NY Fashion week: Christian Siriano

While his critics claim that his fame is based solely on his success on Bravo’s hit TV series Project Runway, Christian Siriano’s Spring 2011 collection proved that he is so much more than a fan favorite. Siriano’s show kicked off NY fashion week with a collection filled with exotic prints, dramatic shapes, and compelling eveningwear. His collection is best described as a “glam safari”, inspired by the exotic cultures of Africa, India, and China. In typical Siriano fashion, many of his best pieces incorporate ruffles, embellishment, and asymmetrical hems. Stepping out of his comfort zone, Siriano made sure that he included more than just show-stopping gowns, which is another major criticism of the designer. Short cocktail dresses, tailored suits, and bold trousers were all created using attention-catching fabrics such as snakeskin and tweed. While these pieces certainly did the job of proving that this designer is more than a one hit wonder, they failed to introduce any new or innovative ideas to the fashion world. The audience was craving something revolutionary, but the silhouettes were things that we’ve all seen before. However, these looks should not take away from the captivating collection of evening gowns that truly stole the show. Siriano’s eveningwear has always been nothing short of magical, and this collection was no exception. His gowns, while different in color (ranging from sparkly buff to shocking red), all boasted a sea of tulle ruffles, whether they created a full skirt emerging from a fitted bodice or a concentrated layer spanning from one shoulder to the ground. Aside from the clothing, Siriano also proved that he has staying power in the fashion world with his shoes. He created four major styles (Shanghai, Mumbai, Nairobi, and Zanzi) that tied every individual look back to the collection’s ethnic and exotic inspiration. The shoes were all platform heels (sky high, of course), with wooden bases and intricately carved heels in different shapes. All in all, Siriano’s show was inspiring, glamorous, and high-drama.


By Ali Antonucci