NEW YORK (AP) — With Janet Jackson resplendent in a black pantsuit in her front row and oversized hats on many of her models, Christian Siriano kicked off New York Fashion Week at Elizabeth Taylor’s former home, presenting sexy looks and tight on Wednesday. to combine with his characteristic gala dresses.
He took inspiration from Taylor, of course, for an Old Hollywood-infused show, but he told The Associated Press that a host of stylish icons were also muses: Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Bianca Jagger and Judy Garland among them.
“I was watching the girls rehearse and I thought, oh my gosh, imagine Elizabeth Taylor in heels walking up these marble steps. How fabulous. It’s great to be here,” said Siriano.
Taylor lived in the six-story French Renaissance-style row house now nestled between office buildings in Midtown for several years in the 1950s during his Michael Todd era. Now it is an art space.
Siriano’s collection fits perfectly between the long spiral staircases that run through his models. It was a little bit of everything as he adjusted his business model to a more timeless approach. It’s what his luxury customers want, he said.
Ultra wide brim hats stole the show in black, royal blue and bright red. There was plenty of sparkle and an asymmetrical ensemble of huge flared sleeves with tiered ruffles on a high neck evening gown in white. One sleeve started at the shoulder and the other at the elbow.
Among her signature tops was a baby blue dress for the skirt paired with a sparkly black spaghetti strap top with a cinched waist and matching long black gloves. A riot of ruffles adorned one long-sleeved gold dress and she put narrow stripes of gold and black on another.
“This show is really about going back to glamour,” said Siriano. “I really wanted that. My clients are really looking for that, especially now. They were trapped for so long. It’s like, what can I wear that’s the most extravagant and fabulous?
Siriano was among a handful of designers who didn’t give up on runway shows during the darkest months of the pandemic.
She’s dressed them all, building a solid A-list fan base, from Jackson herself (she yelled it on Instagram) to Cardi B, Lizzo, Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama.
“I’ve wanted to dress Janet my whole life,” said Siriano. “She was everything she wanted to grow up with. She was.
When he told his mother, who regularly attends his shows, that Jackson was going to be his guest, she responded, “Wow, that’s it. I don’t even have to come.
So what’s a designer to do when they’ve made their way through their wish list?
“Janet and Madonna were big on my wish list and I was able to do a few things for them,” said Siriano. “Now I am very excited with all the new stars in Hollywood. I’ve just dressed Sydney Sweeney a couple of times and I think she’s the most amazing actress of all time.”
She’s fitting for Monday’s Emmy Awards, but she didn’t say exactly who she’ll be dressing. He provided a tidbit: nominee Laura Linney for sure.
“It’s a good list,” said Siriano, “but I can never tell until I see them on the carpet.”
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Source: apnews.com