Istvan Francer, design director at Theory since 2005, attended the AMfar fundraiser for HIV research at Bloomingdales NYC this week.  iFashionnetwork’s Jen Weaver snuck in a quick Q and A session with the clairvoyant designer.

What inspired your current collection?

The Sixties.  What was happening fifty years ago – clean lines, metal buttons.   Menswear had tight tailoring, double-breasted coats, strong lapels, fitted jackets, high waisted pants.  Color – print fabrication.  I like to mix it all up to create my own point of view.

What is the most unusual space you’ve seen your designs for Theory worn?

There was a sheik London woman at a department store wearing a big, well-designed coat.  She was beautiful.  Everything under the coat was Theory.  With the right accessories, the right shoes, the Theory line can be quite expansive.

What music did you listen to while designing this collection?

I listened to everything – from classical to Lady Gaga.  A lot of Liszt in my Rhapsody, Bach concertos, baroque music, Beethoven, violins, romance,

Are there any particular trends you would like to see reborn?

I am excited to see the 80s revival go.  I would like to see the 70s.  That was when I was really young and began having an interest in fashion.  It’s all [a matter of] coming back and working with it again.