Quinta Brunson looked like a modern-day Audrey Hepburn for her arrival at the fall 2023 Christian Siriano show, which kicked off New York Fashion Week on Thursday, Feb. 9, at Gotham Hall. The character she portrayed was no accident; Siriano's new collection was inspired by Hepburn's 1993 miniseries "Gardens of the World," but the aesthetic was updated with a modern twist. Take the "Abbott Elementary" creator and star's black midi dress, for example, which was truly more edgy than glamorous, what with its sharp V-shaped plunge held together by a thin, glistening thread. Brunson teamed it with pointed-toe pumps, sparkling diamonds, and pearls, plus one particular eye-catching flower ring that reflected the scenery: varying tones of magenta roses that engulfed the runway and held an air of mystery.
"There are so many cool women that can wear my clothes, which is why I love what I do."
The 33-year-old actress played to the vibe with structural, incognito sunglasses and a top hat positioned on a slant over her sleek lob, plus a glossy nude lip and matching spiked manicure. Fans may recall that Brunson wore Siriano to the 2023 Golden Globes last month, although that gown told an entirely different story, boasting '80s-prom details like voluminous tulle and pops of pink.
Brunson isn't the only celebrity devotee of Siriano's eveningwear; she sat front row with Lindsay Lohan, Julia Stiles, Leigh Lezark, and Rosamund Pike, to name a few, all of whom sported various colorways shown on the catwalk.
The new silhouettes seemed to bloom as the lineup progressed, starting with abstract prints and shapes with cutouts or dramatic slits (some models wore no pants, just tights, to keep the focus on the architectural details of a top), then venturing into textural masterpieces - gowns that doubled as art formations and featured floor-sweeping trains in either heavy satin or layers of mounted tulle. "It's like they're growing into something," Siriano told POPSUGAR just before the show.
And although these dresses may feel more appropriate for the Gagas or Cardi Bs of the world on the red carpet, Siriano is fully willing to create modest tailoring. He just dressed Vice President Kamala Harris for the State of the Union in a beautiful cranberry pantsuit, which he talked about excitedly backstage.
Ahead, find out how Brunson chose her front-row outfit, then read Siriano's full interview with POPSUGAR as you check out some of the key looks from his fall 2023 collection - including the diamond jewels, which were crafted with the intention to "drip" off the wearer and evoke Hepburn's signature allure.