It’s been nearly three years since Alexander Wang became the focus of 11 sexual assault allegations- and has been deafeningly quiet since. While Wang’s first runway show since the controversy took place in Los Angeles’ Chinatown last year, the designer’s Pre-Fall and Fall 2023 presentation, titled Cupid’s Door, occurred on February 8th in Chinatown, NYC.

While Wang released a statement in 2021 disagreeing with some of the accusers’ particularities, he originally brushed off the allegations, calling them “baseless.” Both the allegations and the initial post-controversy runway show sent the internet into a frenzy, with online users, fashion lovers, and previous supporters rightfully demoting the designer to canceled status. The fashion industry’s mere slap on the wrist for Wang sparked a broader conversation about whether cancel culture truly exists in the fashion community- and how it should be enforced.

Almost three years later, Wang created a Pre-Fall and Fall 2023 presentation composed of both womenswear and menswear. Unveiled to over 150 famous faces, including Sydney Sweeney and Julia Fox who walked the runway, Wang attempts to bandage his reputation with a love-inspired collection.

Available in May 2023, Cupid’s Door uses fashion to challenge common power dynamics. Composed of opposing elements such as rigid and soft, masculine and feminine, and bold and subtle, Wang plays with some of fashion’s most prevalent dichotomies. To kick off the show, striking faux fur coats bring all the drama to the Alexander Wang runway. While some coats were composed entirely of luxurious fluff, others had denim silhouettes with fur trim. Scattered throughout the traditionally feminine garments like silk slip dresses and lingerie were elements of masculinity, from overalls to oversized blazers. 

Just when you thought the show was over, menswear begins. Inspired by the sporty and braggadocious fashions of the ’90s, Alexander Wang blends feminine textures and masculine cuts. Snakeskin prints, oversized sweats, and oh so much skin dominate this portion of the show. 

The cherry on top of this ironic Love Day celebration came in the form of silk fringe. Incorporated into the evening wear silhouettes, fringe can be seen gliding along the floor and moving in tandem with the models’ bodies. Accessorizing many looks was the brand’s new Dome Bag and Destiny Platforms. 

The scene itself was just as spirited as the clothes. Inspired by both “romance and eroticism,” the 58-look collection was housed by a runway with a double-heart design, zebra print flooring, and pink drapes to enclose it all in.