By Calynn M. Lawrence
@fairytalefacesbycalynn
Christian Siriano is an ingenius fashion designer and member CFDA. Siriano first launched his career after winning the fourth season of Project Runway, becoming the series’ youngest winner. He launched his “Christian Siriano” collection in 2008, grossing a revenue of over $1.2 million by 2010 ! It was nowhere but up from there.
Siriano was born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland where he attended Baltimore School for the Arts. The school allowed Siriano to choose fashion design as his focus area. Siriano has said that his parents supported the arts and encouraged him and his sister to pursue creative fields. Siriano’s young interest in costume design led to pursuing a career in fashion. He began designing as a teenager, and working as a part time hair assistant. This gig eventually led to him being the costume designer for their hair shows and advertisements.
For his university education, Siriano chose to study abroad at American InterContinental University in London, England. During his senior year, he began interning at Vivienne Westwood, and later, at Alexander McQueen who Siriano has stated is his favorite designer. Upon graduation, he then relocated to New York City.
Prior to Project Runway, Siriano worked as a freelance make-up artist and made wedding gowns for private clients and held an intern position at Marc Jacobs. Siriano decided to audition for the show after the suggestion of a friend’s mother. Siriano was announced the winner of the show’s fourth season, winning a fashion spread in Elle magazine, a 2008 Saturn Astra, and $100,000 US to start his own label.
Siriano’s fashion line, Christian Siriano, debuted at New York Fashion Week on September 13, 2008. His collection is retailed at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. In 2010, Siriano was named one of Crain’s Top 40 Entrepreneurs Under 40. In 2012 the New York Times reported that revenue approximated $5 million. In September 2012, the first Christian Siriano flagship store was opened on Elizabeth Street in Manhattan’s Nolita neighbourhood.
With such stunning talent and the knack for wowing his clients, he has a long list of star customers. Some of his most famous clients include Sarah Jessica Parker, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Christina Ricci, Victoria Beckham, Christina Hendricks, Taylor Swift Nicki Minaj, Heidi Klum, Emily Blunt, and Solange Knowles.
These ventures are not all that Siriano has conquered! He also has ties in film, fragrance and a rumoured cosmetic line! Watch out world, Christian Siriano is taking over!
