Until February 10th, I never thought I would see Cardi B and Meg Ryan in the same general vicinity as Laverne Cox, Molly Shannon and Whoopi Goldberg. However, there they all were, sitting in the esteemed first rows of Christian Siriano’s 10th anniversary show. Together, the unlikely troupe of celebrities and I (though very, very far away from them) watched as Ashley Greene, Danielle Brooks and Candice Huffine strutted in Siriano’s over-the-top gowns.
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10th: (L-R) Ioni James Conran, Coco Rocha, Laverne Cox, Whoopi Goldberg, Meg Ryan, Molly Shannon, Cardi B, Brad Walsh, Jaimie Alexander, Sarah Rafferty, Nastia Liukin and Patricia Field attend the Christian Siriano fashion show during New York Fashion Week at Grand Lodge on February 10, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Everything about the show was extravagant. The invitations, printed on letter-sized card stock, depicted a luxe Roman-style painting — inevitably the inspiration for the show. The Grand Lodge, the opera-house style Masonic building on 23rd street, served as the venue for the mostly evening-wear collection. The 72-look show had no shortage of rich color, luxurious fabrics, and uniquely-cut garments. Christian Siriano was definitely celebrating.
In his ten year career, the Project Runway alum is celebrated for changing the face of women’s fashion, promoting inclusivity that was virtually non-existent before him. “I think what’s very important for people to understand is that adding curvy girls on the runway happened because there were finally plus girls at modeling agencies, and now that there are, we use them. Why wouldn’t we? No matter what people say about what we’re doing, I think we’re changing a lot of women’s lives,” he told The Cut. His red carpet success echoes the range of body types found in his shows, too — his gowns have been worn by Christina Hendricks, America Ferrera and Kyra Sedgwick.
Image credit: Eli Schmidt, courtesy of Christian Siriano/ Agentry PR
His entire body of work highlights femininity, but has grown bolder as the now 32-year-old designer matures. His designs have expanded to include standout patterns and more dramatic hemlines, introducing metallics, puffed shoulders, bright floral prints and luxe furs in rich colors into his palette. He has, relatively quietly, done what more established fashion houses are desperately trying to do — stay true to their brand while staying on-trend and timely. His evolution is what keeps stars going to him, and what keeps his name in the minds of fashion personnel.
Siriano grew up with a size sixteen mother, and continues to revolutionize the red carpet by designing gowns for every woman of every shape. But, he does more than just dress them — he dresses them well. He understands the evolution of style and has shown a high fashion IQ throughout his decade-long career. Siriano wants his label everywhere, and that is exactly what will give his work longevity. His eponymous line will be around for decades to come, following a wildly successful first ten years.
