Fashion Sense

How designer and BSA Alum Christian siriano made a name for himself in the fashion world.

- Lauren Bell

EARLY SEPTEMBER IN MANHATTAN, THE STREET Suddenly seem more flooded than usual with trend chasers and style icons. The temperatures are still warm and the air in the subway is heavy as crowds flock from line to line and show to show, hoping to snag a good seat or at least find a reflective surface to ensure their makeup hasn’t melted off.

It’s New York Fashion Week and celebrities, socialites, and writers are all vying for that premium seat or backstage interview.

But a reprieve can be found inside ArtBeam studios in Chelsea, a large open space with tropical umbrellas hanging from the high ceiling. Even from a tiny seat on the bleachers, there is a clear view of the celebrity-filled front row—Neve Campbell, Coco Rocha, and Kelly Osbourne—their faces lit by constant flashbulbs.

As the lights dim, a soundtrack of female power vocals fills the room. We’ve just entered Christian Siriano’s world and all the outside chaos fades away. The theme of his collection is the “Isle of Capri,” inspired by vintage photos of Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ vacations there in the late ’60s and ’70s. As the models begin to strut down the runway, the audience is whisked away to that era, with bold colors paying homage to the turquoise water of the Tyrrhenian Sea and those striped, citrus-colored beach umbrellas adding to the mood.

Even more notable is the variety of models Siriano has presenting his line—women of all different shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing onlookers to find at least one model who looks like them. Less than 15 minutes later, the show comes to a close and Siriano emerges to receive acknowledgment for his new collection. But unlike most designers who walk the entire runway to bask in their glory, he flashes a quick smile and waves before ducking backstage.