There was a party atmosphere at Christian Siriano’s show as friends and followers strutted into the basement of the Empire State Building for his Victorian Matrix show. The Project Runway host and king of the ballgown, also gave New Yorkers a glimpse of the BTS pre-game prep with sidewalk facing windows for all passers by to see. He’s got no reason to be secretive or exclusive with Charlotte Tilbury, OPI, American Express, Fiji Water and more as sponsors for his show. The controlled chaos of backstage is more buzz for everyone involved, but I suspect his inclusive nature is what allows him to draw back the curtain, so the public can see the preparations. Siriano seems like a nice, lovable guy which is part and parcel of his success and why his front row seats were flanked with celebs— Drew Barrymore, Susan Sarandon, Alicia Silverstone, Danielle Brooks and MJ Rodriguiz to name a few.
“Some days we feel like we are living in the Victorian era, while others feel like we’re living in the Matrix. What is real anymore? The pandemic is ongoing and we can’t seem to get away from it, so I can’t help but question what our world will look like after. What will happen to the fashion industry? How will our customers continue to shop? Will the world stay virtual? These thoughts and questions were on my mind for this upcoming season, which ultimately led to an exciting and experiment collection,” Christian Siriano.
Suddenly the pre-show hoopla quieted down, celebrities took their seats and photographers receded to their pen. Out walks model, Karen Elston, looking as beautiful as ever, in a vegan leather fitted sheath which echoed the matrix portion of the opposing themes. There was a full grouping of looks in this fabric. As usual Siriano embraced women in all sizes, shapes, and colors and was one of the first to fully do so—it’s become a signature of his fashion collection and you get the feeling he loves women.
Siriano had several stories to tell besides the vegan leather group in this runway show—denim, buffalo check, brocade and electric blue and black. He’s not short on ideas and one grouping flowed easily into the next worn by a diverse group of models. But what would a Christian Siriano show be without a room-clearing ball gown and a few sculpted trumpet gowns? He ended the show in typical Siriano fashion with massive floor sweeping dresses. Get ready to see one on a starlet or celebrity in the near future. They seem destined for the red carpet.
