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When you
first saw
Christian Siriano
on the fourth season of "Project Runway," you
probably didn't care much for him. The skinny guy from
Baltimore
had a crazy Flock of Seagulls hairdo and an arrogant
attitude that grated on everyone.
However,
by the end of the season, his talent and his personality
became the show's best ever — he was the first (and so
far only) person to win both the competition and fan
favorite. Nearly two years since the premiere of that
season, Siriano has staged three critically acclaimed
shows during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in
New York
and has launched partnerships with major brands.
He's on
tour promoting his new book, "Fierce Style: How to
Be Your Most Fabulous Self." We caught up with
Siriano in a
New York
cab going from the
CBS'
"Early Show" to his downtown studio.
Q: Aveda
did the hair for your fashion show.
A:
They've done the past couple of seasons. I love them.
They're the best!
Q: So why
a book?
A: I
guess when the opportunity came up right after the show,
I thought it was really interesting. I knew that my book
could be really visual. A follow-up to get everyone
their fashion fix. I wanted it to be serious and fun.
Q: Define
"ferosh."
A: Being
fierce is a state of being, not something you can
become. It's a high point of being a certain persona.
Ferosh is a downgraded version of being fierce.
Q: Do you
have any new catchphrases since the show?
A: Not
really. I just stick to everything I already say all day
long.
Q: Have
you been watching
Season Six
?
A: I have
watched a few episodes, but I'm not up to date. It's
hard to sit at home and have a night to yourself.
Q: They
still say "fierce" and "hot mess"
all of the time.
A: I
guess so! All of my phrases are going. When Tim and I
write each other e-mails, it's all in there.
Q: What's
good about this season?
A: I
think the talent level is a little bit higher than last
season. It's tough because I haven't seen every episode.
I'm waiting for something amazing to be done.
Q: Who's
the fiercest person you know?
A:
There's a long list. There definitely is this idea that
I love Heidi and
Victoria
. There are so many divas I've met lately. My girls
right now are
Debra Messing
and
Natalie Portman
.
Q: What's
the one thing women must buy for fall 2009?
A: A
great amazing coat or jacket — you wear it every day
anyway. It's your look. If it's special and ornate and
unique, that's amazing.
Q: What's
the one thing we shouldn't wear this season?
A: With
the economy, people are about pairing low-budget and
high-end. For me, underdressing is the trend that's not
working. I don't think (the poor economy) means you
shouldn't look your best.
Q: In
your book, you make the point that you should try not to
wear the identical look twice.
A: Mix
what you have, as best as you can. That's what makes you
individual and makes your style. You learn from
yourself.
Q: Any
budget-friendly tips?
A:
Splurging once every so often is important. Accessories
are the easiest way to be fashionable, on trend. Try
H&M,
Forever 21
and Payless. They give you fashion and they give you
style.
Q: You've
done an incredible amount since "Project
Runway." What's your goal?
A: To
build my brand and make sure the clothing and the
clothing side of my company grows and develops. I've
been doing accessories and things for other companies.
But I want to have shoes and bags and jewelry and makeup
all under the same brand. And in five years, I might be
bored and join a circus.
Q: You're
going to have a new show on Bravo — what took so long?
A: I
think having a TV show without anything to do on a TV
show is boring. I needed it to have a strong background.
Q: What
about your hair? What was the inspiration — an '80s
reference?
A: I'm
not a big referencer. I was more into theater than
music. It's what happened in the moment.
———
CHRISTIAN SIRIANO
Christian Siriano
has written a new book, "Fierce Style: How to Be
Your Most Fabulous Self."
More
info: www.christianvsiriano.com.
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