Tahari goes for the glamour in spring collection

NEW YORK — What do ancient Egypt and the hourglass silhouettes of the early 20th century have in common?

Nothing, except that they both inspired Elie Tahari’s spring collection, a glammed-up version of his famous daytime wear that made use of longer lengths, lots of gold — think Cleopatra — and sexier accents like harem pants, transparent tops and feathered vests.

With friend Virginia Madsen, the actress, looking on and snapping pics from the front row, Tahari’s show started with an appealing pantsuit, the jacket coming down to the knees and creating a slender, flattering silhouette.

Soon the more glamorous elements appeared: Fluttering, transparent blouses, a bright gold metallic skirt, a fur vest. A long vest-jacket topped a crinkled chiffon skirt, a more whimsical approach to Tahari’s much-admired daywear.

For night, a gold metal tank dress seemed to hit the spot for many of Tahari’s fans, who snapped away with their cameras. And if you admired the sparkly gold, but felt a whole dress or top was too much, there were belts of the same material to add a discreet sparkle. High, strappy gold metallic sandals completed the effect.

As for the colors, Tahari explained backstage that they reminded him of ancient Egypt — neutrals, golds, burnt coral, cloudy blues, teal. (Of course there was black, too.) Cold-washed silks were meant to evoke the uneven texture of Egyptian clay tablets.

“But I also wanted to use those shapely hourglass silhouettes of the early 1900s,” he said.

“I think the women looked feminine and glamorous tonight, but also casual and sexy.”

Madsen had flown in from the Los Angeles set of her new movie, “Long Time Gone.”

“I love Tahari’s story, sort of one of success against all odds,” she said. “I identify with that, because it took me a long time to become successful, too. So we’re like-minded.”