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Fashion designer Tony Wang is a San Francisco transplant that crashed onto the Philadelphia scene while studying here at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School.
Wang began designing when just a junior in high school and is self-taught. Regardless of his non-technical background, he is creative and forward thinking with self-proclaimed "fluid" designs. Wang lives on the edgier side of style and is set to make his mark on the world of fashion. He’s already doing it here in Philly.
I had the opportunity to get some insight into this creative mind by chatting with Tony on his personal story, his collection and where he likes to shop.
When and how did you first start designing?
I started designing my junior year of high school when I was suddenly inspired to draw clothing after a visit to New York. I wanted to make my pieces a reality, so I learned how to create design specifications through self-study. I spent my free time my senior year of high school finding lecture slides and guides online from design schools and self-studying them.
Who are some your favorite designers?
There are so many designers I really love. I really loved the dark, geometric look that Hungarian designer Dora Mojzes had in her original collection. I love how Alexander Wang can create sleek looks for everyday wear. I admire Marc Jacobs’ willingness to cross lines with his menswear (and still get away with it!). I definitely have to think I’m currently going gaga (horrible pun) over Alexander McQueen. I love his fantastical vision.
What’s the biggest trend right now?
For me, it’s androgyny. While most people pinpoint it with the boyfriend blazer, I see a larger movement on the whole as designers try to blur the lines of form and style between genders to create new styles. And I love it!
Where do you shop in Center City Philly?
Oh my, this is a bad question. I try to avoid shopping as much as possible because I know if I go shopping, I won’t have enough money for supplies, food, and rent. But I always pay a visit to Zara and H&M (not ashamed to say it) and then to boutiques in Olde City. Honestly though, I don’t like shopping in any particular store, so I have a policy of visiting at least one new store every time I go shopping. I like to always be on the prowl. I’ve wanted to check out Omoi for a while, but never get a chance to. My favorite store, Ben Sherman, is unfortunately not in Philly so I always make sure to stock up when I’m back in San Francisco.
What’s at the top of your holiday wish list?
A nice digital camera would be great. I’ve wanted to do more impromptu photo shoots, capturing people who are stylish on the street, and taking more pictures of what I’m wearing. That would be great.
What are the details of your latest collection?
I created my first collection when I was in high school. While I think it’s a solid first collection for a high schooler, it’s been 3 years since then. My style and skills as a designer have vastly matured. I want to create a new collection that showcases my real design style. It will blow away my first collection. It will be collections of Fall/Winter wear for men and women with a focus on outerwear. Waves, tree roots, black crowns, and armor inspire the collection. To say the least, it will have darker elements to it than my previous collection.
Where can Tony Wang designs be purchased?
They can be purchased online at my website www.welovetonywang.com. Or at Matthew Izzo, which is located at 151 North 3rd Street Philadelphia. I hope to have my clothing carried at more locations so be sure to friend me here on Facebook or follow me on Twitter at thetonywang!
Wang was generous enough to share some sketches [“sketches I’ve been playing with that may or may not be in the final collection”] of outerwear he is working on for Fall/Winter 2010. Visit his web site - WeLoveTonyWang.com - for a visual story on his latest fashions and to find out what’s coming up.
Oh, and why not surprise a guy [or girl] in your life with a fab Tony Wang hand painted super skinny tie!!? It’s a fresh, cool twist on a traditional holiday gift.
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