Location: Elizabeth Anthony

I got the chance to sit down and interview designer Christian Siriano during his visit to Houston and trunk show at Elizabeth Anthony. His designs are so perfect for the Houston woman. I immediately chose to wear this one piece part jumpsuit, part shorts and part ballet tulle skirt. So me! Not to mention these killer mule booties. 
Following his studies in London under Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, Christian Siriano launched his collection in 2008. The Christian Siriano collection is now shown each season at New York Fashion Week, and presented in New York and Paris to retailers. Known for whimsical and show-stopping design – from fantasy evening gowns and cocktail dresses, to tailored sportswear, to intricately detailed shoes and accessories – the collection can be found upscale department stores and specialty boutiques around the globe. In 2012 the first flagship Christian Siriano store opened in New York City, and in 2013 he was inducted as a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

Dubbed “the new king of old-school glamour” by Elle and “the next billion-dollar designer” by Yahoo! Style, his designs have appeared on the world’s biggest stars and most prestigious red carpets. He counts the world’s leading ladies as clients, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Hilary Swank, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Lopez, Shailene Woodley, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, Carrie Underwood, Tina Fey,  Christina Hendricks and Oprah. That is just naming a few!

Christian Siriano also designs four seasonal collections of affordable shoes and handbags for Payless ShoeSoure. Other design partnerships have included a makeup line for Victoria’s Secret, and clothing and accessories with Lane Bryant, Best Buy, HSN, Disney, Nordstrom, Puma, Starbucks, Spiegel, and others. He is the youngest person to ever appear on the Crain’s “40 Under 40” list, was a member of Forbes’ “30 Under 30” in 2015.

____________________________________________________

Here are a few interview questions from Bethie:

1) You grew up in Annapolis, was your father in the military?

No, my grandparents lived there and my parents did too. Everyone in my family was obsessed with water. Also, both of them would house midshipmen during their leaves.

2) I saw you took ballet as a child. This intrigues me because I was a dancer.

My sister was a professional ballerina, so I was introduced to it through her. I took from age 8-11 and was actually pretty good. I am currently a big ABT supporter… and, yes, I’ve met Misty Porter (I immediately asked).

3) How did you get interested in fashion?

Well, I spent a lot of time back stage during my sister’s ballet performances. I became intrigued with the costumes and the fantasy of amazing creations and how the dancers would change their outfits throughout the performances. Also, my mother is very fashionable. She wore a Diane Von Furstenburg as her wedding dress. She is always properly dressed up. 

4) Tell us something humorous about yourself

People don’t know I’m an excellent ice skater and skier.

5)  What are some of your hobbies?

I love interior design, antiquing, recovering furniture and shopping for vintage furniture.

** Do you have any irrational fears?

No I actually don’t. Only a few of the rational fears like heights and flying.

6)  Tell us about Project Runway

Well that’s in the past, but I will say that you have to take control and launch yourself after winning something like that. I have been enjoyed being a judge on the Project Runway Junior competition. Those kids are soooo talented.

7)  Who in the biz are you influenced by?

I am influenced by designers like Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera. Not their actual designs, but by their incredible business savvy. I want to have good business sense as well.

8)  Last thoughts?

One thing I want to be known for is that I can design for all types, ages  and sizes of women. If you look at the celebrities I’ve worked with, they are all very different. My collections have something for every woman and I do that on purpose.