Long after his triumph on Project Runway, feisty fashion designer Christian Siriano has held a place near and dear to my heart. Obviously, Siriano is a talented artist with a knack for fashion creativity, elegance, and beauty. But truly, it was 2011 his retort to the equivalence of fashion school-yard bullies when he decided to showcase his then-recent collection at the first Nashville Fashion Week:
About Nashville, I have something I’m confused about. I showed this season at New York Fashion Week, as always. I am also showing some of my collection in Nashville this weekend alongside local talent and Betsey Johnson because it’s a fun way for me to bring my art to a new market that really wants to see it. Some writers seem to look down on this, but I don’t understand what the problem is? My business is growing rapidly and I am doing everything I can to help that happen. What’s wrong with everyone having the chance to see fashion? Is nobody else allowed to have a look except people in New York? I do trunk shows around the country and around the world, as do most designers… and many designers often have fashion shows at or near trunk shows because they help people see the clothes and want to wear them. I am having a trunk show in Nashville this weekend as well. It’s going to be fun and good for my business, and I’m grateful that the people of Nashville want to have me!
Siriano, thank you for your eloquent slam and making Styleite choke on their own words.
Of course, the 2011 showing of the Siriano collection at Nashville Fashion Week was a major highlight, his feminine and beautiful clothes lighting up the runway. (Also, Kelly Cutrone sat next to me at that show, so that was a plus!) I believe this night Nashville fell in love with Siriano, and Siriano fell in love right back.
On Friday, October 12, 2012, Christian Siriano will be revisiting Nashville to showcase his Spring 2013 collection at the annual Nfocus Model Behavior fashion event. Held at the Noah Liff Opera Center, tickets are $50, and VIP seating will set you back $100. Additionally, patrons are asked to choose from ten charities when purchasing tickets; the non-profit with the most support will receive a donation from Nfocus. Tickets can be purchased here. Charities to choose from include:
1) Friends of Children's Hospital | Susan Basel
2) Family and Children's Service | Aylin Ozgener
3) The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation | Dee Anna Smith
4) Fannie Battle Day Home | Liz Beavers
5) Girl Scouts of Middle TN | Sharon K. Roberson, Esq.
6) Nashville Public Radio | Paula Lovell
7) Junior League of Nashville | Jillian Waters
8) NPT | Crissy Welhoelter
9) Boys & Girls Club of Middle Tennessee | Jana Davis
10) Friends of Warner Parks | Julie Rounsavile
See you there!!
