If someone realises the piece they are wearing is inspired by me then it only broadens my audience.
Alexander WangI was in fashion school, my brother has a law background, and my sister-in-law had worked in production, but none of us had a proper fashion business education.
Alexander WangWhen I decided to launch my first knitwear line, it was because I saw a void in the basics category. The editors were always looking for cool, fashion-forward tees and sweaters. So that's where I started.
Alexander WangIn the beginning I pushed toward perfection, but it takes time to get to certain places.
Alexander WangNo one ever taught me, and I never had formal classes in pattern making, so I was like, Okay, I'll just drape, and I'll sew as I pin it.
Alexander WangMy mission was that I wanted to see people on the street that I don't know wearing my clothes. That excites me.
Alexander WangThere's a tendency to think that young designers only do fantasy fashion, but I'm more interested in making clothes that women can afford.
Alexander WangMy mom would put me in these preppy little suits and slick my hair to the side. I have these baby pictures of me where I'm this little preppy kid with a sweater tied around my neck.
Alexander WangYou know, when you go to high school or, you know, when kids are younger and there's not an understanding of differences. But I built up a very strong, thick skin.
Alexander WangThe great thing is that young talent isn't tied to a how-to model for starting a line; we get to find new ways to go about doing things. And don't let people tell you you can't. Go find a way to show that you can.
Alexander WangMy mom would take me to restaurants, and the first thing I'd ask for would be a pen and a napkin, and I'd sketch shoes and shoes and shoes.
Alexander WangTime passes faster and faster, but with every project I always want to find the next challenge and the next challenge is just as exciting as the previous one.
Alexander WangI think everyone shares a fear of failure-that you're only as good as your most recent collection.
Alexander WangI feel so thankful that I'm able to be a part of something that I love to wake up and run to work every day.
Alexander WangI tend to like the most basic pieces with the perfect fit and fabric, like a simple tank.
Alexander WangAll my closest friends are the ones I made while in college or who knew me growing up. They keep me grounded, and I adore that about them.
Alexander WangAny style that Nike makes in all black, shoe, sweatshirt, onesie, doesn't matter, I pretty much need to have.
Alexander WangTake people's advice and guidance in the beginning, but always follow your instincts first
Alexander WangI mean, I've always said I have an amazing team and network of friends and people that I work with that, you know, inspire me and enable me to do what I do.
Alexander WangI wear mostly black Main Line or Tโฆ But the other day, the sun was shining so I wore blue jeans. It caused so much excitement in the office! People were literally coming up from the floor below and peering behind my desk saying; we hear youโre wearing blue jeans and we have to have a look
Alexander WangI really learn from something that really inspires me and it becomes something that I remember.
Alexander WangDesigning a product and understanding how it filters through into the market and into the rest of the company is very important to me.
Alexander WangI think everyone shares a fear of failure - that you're only as good as your most recent collection. That's definitely a fear, but it's a fear that fuels me, that makes me want to work harder, that makes me take on more challenges.
Alexander WangI've always said I'm not the kind of designer who likes to lock himself away in a studio and let the rest of the company deal with it. I work very closely with everyone on the team.
Alexander WangA lot of designers get caught up in the creativity, but you've got to think about the legs of your collection - essentially, how the line is going to move forward.
Alexander WangAnyone can get dressed up and glamorous, but it is how people dress in their days off that are the most intriguing.
Alexander WangIt's hard sometimes to take a step back and realize what's happened because you're always trying to move forward. You're always looking at the next palette.
Alexander WangThe industry's changed so much that you can't just design something, put on a great show, and say, 'Okay, my job is done.'
Alexander WangI like to write and draw everything with sharpies. I even got one with my own name on it!
Alexander WangThe things that you can't really foresee and that kind of surprise you, and a lot of times they are bad, but other times, they bring something different and new to the table.
Alexander WangGo with your instinct and your gut. It sounds clichรฉ, but never give up and just keep on. If you really believe in it, you have to just dive in and go for it.
Alexander WangIf you're designing out of a purely creative place, not thinking of the girl, then the consumer's not going to take notice.
Alexander WangI thought I would attend school and get an assistant position and work my way up but being in NY and seeing the pace of everything, is very inspiring.
Alexander WangI always wanted to create a collection inspired by sports. I never played sports, maybe that's why it intrigues me.
Alexander WangI think sometimes there are negative connotations for those who have a business mind as well as a creative side.
Alexander WangI never really did sports growing up. Maybe that's why they intrigue me. The technology that goes into that clothing is steps ahead, so it's always been something I look towards.
Alexander Wang