Fashion

Alexander Wang's Career Milestones From 2007-2015

by May Sofi

When it comes to influential young designers, the name Alexander Wang immediately springs to mind. He founded his eponymous brand in 2007 and in 2012, Alexander Wang joined Balenciaga as creative director, a huge opportunity for the wildly successful NYC-based designer. As one of the most successful designers in the game, Wang is world-renowned and his clothing is highly sought out by fashion lovers the world over.

In the eight or so years that he has been in business, Wang has amassed countless honors and has many cool projects under his belt, including a capsule collection for H&M (which was to die for). So how did this 31 year-old talent achieve such paramount success in such a short amount of time? It's a combination of his impeccable skill set, hard work ethic, and just straight-up cool persona.

Supermodel Karlie Kloss, who has been working with the young designer for quite a while, dubs him "the cool kid of fashion", saying "He was a completely original mashup of youthful energy, street culture and high fashion." She adds "The trick to his success isn’t just raw talent and a dedicated work ethic but his unique ability to make high fashion ubiquitous. The core of his empire is built on the fact that he loves his work and relishes his industry," Time reports.

Although it may seem that his brand was built overnight, Wang worked hard over the years to achieve every milestone. Let's take a look at the complete timeline of his accolades, from the very inception of his career to preset day.

2007: Wang Debuts His First Collection In NY

Alexander Wang launched his first women's ready-to-wear collection in 2007, after just two years at Parsons School for Design. The line consisted mostly of basics and knitwear pieces, looks that have now become his signature style.

2008: Wang Wins CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award

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It seems his first collection got him very recognized, because he won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award just one year later.

2008: Wang Launches His First Handbag Collection

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That same year, Wang launched his first collection of handbags — quite a ballsy move for someone with only one RTW collection under their belt.

2009: Wang Launches T By Alexander Wang

T by Alexander Wang's stylish basics are responsible for the birth of his "model-off duty" vibe, which he is so famously known for.

2011: GQ Dubs Wang Best Menswear Designer Of The Year

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When you're recognized by GQ, you know you've made it.

2011: Wang Opens Flagship Store In NYC

At last, Alexander Wang has gone brick and mortar, finally making his designs readily available to the public.

2012: Wang Is Named Creative Director Of Balenciaga

According to Fashionista, Wang was hesitant to take on this role. Apparently he refused twice before he accepted. But thank goodness he did, because judging by the ensemble pictured above, this was a match made in style heaven.

2014: Wang Launches Collection For H&M

Health goths worldwide lost their mind over this line, which sold out almost instantly.

Quite an impressive list of accomplishments isn't it? Surely you can see why he was scouted for the Balenciaga role. I can't wait to see what's next for Wang.

Images: Getty (3)