Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant celebrated the launch of her book, The Fashion File last night, chatting about leading-lady style while she signed copies of the how-to guide written with style writer Monica Corcoran Harel.
Looking every bit the leading lady—a key tenet of the advice outlined in The Fashion File—Bryant bopped about chatting with guests at the Griffin Hotel (a lovely addition to the Gansevoort axis, we should add). "I'm wearing Dennis Basso tonight. Isn't it great? I love, love lace," said Bryant, gamely twirling around to show off the chiffon-and-lace frock's drop-waist ruffle skirt and unexpected, daringly low sweetheart neckline.
The friendly style primer comes with a foreword by Mad Men star January Jones, who talks about her bond with Bryant over fashion and fittings for her character, the impeccably-coiffed Betty Draper. Christina Hendricks, aka powerful bombshell Joan Holloway weighs in as well, offering her two cents on on style inspiration, while Elisabeth Moss, who plays the plain, perpetually-clad-in-mustard Peggy Olsen, muses on color therapy.
The book, available in stores now, comes full of tips on creating a killer wardrobe, regardless of whether you're a Betty or a Joan, however we asked Bryant to reveal the most important takeaway. "My number one piece of advice is to embrace your inner leading lady and develop your own personal style."
So what's inspiring Bryant's own leading lady? "I've been feeling so romantic lately--it's probably due to my incredible boyfriend!"
