FROM RUNWAY TO RECEPTION

Colleen Richmond • September 2, 2025

How Christian Siriano Transformed Delamar Westport Into a Couture-Inspired Retreat 

When you step through the doors of Delamar Westport, you’re not simply entering a hotel—you're stepping into a living expression of Christian Siriano’s couture imagination. Known worldwide for dressing red carpets and runways, Siriano has turned his discerning eye to interiors, crafting a space that fuses fashion, artistry, and a touch of theatricality.



“I thought, what if a couture dress became a room?” Siriano says, reflecting on the project. That single question ignited a design journey that transformed the Westport property into a place where elegance and approachability coexist, and every detail feels meticulously considered.


Fashion, Siriano explains, has always been the heartbeat of his creative life. For Westport, he drew on the same principles that make his gowns so coveted: drama, sculptural form, and texture. “Whether it’s a gown or a gorgeous lobby, I want people to feel fabulous the moment they arrive,” he shares. That philosophy comes to life in rich upholstery, unexpected pops of color, and furnishings that seem to have been draped into place rather than arranged. The result is a lobby that feels like an unveiling—one part gallery, one part stage set.


A centerpiece of this vision is the Siriano sketch wall, an installation that offers guests a glimpse into his creative process. “A sketch is where the magic begins—it’s raw and emotional,” he says. “It captures the energy of a whole collection in just a few lines.” The wall doesn’t simply decorate; it narrates. Guests often find themselves lingering here, taking photos against a backdrop that feels both intimate and iconic.


While Siriano’s aesthetic is distinctly global, his commitment to community is equally powerful. Working closely with Connecticut-based artisans, he ensured that the project was grounded in local craftsmanship and spirit. Longtime collaborators Kostas Upholstery brought couture-level detail to nearly every piece in the lobby. “Their craftsmanship is honestly incredible,” Siriano says. “They just get it—the shape, the structure, the care.”


Art by Connecticut’s Lisa Bagley and David Stephen Johnson adds a modern, emotional dimension to the space. Each piece was chosen not merely for its beauty but for its ability to make guests feel something lasting. “Everyone we brought in had a personal connection to the work,” Siriano says. “I think that heart is what gives the space its soul.”


Westport’s artistic heritage was a profound influence. “You feel the creative energy here the moment you arrive,” Siriano reflects. From writers and painters to performers and designers, generations of artists have called this town home. “I didn’t want to recreate history,” he explains. “I wanted to channel it in a fresh, modern way.” The result is a blend of layered textures, sculptural furniture, and art that feels both curated and alive—spaces designed to inspire, whether you’re settling in with a novel or sketching your next big idea.


Siriano’s signature style reaches its fullest expression in the Siriano Suites—three distinct spaces that feel like stepping into the pages of a glossy editorial spread. The Presidential Suite is serene yet sophisticated, with a palette of pale neutrals, layered fabrics, and sculptural furnishings that create a cocoon of calm. “It feels like a modern artist’s retreat,” Siriano notes. “Fresh, elegant, and a little dreamy.”


The two signature suites are more dramatic, blending unexpected color palettes with custom furnishings that evoke the energy of a runway collection. “Every room was designed to inspire and indulge,” Siriano says. “Like a couture fitting—but with room service.”


Throughout, texture is paramount: plush bouclé, sleek brass accents, lacquered woods, and matte ceramics interplay to create a tactile narrative. “When you walk into a space, you shouldn’t just see the luxury—you should feel it,” Siriano emphasizes.


For Siriano, the mark of a successful space is its ability to spark conversation and create comfort in equal measure. “It’s about the push and pull between drama and intimacy,” he says. Rich, warm materials invite guests to linger, while sculptural silhouettes and focused lighting create moments of visual intrigue. “It’s like dressing someone for the red carpet,” he explains. “You want them to feel amazing and at ease, but you also want all eyes on them.”


A key consideration was versatility. From seasonal changes to private events, the design needed to adapt gracefully without losing its identity. “We treated it like a classic black dress,” Siriano says. “The core silhouette is timeless, and you can reinvent it endlessly with new accessories.” Foundational pieces were chosen for their enduring elegance, while textiles and decorative accents can be refreshed to keep the space feeling current.


Even with Siriano’s clear vision, the project had its share of surprises. Proportions had to be adapted, budgets balanced, and timelines met. But as in fashion, limitations often became opportunities. “Sometimes the best ideas happen because you have to get inventive,” he says. “Those constraints push you to think differently, and that’s when you create something truly special.”


In the end, Siriano’s design for Delamar Westport is more than a beautiful setting—it’s a testament to the idea that a hotel can feel as transformative as slipping into a perfect gown. It’s a place where luxury is layered, personal, and never out of reach—a living reflection of Westport’s creative spirit, tailored with a couture touch.

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