As the curtains rise on Christian Siriano’s latest venture, a captivating blend of high fashion and mixology, we get an exclusive glimpse into the creative mind behind the upcoming cocktail-inspired collection with Bombay Sapphire Gin. Launching today, December 4, Siriano’s holiday couture capsule celebrates the spirit of the season, drawing inspiration from iconic gin cocktails and the art of hosting.
In an exclusive interview with GRAZIA USA, the renowned designer walks us through the fascinating journey of translating classic cocktails into chic, wearable art. The collection, comprising a martini-inspired clutch, a Gin & Tonic blouse, and a shimmering Collins blazer, embodies the essence of holiday festivities with a playful touch — with all proceeds from these items being donated to GLAAD, supporting their crucial work in advancing LGBTQ+ rights.
Partnering with Bombay Sapphire was a natural fit for Siriano, with the brand’s allure and the timeless elegance of gin serving as a wellspring of inspiration. The ‘Saw This, Made This’ campaign became the catalyst for this collaboration, inviting trailblazing creatives to reimagine cocktail culture through their artistic lens.
“A lot of people in my life already are big gin lovers, so I felt like I was already used to seeing people drink Bombay. And because Bombay has been around a long time and the bottle is beautiful and it has this idea of something that’s like luxe and romantic and gorgeous, it just wasn’t hard to be inspired by that,” Siriano explains, shedding light on the synergy between fashion and spirits.
Siriano highlights the unique aspects of each cocktail-inspired piece, describing the metallic blazer as “a play on masculinity and femininity” inspired by the Collins, and the martini clutch as “fun and playful.”
“I wanted all the pieces to feel kind of young and fresh and cool, and that you would actually wear to a dinner party,” Siriano explains, emphasizing the collection’s versatility, “especially if you are already drinking a martini or French 75.”
Beyond the threads and fabrics, Siriano sheds light on the cultural influences that seamlessly merge the worlds of fashion and mixology. Emphasizing the joy of hosting dinner parties with unique themes, he believes in the power of bringing people together, a sentiment perfectly encapsulated in the Bombay Sapphire collaboration.
“It’s really about what’s happening right now in our world. I definitely think it’s interesting for the younger generation to get together more and have dinners and host parties. And I would like to see that more,” says Siriano, reflecting on the cultural shift towards more intimate gatherings.
For those looking to elevate their holiday hosting game, Siriano shares some personal tips, emphasizing the importance of engaging all the senses. From scented candles to signature drinks, he encourages hosts to curate an immersive experience for their guests.
“I do think the drink should be a specialty because otherwise it kind of defeats the purpose of people wanting to come to your house and have a dinner party because they don’t want to go to a restaurant that night,” suggests Siriano, underscoring the importance of creating a distinctive theme and ambiance.
As for the future, Siriano muses about potential new party themes. The designer encourages individuals to have fun and “mix it up” — no pun intended. Siriano himself is considering a night dedicated to the Bombay Gin Collins, embracing the nostalgia of the ’60s with smoking jackets and a touch of old-school glamour.
With 15 years in the fashion industry, Siriano acknowledges that his style evolves annually, with his style evolution driven by the diverse individuals he dresses worldwide.
“It comes from the world culture. We dress so many different types of people now, from all over the world, and they’re all ages and sizes and genders; and that’s actually what’s really fueling my inspiration now,” Siriano shares about his ever-evolving design aesthetic.
The emotional response Siriano hopes to evoke with his latest collection is simple: to inspire people to look at fashion, cocktails, and the holidays in a new and creative way, opening up our minds to the unexpected.
As the holiday season unfolds, Christian Siriano’s cocktail-inspired capsule collection invites us to celebrate in style, merging the worlds of fashion and mixology with a touch of whimsy and a sip of sophistication.
So, here’s to raising a glass in couture cocktails and stepping into the season with Siriano’s signature blend of elegance and innovation. Cheers!
Bombay Sapphire Martini Clutch:
A chic, playful clutch inspired by the Bombay Martini, shaped like the iconic cocktail, and featuring subtle olive motifs — an elevated accessory for those seeking a touch of whimsy this holiday season.
Bombay Sapphire & Tonic Blouse:
A shimmering blouse with pearl-white buttons down the front, capturing the effervescence of the Bombay Gin & Tonic — a holiday classic form that can be tailored according to the occasion. Blue and white flowers around the collar serve as a stylish accoutrement, whose essence is also captured in the accompanying cocktail ice.
Bombay Sapphire Ultimate Collins Blazer:
A celebratory gold blazer with straight lines embodying the Bombay Ultimate Collins cocktail and its signature glass — sophistication with a festive touch, featuring a pop of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE’s signature blue color.
Shop the collection for yourself starting December 4 at christiansiriano.com.
