Alexander Wang’s Awkward Comeback

By Iris Stigell

Alexander Wang hosts his first live show since sexual misconduct allegations surfaced in December of 2020.

On Tuesday night in Los Angeles, Alexander Wang made his return to the runway, and as if his comeback alone would cause a stir of controversy, his choice of models stirred the pot even further. Influencers like Sydney Lee Carlson and model/personality Julia Fox were seen walking the runway, seemingly unaware of the backlash to come.

After a three year-long pause, the Designer was eager to bounce back after his rocky sexual scandal.

In an attempt to revamp and recover, Wang made his first- ever outside investment with two China based investors, fashion conglomerate Youngor group, and venture capital firm Challenjers Capital. With these new investments, the brand is hoping to continue to expand its global presence and restore itself to what it once was, a leading voice in Fashion. 

As for the models, a feeling of sympathy and pity was had, similarly to that one felt for those walking Kanye West’s ‘White Lives Matter’ fiasco. The dream to make it ‘big’ and be somebody in the Fashion and Modelling industry seems to cloud their perceptions of dignity and respect for those who suffered from the scandal, and who are still seeking justice. The choice to have Julia Fox walk the show has sparked notable controversy, due to her public openness about sexual misconduct, and her support of Amber Heard during the Johnny Depp trial. Fans were filled with anger, tweeting things like “Julia Fox walking for Alexander Wang goes against literally everything she stands for, and it’s annoying how she keeps supporting him.” Sydney Lee Carlson, influencer and founder of Wildflower cases, was another choice that sparked backflash amongst fans, due to her failure to stand with the victims, and instead discrediting their allegations for her 5 minutes of fame.