New York, NY – February 10, 2018: Model walks the runway at the Christian Siriano fashion show during New York Fashion Week at Grand Masonic Lodge (Photo: Lev Radin/Gildshire)
New York, NY – February 10, 2018: Larsen Thompson, Coco Rocha, Ioni James Conran, Laverne Cox, Whoopi Goldberg, Meg Ryan, Molly Shannon, Cardi B, Brad walsh, Jaimie Alexander attend Christian Siriano 10 years aniversary Autumn/Winter 2018 runway show at The Grand Masonic Lodge (Photo: Lev Radin/Gildshire)
It’s been a decade since Christian Siriano debuted at New York Fashion Week, and the designer took that achievement seriously. With 72 looks, Siriano wanted to showcase his beginnings in London in the fashion world, but also showcase on what’s new and what’s ahead. Opening with a bang, the audience was treated to faux-fur red coats worn with high boots that matched the shades of red. Ashley Graham walked first, as Siriano wanted to start the show with a curvy model. The faux fur then became an accessory in the form of bags and shawls over both black and red dresses. One unique look featured a red stole over black shorts and a beige-colored body suit emblazoned with cursive script. To top it off, the model wore a red hat.
The show featured an eyeful of textures and colors. In the notes, inspiration came from British art in the late 18th century. “Opulence” and “glamour” were a few of the words he wanted to invoke. This was apparent in the eye-catching, regal tulle ball gowns, headdresses, and capes. Even the more subdued designs, often in black, glittered and shone.
Throughout his career, Siriano has been “the” guy to go to if you are a plus-size woman looking for a gorgeous outfit. The 2018 show featured Danielle Brooks and Ashley Graham, both of whom are very active body-positive movement. At the most recent Golden Globes, Siriano dressed 10 actresses of all varying types, including Kyra Sedgwick and Christina Hendricks, who he says is one of his favorite actresses to dress. At the beginning of his career, the designer dressed women other designers wouldn’t, like Whoopi Goldberg. She was in the front row at this 2018 show, along with rising star Cardi B. Siriano’s mindset is that his customers are of all different sizes and shapes, so that should be reflected on the red carpet.
New York, NY – February 10, 2018: Model walks the runway at the Christian Siriano fashion show during New York Fashion Week at Grand Masonic Lodge (Photo: Lev Radin/Gildshire)
New York, NY – February 10, 2018: Model walks the runway at the Christian Siriano fashion show during New York Fashion Week at Grand Masonic Lodge (Photo: Lev Radin/Gildshire)
Siriano chose fashion at an early age during high school, having been designing clothes since he was only 13. After working as a freelance makeup artist and wedding-dress designer, he auditioned for “Project Runway.” He won the 4th season, and received a start-up fund of $100,000. He made his official debut in 2008 during NYFW, and launched his first store in 2012.
New York, NY – February 10, 2018: Model walks the runway at the Christian Siriano fashion show during New York Fashion Week at Grand Masonic Lodge (Photo: Lev Radin/Gildshire)
New York, NY – February 10, 2018: Model Ashley Graham walks the runway at the Christian Siriano fashion show during New York Fashion Week at Grand Masonic Lodge (Photo: Lev Radin/Gildshire)
You can see many Siriano creations on celebrities like Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, and Emily Blunt. In 2016, Leslie Jones described how she was unable to find a designer to dress her for the premiere of “Ghostbusters,” and Siriano offered to design one for her. That same year, Michelle Obama wore his royal-blue gown to the Democratic National Convention. At only 32 years old, Christian Siriano has a long and fruitful career ahead of him.
