There’s much to love about Project Runway’s darling Christian Siriano, and while we were quite dazzled by the oceanic prints of the Spring 2010 Collection last season, this season proved to be bit more muted. Perhaps it was the color scheme of nudes and caramels and the ever present safari themed jackets and belts. “Wearable” was a word you heard quite often during the show. It was not an unexpected collection–you could say that there were no surprises. Siriano loves the dramatic gown and it was quite evident in his frothy, tulle-laden strapless or one shoulder pieces and simple, classic, ruffled cocktail dresses. His signature gown, or show-stopper, was a crimson one shoulder concoction. And while it was a sight to behold, one wonders if drama need always be the grand gesture.
— Jeanie Kwak
Photos By Stevyn Llewellyn 
One thing I love about a young designer is a certain joie de vivre, which in my mind equates with youthful vigor, fantasy and imagination. Escapism, too, much needed when times are somber, no? Christian Siriano presented a show nothing short of what he is best at: the dramatic gesture. But sophisticated, nonetheless, and mature and assured. Sure, I’m a fan. I love the kid. I see him from time to time around Williamsburg with his flip hair and glasses looking like your everyday hipster slash pixie. Who knew he could turn out a collection so frothy with silk chiffon drapery, beautiful organza bell sleeve blouses with ruffled fronts in chiffon? His collection, according to his designer’s statement, is inspired by luxe Mediterranean travel. He utilizes rich jewel colors of fuchsia, blue, and orange to evoke a lush coastal sunset. The fabric print/pattern that he uses in his fitted funnel neck dresses and silk chiffon layered dresses are actual aerial photographs of the Italian coast line that has been flipped, modified, repeated and saturated with Oceanic colors. Stunning. Three looks that made me take notice were the daring silk knit body suit (so unforgiving! Leaves nothing to the imagination!) in an oceanic/volcanic print, and the last two gowns in the show, which created a ripple of applause: The Chiffon and tulle layered ombre gown in a beautiful cascading blush and the jaw dropping strapless satin faced organza draped flounce gown, which looked frothy, like soft egg white peaks. Amazing. It’s what a girl dreams of wearing. I mean, if you so happen to vacation on lush Italian coasts. Who knew a tiny kid like that could dream it up?