Christian Siriano – Pre Spring/Summer 2016 Ready-To-Wear

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.