wang, Aila Wang, in attendance at the Autumn 2013 runway presentation wearing some looks custom designed for her by Wang. The cutest part of all? She’s wearing 6-inch Wheat Timberlands, the current “everything” New York City boot brand.

Alexander Wang launches his T by Alexander Wang Spring 2013 ad featuring Anjelah Johnson as Bon Qui Qui, a stereotype of the city female that I for one have seen a little too much of. The irony is that Bon Qui Qui is often the muse for many trends that have now gone mainstream and are viewed as praiseworthy from hair extensions to nail art, athletic wear, color streaks to name a few. High-end fashion loves to make fun of the world’s Bon Qui Qui, but those of us with eyes and ears on the streets know that in many ways she’s a trendsetter. As much I’ve liked Wang this one makes me pause. (The A$ap Rocky cameo was cute though).

From the slopes to the chilly city streets these sunnies by Alex Wang and Linda Farrow are too cool to ignore. Available at Luisaviaroma.

Have a look at one of the ads for Alexander Wang’s campaign for Spring 2013. The image above features Polish model Malgosia Bela, striking an androgynous pose, a favorite look for Wang in general, but also quite popular as a trend in fashion these days.

Wang will continue designing his eponymous label even after he steps into his role as the creative director for Balenciaga, for whom it is rumored he will first present his first runway for the Autumn 2013 shows–exciting stuff!

What we have always loved about fashion is it’s potential to bring joy. We as HighSnobette editors feel so lucky to not only have witnessed many of these special moments but to also have come to know and watch grow many of the artists and designers behind some of our favorite projects. Below in no particular order we share what we regard as some of the best, joy-bringing efforts of 2012:

Designer Melody Ehsani’s star has been on the rise for quite some time now, but her “Queen of the Jungle” necklace (above) in many ways stamped her official arrival. We lost count of the stylish celebrities spotted in this vivacious fun piece.

Leah McSweeney has always been a force of personality. She literally is the MTTM brand, as backed by an intensely loyal supporting staff + fan base. Like many young brands the label went through its stumbles when investors pulled out, but the tenacious McSweeney was able to hold on to the name and this year the label found its own inimitable stride again, as marked by the brand’s “Supreme Bitch” snapback cap, which received the blessing of none other mega-style star Rihanna.

See many more “bests” on the next page. And a very Happy New Year to all. Thank you so much for your support in 2012.

Alexander Wang once again is offering a special gift section in his online shop and black is a reoccuring color theme this year, which, given the context for some of the items (beachball, yoga matt) actually gives the items a humorous appeal rather than a dark one. On this page we feature a leash and collar as featured in the “Dominatrix” section of the gift store, thus making it a two-for–the item itself plus the experience of participating in some stylishly dominant good times.

See the yoga matt and a bicycle lock and chain on the next page.

Compared with all the pre-Autumn collections being shown at the moment, Alexander Wang’s really stands out even with a color palette dominated by black, gray and white.

Alexander Wang about the collection:

“We were playing with this idea of blurriness and ambiguity. I love the idea of intertwining and not knowing where a dress ends and a jacket begins.”

Sweatshirts and skirts in silk are made to look like tweed and jaquard is meant to look like flocking.  As always Wang shows his gift for add a little extra to casual city-inspired look. Check out our favorites after the jump.

After Cathy Horyn’s story yesterday tagging Alexander Wang as the lead candidate to take the helm at Balenciaga, we now have confirmaton via WWD that the 28-year-old Wang has been tapped as the creative director for Balenciaga. He succeeds Nicolas Ghesquière, who is to officially exit the French label today. On the choice, WWD comments:

“The choice of Wang suggests Balenciaga might wish to dial down the elitist, couture-like approach of Ghesquière, and open up to a broader audience with a designer prized for his sportswear approach and youthful energy.”

Wang’s Chinese lineage is significant as well (would he be the first to head a major European label?), and in an interivew with WWD earier in the year he spoke  on the impact of his background:

“In a way, I know there’s an audience that connects with me. How I identify that or what I pinpoint that to, whether it’s because of my background or because I connect with people of my generation in New York or London — that, I don’t know how to explain or quantify.”

Given Ghesquière’s success at reviving Balenciaga and his popularity purely as a designer, Wang as a choice will be questioned and criticized, but having covered him closely over the years he strikes us as the perfect fit–a bright student of fashion, who will understand the importance of paying tribute to Balenciaga’s history with enough creative flair and daring to make it his own. And then, too, the press adore him, and with industry capas Anna Wintour and Diane Von Furstenberg as his fairy godmothers, he is pretty much guaranteed acceptance from the get go.

Photo by TheSelby

The New York Times No.1 scoopmaster Cathy Horn reported in her column, ”On the Runway“ today that American designer Alexander Wang is the leading canditate to succeed Nicolas Ghesquiere at the Parisian fashion house Balenciaga. In contrast to Ghesquiere, Wang is viewed as slicker and more contemporary than Ghesquiere, whose designs while modern are beholden to the house’s history, an adjustment Wang would no doubt need to make should he win the position.

What are your thoughts on the rumor? Leave your comment below.