Christian Siriano debuted his latest collection at New York Fashion Week, drawing inspiration from his father and their mutual love for cars. The models showcased the designs in elegant gowns with sophisticated lines. The runway was adorned with rose beds and a striking red and black Toyota, providing a unique backdrop for the show.
Siriano aimed to break stereotypes by infusing his collection with feminine and glamorous elements rather than traditional masculinity associated with cars. The audience, filled with industry insiders and celebrity guests, captured every moment on their phones while applauding the designer’s innovative creations.
“The lines of a car to me look like the lines of a corset,” Siriano said.
Sexy red car or sexy red dress?
The designer showcased his creativity by incorporating car-inspired details into the fabrics. From jersey materials resembling oil slicks to intricate embroidery mimicking tire tracks, each piece reflected Siriano’s inventive approach. Even the bell bottoms featured patterns reminiscent of tire leather, adding a whimsical yet sophisticated touch to the collection.
“I was like, who doesn’t love that iconic, sexy red car?” he said. “But who doesn’t love that iconic, sexy red dress? And how do they kind of go together?”
Feminine or masculine
In a contrast between masculine and feminine, longtime Siriano model Coco Rocha posed in a black tuxedo blazer mini dress draped with a red silky fabric down one of her legs. The dress colors perfectly matched the Toyota parked inside. In true Siriano fashion, models of all sizes and genders walked the catwalk.
Male models walked the runway baring their abs under glossy cropped jackets and wide leg pants.
Singer Adam Lambert arrived just before the show began wearing Siriano’s dark brown long line blazer coat.
Starry guestlist
In the front row, actors and celebrities cheered for their favorite looks throughout the show. Actor Katie Holmes sat between Julianne Hough and Whoopi Goldberg. Actress Tiffany Haddish said she feels beautiful in all of Siriano’s clothes.
Bravo celebrity Bronwyn Newport posed for pictures in her baby pink tulle dress from Siriano’s last runway show. “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star said as Siriano’s close friend she thought it was his best show yet.
“I wanted every look,” she said.
Red carpet red
Siriano transformed the Chelsea industrial space for his New York Fashion Week show — filling the room with red from red draped walls, red gift bags and a red carpet. Siriano is no stranger to the red carpet. The designer has made a name for himself transforming red carpet looks by embracing body positivity and inclusivity.
“Over the years, as my body has changed, Christian has always been supportive and had something fabulous for me to wear,” Laverne Cox told The Associated Press. “Like he has such a diverse range as a designer.”
Siriano famously dressed actor Billy Porter in a velvety tuxedo ball gown for the 2019 Oscars. He even published a recent book on the topic titled “Christian Siriano: The New Red Carpet.”
Bringing the drama to his runway red carpet, a change of music to violin and melodies closed out the show with models posing in evening dresses. In see-through abstract corseted gowns, four models stopped in front of the Toyota to pose before confidently walking down the runway.
Giving back to Los Angeles
Wanting to do his part to help those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, Siriano said he raised money by selling his own paintings and donating money from ticket sales to his New York Fashion Week show to the cause.
“We had people buy tickets that aren’t even attending, which was so wonderful,” he said. “Nobody needs me to donate clothes.”
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Associated Press Writer Brooke Lefferts contributed to this report.
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