NEW YORK — Fashion designer Christian Siriano unveiled his latest collection at New York Fashion Week on Thursday, drawing inspiration from his shared passion for automobiles with his father. The runway was adorned with charming rose beds and showcased a vibrant red and black Toyota, captivating the audience, including Siriano’s celebrity friends who cheered and documented the spectacle. Siriano noted that he aimed to distance himself from the traditional male-centric portrayal of cars, opting instead for a collection that celebrated femininity and glamour.
“The lines of a car remind me of the form of a corset,” Siriano remarked, highlighting the fluidity between the two designs. His collection playfully melded car aesthetic with fashion, featuring models adorned in fabrics mimicking oil slicks, tire track-inspired embroidery, and bell-bottoms that resembled tire leather. He expressed a light-hearted comparison, asking, “Who doesn’t adore that iconic, sexy red car? But similarly, who can resist the allure of that stunning red dress? How can these elements harmonize?”
The collection made for striking juxtapositions of masculine and feminine influences. Notable model Coco Rocha took to the runway in a black tuxedo blazer mini dress, with a luxurious red satin cascade draping down one leg, echoing the colors of the showcased Toyota. In a nod to inclusivity, models of various shapes and genders graced the runway, including male models flaunting their toned physiques beneath glossy cropped jackets paired with wide-leg trousers.
Before the show commenced, singer Adam Lambert was spotted arriving in a chic dark brown long coat from Siriano. The front row buzzed with excitement, filled with actors and well-known personalities such as Katie Holmes, Julianne Hough, and Whoopi Goldberg. Tiffany Haddish praised Siriano, expressing that his designs made her feel beautiful.
Bravo star Bronwyn Newport, wearing a baby pink tulle creation from a previous collection, captured the moment with photos. As Siriano’s close confidante, she declared it to be his best show to date, exclaiming, “I wanted every look!”
The Chelsea venue transformed into a sea of red for Siriano’s fashion presentation, featuring crimson draped walls, gift bags, and a striking red carpet. Renowned for his ability to elevate red carpet appearances, Siriano has become a champion of body positivity and inclusivity. Laverne Cox shared her gratitude, stating, “Christian has always supported me as my body has changed, providing fabulous options that celebrate diversity.”
The designer is also celebrated for dressing actor Billy Porter in an extravagant velvety tuxedo gown at the 2019 Oscars and has authored “Christian Siriano: The New Red Carpet,” where he reflects on his journey in fashion. The runway show concluded dramatically, as the music transitioned to elegant violin melodies, showcasing evening gowns, including transparent abstract corseted designs. Four models strikingly posed in front of the Toyota before gracefully walking the runway.
In a charitable spirit, Siriano announced his efforts to support victims of the Los Angeles wildfires. By selling his artwork and donating proceeds from ticket sales to his fashion event, he managed to raise awareness and funds for the cause. “We had attendees buy tickets even if they weren’t coming, which was heartwarming,” he shared. “Nobody requires donations of clothes from me right now.”
