Alexander Wang Now CEO of Eponymous Label
Alexander Wang Now CEO of Eponymous Label
Earlier this week it was announced that designer Alexander Wang will be taking on the position of CEO and Chairman of his eponymous label, in addition to his current role of Creative Director. Previously, his sister-in-law Aimee Wang held the position of CEO, while his mother Ying Wang acted as Chairman. These two will remain a part of the company as shareholders and chairmen. In addition to these changes, Mr. Wang’s aunt Caroline Wang has taken the position of executive vice chairman, after a 30 year career at IBM; and Mary Wang, who is not a relative, has taken on the role of executive vice president. Mary Wang offers 20 years of experience at Donna Karan new York, including time as the president therein, and will oversee global operations.
“My family and I have been preparing for this shift all along and after 11 years, all family members feel the time is right,” the designer told WWD on Tuesday. “The family are still board members and give their full support. In addition, executives will gradually be added to the company’s senior management team to support continued growth.”
“The business side has always come naturally to me,” Mr. Wang further explained to WWD earlier this week. “With my full-time return to New York, I want to focus on my brand’s strategic growth. Now is the right time to fully synchronize the creative and business aspects of the company and to continue strengthening the dialog we have with our customers. It has always been my goal to create brand value, and to be a brand with integrity and purpose.” This same month last year, Mr. Wang left his role as creative director at Balenciaga after three years, to focus more intently on his own label.
In light of these changes, many coming into fruition after reportedly years of planning, one must suspect appreciable developments from the company in the coming months and years. In an interview with Alino Cho at the Metropolitan Museum of Art last month, Mr. Wang in one moment discussed an idol of his, Ralph Lauren. “He really paved the way — he’s created a lifestyle that doesn’t need a logo to solidify it,” Wang told Cho. “He sells very democratically, which I respect; he’s created these incredible experiences when you walk into his stores, and its consistent.” Perhaps following in Mr. Lauren’s footsteps, Wang has created another great American fashion house, a family dynasty in the making.
Alexander Wang Now CEO of Eponymous Label
