Chris Aire's Vintage Flair

By Jennifer Heebner, Senior Editor -- JCK Online, 11/1/2005 2:00:00 AM

“Chris Aire Puts on Aires” pumped up the volume in the New York Public Library during New York's Fashion Week. Models showed off pieces from the 2006 collection, which took inspiration from some classic eras: Influences from the 1920s to the 1940s were evident in pieces such as a flapper-style hat made entirely of red gold, and in freshly styled necklaces reminiscent of art nouveau–era tiaras.

New items included ropes and lariats of diamonds and Tahitian pearls, some elegantly draped down the backs of asparagus-thin models, others double-wrapped around slender necks. Oversize earrings were abundant in hoop, stiletto, and disk form, while necklines were frequently layered—most often with strands of diamonds in varying lengths. Floral motifs were consistent throughout the collection.

Men wore big diamonds, too: opera necklaces or cross pendants on the neck, watches on the wrist, even the occasional big cuff bracelet. Aire's outsize interpretation of the lapel pin glittered brightly, in keeping with the rest of his collection—and guests. Models Tyson Beckfordand May Anderson walked the runway, rapper Mos Def and hip-hop violinist Miri Ben-Ari performed, and actresses Regina Kingand Selma Blair and the Boston Celtics' Gary Payton and the New York Giants' Derrick Ward added more celebrity power to the evening.