NEW YORK (AP) – Designer Christian Siriano unveiled his latest collection at New York Fashion Week on Thursday, drawing inspiration from a shared love of cars with his father. The collection featured models dressed in shimmering gowns, characterized by sleek constructed lines that evoked elements of automobile design. The runway, adorned with rose beds and a striking red and black Toyota, served as a backdrop as fashion industry attendees captured the moments on their phones. Notable celebrities and friends of Siriano cheered his creative approach, which emphasized feminine and glamorous looks, breaking away from the traditionally masculinized image of cars.
Siriano expressed his admiration for cars, stating, “The lines of a car to me look like the lines of a corset.” This sentiment underpinned his playful design choices, which included fabrics shaped to mirror features of automobile aesthetics. Models strutted down the runway to pulsing techno beats, showcasing attire crafted from jersey fabric resembling oil slicks and adorned with embroidery mimicking tire tracks. Siriano posed a playful question, noting the duality of attraction to both a “sexy red car” and a “sexy red dress,” prompting a deeper exploration of their connection.
The collection showcased a bold contrast between masculine and feminine elements. Longtime model Coco Rocha was seen in a sophisticated black tuxedo blazer mini dress, complemented by a flowing red silk fabric down one leg—a striking match to the car parked within the space. Siriano's commitment to inclusivity was evident as models of various genders and sizes took to the catwalk, including male models who confidently wore glossy cropped jackets and wide-leg trousers, displaying their abs.
Among the attendees was singer Adam Lambert, who arrived just before the show, showcasing his own stylish ensemble featuring a dark brown long line blazer coat by Siriano. The star-studded front row enjoyed the spectacle, with actors like Katie Holmes, Julianne Hough, and Whoopi Goldberg cheering on their favorite designs. Actress Tiffany Haddish expressed her love for Siriano’s clothing, stating she feels beautiful in his creations, while Bravo celebrity Bronwyn Newport posed in a baby pink tulle dress from a previous show, calling this collection her favorite yet.
Transforming the Chelsea industrial space, Siriano infused the show with an all-red theme, from wall drapes to gift bags and a red carpet. He has established a reputation for creating memorable red carpet looks that champion body positivity and inclusivity. Laverne Cox shared her appreciation for Siriano’s supportive approach to design, reflecting on her own changing body and his continuous provision of stylish options. Siriano’s legacy of red carpet excellence includes dressing celebrities such as Billy Porter in a remarkable velvety tuxedo ball gown for the 2019 Oscars, further contributing to his acclaim within the fashion industry.
The show concluded dramatically, as the music transitioned to soft violin melodies while models presented evening gowns, including sheer abstract corseted designs, in front of the Toyota. Siriano aimed to support victims of the Los Angeles wildfires by donating proceeds from ticket sales and personal art sales to those affected, emphasizing the communal spirit of fashion and philanthropy. He noted, “We had people buy tickets that aren’t even attending, which was so wonderful. Nobody needs me to donate clothes.” The designer continues to influence the fashion world, combining artistry with social responsibility.
