Christian Siriano s customer is the life of the party, whether she s attending a black-tie gala or a gossipy lunch. The designer made that notion very clear on Wednesday, when he hosted a Resort presentation-meets-cocktail fete at a friend s swank Soho loft. The models sure seemed as though they were enjoying themselves, decked out in the season s frothy, sherbet-colored gowns and separates.
Mid-century historian Peter Moruzzi s book Palm Springs Holiday was the starting point. "But I didn t want it to look old, even if it had a vintage feel," Siriano explained. He managed to strike a balance that felt inclusive, not alienating, through wide-leg satin trousers in sunny yellow, a monkey-floral print suit, and a stripy scarf gown that magically whittled in the waist. Along with his newly launched, just-retro-enough line of sunglasses, Siriano also introduced matching handbags and shoes, which will be developed further for Spring.
In person, the favorite look was a strapless gown with a fan-out pouf in the front: It was reminiscent of Peaches n Cream Barbie in the best possible way. Siriano s work is strongest when he ignores trends and simply designs clothes his clients will love to wear. He accomplished that this season.
