Christian Siriano Debuts Collection, Wows Tim Gunn

NEW YORK — Christian Siriano means business.

Last season's "Project Runway" winner, who showed his debut collection Thursday _ one day before the reality program hosts its latest runway finale _ wants the fashion world to know he's not a flash in the pan.

"I just think there are so many reality shows that people become famous but they're not really famous for anything," Siriano said in a phone interview Monday while casting models. "At least people on 'Project Runway' are talented."

His namesake line, shown to an audience of the show's alums and judges, was indeed a remarkable achievement. Along with futuristic skinny pants and ruffled blouses, Siriano unveiled looks that are already his signature styles, like layers of chiffon circles.

But whereas his "Runway" collection was taken from Victorian styling, the 22-year-old designer said his inspiration this time came more organically, from nature.

The theme of a stormy night was repeated in dresses covered with layers of chiffon circles like groups of dark rain clouds. A one-shoulder mini dress made from diagonal tiers of gray and neon yellow chiffon strips looked like a rainy sky lit up with lightning bolts.

"There were a few dresses I thought were very beautiful," supermodel Heidi Klum said after the show.

"Project Runway" mentor Tim Gunn was also effusive in his praise for Siriano, whom he referred to last year as "Marc Jacobs for the next generation."

"I expected to be wowed," he said. "You know, in my own way I've been in this industry for a long time, and I'm a bit jaded, but I was blown away."

Still, Fern Mallis, who oversees New York Fashion Week, cautions against overconfidence in this flighty industry. "It's a bit early to be making those assumptions," she said of Gunn's comparison to Jacobs.

Siriano plans to expand his line in coming seasons, saying that the spring collection was limited by money and time spent on other projects that came his way post-"Runway." And he has advice to offer the designers currently competing for his title: You better work it.

"Really it should be about the work," he said. "Because after the show is over, you get thrown into the industry, you just have to have it all. It's really tough. Actually, it's killing me."

Comments

[Schnittke]

When I saw Christian in the title I thought perhaps HuffPo had finally learned to balance there topics and talk about issues of faith.

I should have known better. Anyway, who cares if this lady won some silly competition.

[JDJase]

awww you thought they were talking about Christianity? that's so cute. I guess you religious people really are stupid! thanks for the proof!

[Judyisacutie]

I'm religious and I am offended by that comment. Obviously the person was making a joke and might not even be religious. But your comment proves just how nasty some people in the liberal movement (of which I am a member) can be towards people of faith. Good job chasing spiritual would-be Obama supporters out of the fold. Maybe some liberals could learn a thing or two about tolerance as well.

[cheferic]

In the Style section? -look in the living section.

[Heavy]

Sorry, you didn't click on the "Reading for mor ons" thread. Keep looking.

[latsirk]

I love Project Runway and I am happy for Christian, It's nice to see someone so young with so much talent and drive. :)

[plein]

The success stories of Project Runway designers are very few. You have Emmett McCartney who has one of the biggest retail stores of any contestant. Laura Bennett whose QVC line sold at 4 am; sold out in minutes. Then , what a fluke! Ma

[plein]

The success stories of Project Runway designers are very few. You have Emmett McCartney who has one of the biggest retail stores of any contestant. Laura Bennett whose QVC line sold at 4 am; sold out in minutes. Then , what a fluke! Malan Breton, the only designer who after being cut from the second episode of season three, to have five consecutive showings at Mercedes Benz New York fashion week. Three of these shows under the tents of Bryant Park. Malan is also the only designer to have received two consecutive standing ovations at Bryant Park ever. Real success will come to Mr Siriano with time. He is very talented!

[bngood40]

Project Runway is an interesting show and it's difficult to believe that none of the dialogue or the behaviour is in the script. The contestants have such a short time to get their designs and fabric together to create "fashion"that I am amazed that they have anything to show after less than a day. I admit that some of the"creations' are not as vast as they are half-vast and many of the designs would work well in a Mardi Gras Parade with a few more strings of beads added but I try not to miss an episode of the show and love the way that the contestants diss each other and expose their true natures. Just remember it's easy to be an armchair judge when you don't know the pressure,anguish, and ecstacy of the people who put their heads on the chopping block for our entertainment and their success.

[RJII]

stupid article did not show any samples or a website.

[Jinxykb]

Does anyone have a link to the collection?

[Charity]

i enjoyed looking at his collection - i do think he has a good future ahead of him, and he was my pick when he was on project runway. i've missed most of this season due to lack of cable, so i was surprised that kenley was still there. i guess eventually i'll see it on reruns. who the stand-out at this point?

[FZliveson]

The king of ego...the great dufuss is ALL WET no matter if he is submerged
in gulf water. The ultimate klutz. God I loved seeing that.

[FZliveson]

Is that a little boy designer or a little girl designer?
Can't tell from the photograph
Sure looks self-indulged tho

[blondecuban]

Bitter apples. You must be one of the losers on the show.

[jadednotoverrated]

How do you know if this person was a contestant on the show or not? That's right, you don't nor do I, so what's with the false claim that "you must be one of the losers on the show"?

[Mysticalsister]

why are you commenting here if you don't know who he is?

[jadednotoverrated]

Why does it BOTHER YOU that FZliveson is commenting here if he/she doesn't know who Siriano is? Ever occur to you that not everyone is bowing down to the over-hyped greatness that is Christian Siriano? I guess not.

Yes, I know he had studied fashion design at the Baltimore High School for the Arts, went on to a college overseas and studied fashion design, and from there went on to work under Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. Obviously someone with those credentials already would've had his fashion collection. Not many manage to stoop to this level to get on a reality show and go on to win the grand prize just so they can start their collection. I think he has shown that he's got talent, I never said that he didn't have any talent at all.

[jubo]

useless.

[PollyTics]

What happened to all of the comments that were posted earlier today???

[begging4change]

I believe Christian is the first and only PR winner that has presented a collection at bryant park
after the show ended...what ever happened to jay, and whats-his-name?( the p r i c k from los angeles?? ) not much?

i cannot stand that fifties midwest girl on this season, was that 'avant garde' dress the worst or what?
seriously the most hidious i have EVER seen in my life.

[lisakaz2]

Nah, a few ppl have shown. I thought Jay was working on something. Actually, Malan Breton has shown at least once; I am more sure about him.

If you're referring to Kenley, she's thoroughly gotten on my nerves, too. I hated her Aquaius dress, and I am an Aquarius. I really liked Leann's and Jerrel's last time.

[wsblake]

I guess you're talking about Jeffrey ( from LA ? ) Like him or not his designs were good- he is very talented- as were Laura and Uli from that same year

[kb8240]

I'm pretty sure Kara Janx has shown several times.

[ewj1]

Finally a Project Runway winner who actually put together a line. Good news all but 3-4 pieces are wearable. Bad news is they will cost 5 times the price of comparable stuff. He should have been shooting for more ready-to-wear $80-200 range instead of the $400-1000 range.

[Steamboater]

Christian is truly fierce but he needs to add color to his designs. All that dark and gloom can get pretty tired regardless of the smart designs themselves. He's very young though and will learn. He's got a huge career in front of him.