Christian Siriano kept it close to home for inspiration in his resort collection, enlisting his friend, “RuPaul's Drag Race” star Gottmik, as a muse and model. “I've been watching 'Drag Race' and Mik is so inspiring and incredible,” said Siriano of the drag artist, who is a fashion “look queen” on the show with runway shows (several in the currently airing season ). stars, which fans have considered iconic.
Last season, Siriano discussed ballet, a theme that continued with tulle accents and shapes, but overlaid with a dark gothic elegance. Most of the looks were black, something unexpected for the designer, but a way to help highlight his whimsical construction details, seen in sheer black tulle over boning on a bodice and a sheer-paneled ballroom skirt. “I feel like I wanted it to be moody,” he said of the onyx shade. “But I still want it to be romantic and very old Hollywood.”
The grandeur was clear with their variety of eye-catching dresses and event dresses; a cascading tulle wrap dress with a black bodice exposed the body and there was a wide sandy brown cuffed high waisted pant with another black tulle ruffled corset. Each one was sensual, glamorous (even a little restrained for Siriano) and felt fresh.
Mik is known to wear white face paint when in drag, but Siriano chose the glamorous goddess. “We made this makeup more beautiful,” she said. “To really show that a performer like a drag queen can also be really elegant and beautiful.”
She rounded out the collection with some over-the-top and boisterous color options, her trademark. A strapless dress had a huge skirt and rosettes on the bodice with an iridescent purple laminated taffeta. “It's so fun and beautiful and I can't wait to do more. [with the fabric],” he said.
Syriano knows his client wants to make a statement and he can't help but please him.
