Thank goodness for Christian Siriano or most of us would be convinced that Project Runway contestants have no hope for long term success. Despite showcasing some incredibly talented designers (whatever happened to Leanne Marshall?), Siriano has emerged as the only one who has the talent and the business savvy to “make it work.” With that, Nina Garcia and Heidi Klum were among those who attended the show that mixed Siriano’s flare for the dramatic with a good dose of Spring 2011 Jil Sander, a collection that seems to have inspired a number of designers this season.
Much like Sander’s last Spring collection, some of the most memorable looks from Siriano’s line-up paired simple tees with black tie-appropriate floor length maxi skirts. While other looks recalled Alexander McQueen, notably, one of the closing gowns, a yellow cap sleeve dress with tulle and a criss-crossed dropped bodice. Others still, like a sculpted coral strapless gown recalled recent Marchesa looks. This is not to undermine Siriano’s talent in the least; the intricacies of a number of pieces – especially the gowns – are worthy of applause and very few designers present collections that truly stun in their originality, as Sander’s did.
Eveningwear aside, Siriano showed an evolution to his often after-dark focused collections, by showing some capes, cropped pants, and semi structured skirts, all of which held high appeal.
Images: IMAXtree
