Starring and winning in the popular television series “Project Runway” in 2007 gave Christian Siriano, 38, newfound fame, and the designer has built upon that success with his eponymous luxury womenswear brand.
Siriano’s collections of elegant, and sometimes daring, evening wear have earned him accolades from the likes of
Michelle Obama,
Billy Porter, and Lady Gaga. One of his latest projects was cocktail attire in collaboration with the gin brand Bombay Sapphire. The three-piece collection includes a handbag resembling a gin martini, a gold blazer inspired by a Tom Collins cocktail, and a white shirt dress that’s a nod to a gin and tonic. The pieces debuted at New York Fashion Week in September.
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Siriano, who lives in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood, recently shared his favorite things with Penta.
I love designing for women because… I get joy in seeing them feel great and have confidence in themselves. Women are the most creative, daring and interesting in their fashion choices.
My work outfit of choice is… an all-black ensemble that includes pants—either a trouser or cargo—a T-shirt and maybe a blazer.
When I go out, I dress in… a more elevated version of what I wear to work. I might wear a statement jacket—something metallic or leather or something with interesting hardware like big zippers.
For a relaxed weekend at home, I like to wear… jeans and a vintage tee. I love vintage shirts that have logos of rock ’n’ roll bands such as Guns N’ Roses or Stevie Nicks.
My favorite designers include… Craig Green, a British designer who makes experimental menswear. I also like the classics, like Prada and Saint Laurent.
I get inspired for my designs by… everything from architecture to film to flowers. The world in general. Audrey Hepburn’s rose garden—how she dressed while she worked in the garden—inspired one of my collections, for example.
My ideal weekend involves… antiquing in Connecticut—Easton, Weston, Norwalk. Or being in my swimming pool at my house in Westport.
The design-forward hotels that I’m wowed by include… all the Proper hotels that Kelly Wearstler designed. The eclectic mix of vintage furniture, art and artifacts that she put together is very different from most hotels.
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When I’m not working, my hobbies include… making custom furniture and finding great art. Also antiquing.
My advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is… to be obsessed with your work. It needs to consume you.
I love living in New York because… you never know who you’re going to meet or what restaurant you’re going to stumble onto. One block is more exciting than an entire city could be.
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