For the Balenciaga Resort 2016 collection, Alexander Wang went with a deft riff on couture concepts with something light, airy and very beautiful. Real-world ease is something he’s excelled at with his signature brand. It read as a warmer-weather, lighter-in-spirit extension of his Fall show, which explored the mid-century shapes of Cristóbal Balenciaga.

In the tight capsule presented to the press, Wang showed a pair of exquisite sculpted, full-skirted dresses — one in white with a tufted cotton bustier and multitexture skirt, the other a delicate assemblage of pink, black and white inspired by the boned lingerie of yore. The collection radiated fresh, young appeal as Wang offered a counterpoint with an homage to the beach by reintroducing swimwear. Otherwise, one look referenced a casually wrapped terry towel; actually a dress, impeccably cut, draped and slit to there for maximum provocation.