Inside New York Fashion Week: Christian Siriano

Christian Siriano Fall 2010: Classic and Timeless

 Written By: Hunt Ethridge 

At 21, this fierce little bird-of-paradise sure seems to have a maturity and eye that other designers could only wish for.  Truly, being at one of Christian Siriano’s shows makes one feel like a rockstar, part of something only fantasized about.  Hundreds of people were queued up hoping to catch a glimpse of the genius that caused Tim Gunn to quote, "I really believe he is his generation's Marc Jacobs. I really do.”  Lofty praise indeed.   Taking our seats, which were right at the end where the models would stop, we looked around.  Most of the cameras were clustered around Mena Suvari and Amber Rose who were seated front row.  Also in attendance was Kristin Johnston of “3^rd Rock” fame giving interviews, Veronica Webb, Leigh Lezark, Caridee English (from “Top Model”) Cocoa and Breezy, and Kat Deluna.  There was definitely a buzz in the air and everyone was excited.  After all, this was only the second day of Fashion Week, so people still had lots of energy.   

Finally we were ready to go. 

The lights dimmed….then suddenly came back up in a swath of blue as the first model hit the stage.  He started out strong with a badass zip-up black leather jacket.  The first 7 or 8 looks consisted of outer wear in blacks, grays and whites which you’d expect for fall, but there were some great chevron patterns that really popped on the outfits.  I do have to say that I was expecting a little more, well….fierceness from him as per his coming out party on “Project Runway,” but similar to last season, he seems to have found a good balance of restraint.  Next, a parade of dresses flounced down the runway.  I use that word purposefully because in this collection, he seemed enamored by flounce, as many of the garments were full and spirited.  It was all used tastefully and I liked it as it gave some movement and fun to the outfits.  Even the shoes (designed by him also) had flounce on the sides!  And if they didn’t, they had metal webbing in between the heel and sole, which was VERY cool. 

I noticed a lot of sheer fabrics used beautifully with organzas and chiffons.  There were also a lot of metallic fabrics that glittered and pulsed down the catwalk.  Two-thirds of the way through his 36 looks, the blacks and grays changed to some gorgeous royal blues.  There was a beautiful crocodile jacket followed soon after followed by a silk royal leopard print jacket and trouser set.  Adding to outfits were fantastic bedazzled sunglasses designed by Karin Rose, whose eyewear can be seen on Rhianna in Jay-Z’s “Run This Town” video.  Sparkly, sexy and chic, these really added to the rockstar vibe.  His last 7 looks really got after the colors!  Fuchia, wine, slate, navy and royal were all on displays for his gowns and evening dresses.  As his piece-de-résistance, Sesilee Lopez, a long-time model for Christian, drew gasps and excited mummers when she turned the corner in a stunning fuchsia organza gown with scalloped tulle.  Not to mention the six feet of train following behind!