CHRISTIAN SIRIANO By Andrew Moreno Posted: November 2007
The countdown is officially over, Project Runway is here. Get ready for high-end fashion, drama, deliciously talented designers, the judges, and awe-inspiring trends. To get things started, Project Runway's Christian Siriano steps into the halls of De Novo Magazine to give you the first look at the new season.
Siriano is a serious designer with years of experience under his belt. His taste for fashion doesn't end at the runway, Siriano is also a hair guru. Siriano has worked with top celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker.
For a more in depth look into the life of Christian Siriano please read his bio.
Moreno: Christian, let’s start at the beginning. Where did you grow up?
Christian: I grew up in Annapolis Maryland, but attended High school in Baltimore city, Baltimore school for the arts
Moreno: What can you tell us about your childhood?
Christian: I had a great childhood! My family is so supportive of the arts and creativity. My sister was a dancer and I was always backstage with set and costume designers! I actually tried all types of hobbies [including] sports, painting, dance, and all the arts! My mother and father split when I was about four, but my father is still in my life and was always around to support my dreams!! I also had my grandparents to lean on and family friends that have been around since I made my first dress!!!!
Moreno: What did your parents do?
Christian: My Mother and Father both worked in the school system. Now my father works a bit in land development (homes) and owns a bakery in Florida called, Pete and Berry’s.
Moreno: What was your first job?
Christian: When I was younger, I wanted a job so bad that I would do anything for money and work. I worked as an assistant to a finance advisor, and worked at a juice stand. But to me, my first real job was at Bubbles Salon where my fashion inspiration really started. I started there when I was 13!
Moreno: At what age did you encounter your interest in fashion?
Christian: I think I was very young when I became interested in fashion! About 8 when I was into show costumes!!! I was always 10 different things for Halloween, it was a runway at age 8!
Moreno: Outside fashion, what are some of your other interests?
Christian: I love so many things!!! Art, photography, interior design, Ballet, the New York Lotto, food, and just living life!
Moreno: If you don’t mind sharing, so we can get to know you better, can you share with us a moment, both happy and sad, in your life that has had a major impact on your life?
Christian: Happy impact in my life was being accepted into design school in London and then working for amazing designers there such as Alexander McQueen and Westwood!! Honestly, I am very lucky to have a very happy life!!! When bad things happen I always pick myself up again! I have had no family deaths besides my grandfather, which I did not see very much!!! Other than that, I have a healthy family and life, I think!
Moreno: So, before Project Runway, what were you up to?
Christian: Before the show I recently moved to NEW YORK City! I was working as a freelance makeup artists for Stila cosmetics and I was making private bridal gowns for a few special clients!
Moreno: Tell me about Project Runway, what were reactions when you found out you were cast for the show?
Christian: I was so excited to be accepted on the show!!! I'm very young, so I never thought it would happen. It was a very intense processes so I was happy to have made it!
Moreno: What did you make of the judges?
Christian: I love them, most of the time. Heidi; love her, she is so amazing, Michael very honest and nice; Nina is actually great and very supportive!
Moreno: How wonderful is Tim Gunn? How important is Tim’s role as advisor/mentor to the group?
Christian: I love Tim as a person! He is so supportive and wonderful! He has said wonderful things about me in articles, saying that I'm a prodigy! Yet as a advisor, I was not always convinced that he understood my vision! He was not always correct in his Judgment!
Moreno: Tell us a little about your fashion sense? What’s your niche?
Christian: My design style is a bit Avant-garde and creative!!! They are pieces that are not always wearable for every woman! I love that my work is considered Art and I believe fashion is wearable art, or it should be! My personal style is a bit British punk in a sense! I love a vest and skinny jeans!
Moreno: Who would you love to design an ensemble for?
Christian: I would love to dress any celebrity willing! I hope to dress the A-listers soon!
Moreno: Were you able to make any bonds with the fellow contestants on the show?
Christian: I actually keep in touch with almost all of them!!!! Some more than others just because of the distance! We all try and chat via email and some I talk to everyday!!! I love them even if I say sassy things about their work!
Moreno: What can we generally expect from you this season on Project Runway?
Christian: Expect amazing Talent!! A few of us make things that no other season designer could have done, I think! Expect crazy fun people!! Tons of sassy comments from me, lots of drama, and a few designers true colors under pressure!
Moreno: From past Project Runway shows, whose work do you most identify with?
Christian: Honestly, I do not compare myself to any other contestant! I always say that it's not the point of the show! They try to cast new interesting and different designers that they have never had before! I come from a European design background, so it in itself is different.
Moreno: Correct me if I’m wrong, but your talents go beyond fashion. Are you not a hair guru too?
Christian: I worked in a salon for long time and still have huge support from my stylists there!!!! I did a lot of hair shows for them and we won most of them!!! Actually, the last 3 years in a row. I even went back to help this year! I love hair and still keep up with the trends!
Moreno: What are you currently listening to on your iPod?
Christian: I know it's sad but Britney’s new Blackout album is so amazing!! It's great to work to because it's uplifting!
Moreno: What do you Google?
Christian: I Google everyone I meet and I look up designers!
Moreno: For all your fans that adore your fashion sense, tell us what you’re wearing right now.
Christian: I am wearing April 77 jeans black, A Vivienne Westwood T-shirt, dior necklace, and creative recreation gold shoes!!!!
For more information on Christian Siriano please visit him at www.christianVsiriano.com. Make sure to catch Project Runway on Wendsday nights, only on Bravo TV.