American Classics

AT JASON WU. PHOTO BY ANNA BAUER

With classic American sportswear already swirling around as one of the heavy-hitter trends of the season, leave it to the patron saints of prep, Jason Wu and Band of Outsiders to illuminate, literally. Wu’s signature prim silhouette was loosened for the better this season, beginning with organza peek-a-boo blouses paired in manifold with high-waisted wide leg trousers and loose, floral skirts. There were plenty of collars, all buttoned high as well as the classic stripe crew neck but they were all completely sheer—naughty, but still just so… nice! Unfolding into multi-petal applique dresses and separates, the designer loosened on colour choices too, throwing cobalt, chartreuse and magenta into the mix. Easy breezy was the theme over at Band of Outsiders, where Scott Sternberg unveiled his newest women’s collection, Girl, shown alongside his assortment of Montauk-ready casual separates for men. The standout pieces, a series of ivory off kilter goddess style draped dresses evoked the trappings East Egg tennis match. The rest, punchy knits and loosely fitting tailored pieces were of course, perennial classics of the Sternberg we know and love with a little less cute. The clincher on this front being, of course, Alexander Wang—his tough girl had completely vanished in favor of an almost completely white collection. Old favorites, the utility vest, the cropped jacket and the cable knit, were still present, yet they were hit with such light and pastel purity that they were barely recognizable. Models (Aggyness! Karen! Omayhra!) looked as if to be doused with paint, from their coated white hair on down. What followed was a series of seriously loosened numbers, some featuring construction-worker style crossed back straps, some featuring childlike crossword puzzle etchings. The effect was light, light, light. If Wang says so, we’re feeling optimistic! LEFT: BAND OF OUTSDIERS