Alexander Wang gets Gisele Bundchen back on runway

NEW YORK — There they were: Gisele Bundchen, Shalom Harlow and Karolina Kurkova, along with Alexander Wang's slick, glossy fall collection, all on the catwalk Saturday evening at New York Fashion Week.

Wang assembled a most impressive group of top models for a test spin of his newest looks boasting leather, shine and chiffon in black, oxblood red and an optic white he called "peroxide."

Wang's runway always has a good turnout of big names, but most of these top models don't work the seasonal previews anymore. He gave them a grand stage with a complicated layout of mirrors and narrow pathways.

The clothes, however, were more straightforward than Wang has offered recently. The downtown vibe he embraces often limits his appeal to the cool-girl, downtown model types. This time, the military-inspired trenchcoats (including one worn by Bundchen), wool sweaters and tweed jackets — waxed and with vinyl visors for effect — potentially work for anyone who needs an outfit for a dressy event or even for the office. That's not to say the looks were dowdy or boring; in fact, they showed that Wang is maturing into a more sophisticated designer.

Model Liya Kebede didn't walk the show, but she sat in the front row. She said she enjoys the view from there. "I really enjoying seeing the full collection. I love to see the designer's real vision. Back there, you see bits and pieces," she said.

Still, she had her Wang on, including her shirt and shoes. "I like that it's hip and young."

Wang came out with his usual bouncy step and big smile for his bow.

In his notes, he said, "Big hugs to my family and everyone else who has made this dream come true."

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February 11, 2012 08:41 PM EST

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