Christian Siriano Silk Chiffon Skirt
When it comes to bright colors and fun summer fashion- designer Christian Siriano certainly has the go-to pieces! For spring/summer 2012, he delighted us with a gorgeous collection of chartreuse and citrus orange. His flattering cuts and super-feminine (and flattering) styles are definitely on my summer wish list.
I absolutely love the Cropped Beachcomber Pants, the striped silk scarf, and am swooning over the long Silk Chiffon Skirt in chartreuse green. How fantastic would that be poolside with your favorite pair of summer wedges and an assortment of bangles?
I was so elated to have the opportunity for a Q&A with Christian Siriano thanks to Neiman Marcus and the fashion designer’s recent visit to Dallas and the Neiman Marcus NorthPark store!
INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTIAN SIRIANO:
N/S: Your spring/summer 2012 collection is a balance of neutrals, acid colors, and orange – what inspired this particular palette?
CS: The colors came from underwater coral reef and barnacles. I loved the idea that coral can grown at the bottom of the ocean in a dark place but still be electic and vibrant in color. I used citrus, chartreuse to build my story around sandy and oyster colored neutrals.
N/S: What are some of your favorite trends this season for spring and summer?
CS: I think vibrant color is a great trend. It’s not every season that you can see a woman in bright jackets on the way to work and I love that.
N/S:You presented several variations of long skirts in your recent spring collection- would you consider this a must-have piece for spring and summer?
CS: I think a long skirt is new and fresh for spring. I love that you can wear a long skirt with a t-shirt and it feels casual. I think most customers think long has to be for evening but if the fabrication is light with movement it can be a great piece to throw on for instant glamour without trying to hard.
N/S: What advice would you give to those slightly fearful of high waist pants and the long skirts so prevalent this spring and summer?
CS: It’s all about taking risk and trying new shapes each season. That’s what fashion is all about and I try to make the options wearable and flattering.
N/S: You are not afraid to experiment with texture! What do you think makes your gowns so unique and identifiable?
CS: I love texture. I think there are so many amazing eveningwear designs out there and what I try to do is to take risks and experiment whenever I can. I love fantasy evening because it is exciting and feels like a dream- so I hope that the gowns my team creates has that feeling.
Christian Siriano Cropped Beachcomber Pants
Christian Siriano Striped Silk Scarf
Christian Siriano Tortoise Box Clutch
Christian Siriano Organza Cocktail Dress with Tulip Skirt
N/S: Do you have a favorite look from you spring collection?
CS: I don’t have a favorite, but I did love our white paper bag pants and our oyster tulle overlay gown.
N/S: When designing your collections, do you ever find it difficult to keep the cuts, styles, and colors unified?
CS: I think inspiration is important, but also it’s important to be creative and have an imagination, so I think that helps the most. I don’t force myself to make something to be part of a certain collection. If it doesn’t work, I get rid of it. And, there’s always next season! I think that is the key- to try and not overdo it each season with ideas and focus on what I’m feeling right now at the moment.
N/S: What upcoming trips are you looking forward to most?
CS: I love going to Paris and London! I go twice a year and it’s always inspiring. I think the people are so interesting and I love how they experiment with fashion in different ways from the US.
Thanks, Christian! N/S is definitely inspired by your bright, warm, & fresh summer palette!
Christian Siriano and models
