I was at Sway a month or so ago with a good friend of mine when we spotted the fabulous Alexander Wang, sporting a white V-neck T shirt and army parka, surrounded by the requisite amount of models. Or as he has termed them, M.O.D's: Models Off Duty. Their look is on the extreme end of casual, playing down their beauty and the glamorous nature of their job by dressing in old battered clothes, wearing no make-up, and accessorizing to add personality (usually either a boho scarf, chain jewelry, or some punky leather). And I gotta say, they look great everytime. If only it were that effortless for us mere mortals. My friend was commenting on how she used to dress like that...in hoodies, old jeans, and no make-up...until she realized that on her, it just looked schlubby. She's now venturing into the world of dresses, heels, and make-up, with much better results. But hey, if MOD is your bag, it's do-able...you just have to do it right. It starts with realizing that you are probably not 7 foot tall, reed thin, and topped with the face of an angel. My guess is you're beautiful with great bits and with flaws as well. The trick is in the combinations you choose. If you look at MOD's they may wear a few baggy thread bare pieces, but their sex appeal is rarely lost. If they have a baggy sweater on, they are probably showing some leg. If it's baggy pants, it may be a super thin white tank top that shows their arms and decolletage. And never forget to add in an element of personality: Some badass shoes or boots, a jumbly chain necklace, a fedora, a scarf (but
hey now, just choose one or two!). You can play up your best bits, when you are playing down in other areas...so get your gams out if you got 'em (but do it with ratty old daisy duke jean shorts, a baggy T, and a scarf), show that cleavage (with boyfriend pants and a thread bare white V-neck T or a wife beater topped with some long thin chain necklaces). Et voila, cool and 'effortlessly' sexy. And here's the best news of the day: Alexander Wang, who has built his career around turning us all into MOD's is expanding. Yes, he is starting a diffusion line, which is great for those of us who have wallet bulemia. It will be the basic elements that an MOD lives in: tank tops, T-shirts, and T-shirt dresses. All will be treated to be loose, threadbare, and effortlessly sexy. Hoorah. And Furthermore, word is that Wang will be venturing into the arena of shoes. He is going for provocative and sexy with variations on the platform sandal. The idea is to go one step beyond the open-toe trend, by adding a thong...and as he puts it..."it draws your attention to that area" (but I ask...is toe cleavage really that sexy? who knew).
Meanwhile, over at Alexander Wangs eponymous line, get ready for a huge shift, as he moves away from grunge this spring and to more colorful dresses..I do so hope I get into that show again!
Wangs Fall 08 and Resort 09
