Wednesday, Dec. 03, 2008

Siriano brings ‘Fierce’ fashions to Columbia

Project Runway’s Christian Siriano shows spring line at Columbia retailer

Conversation and champagne flowed Tuesday night as Columbia’s glitterati floated into the biggest fashion event to hit the city.

The pampered and pretty flitted down the red carpet enveloped in clouds of expensive perfume. They perched in rows of folded chairs around a makeshift runway. They sported Chanel and Hermes bags, Christian Louboutin shoes and statement rings that said, “This is the real deal.”

They weren’t mistaken.

Christian Siriano, the fashion “it” boy and Project Runway winner, was in town and in the building preparing to show his 2009 Spring Collection, the same one he debuted at New York’s Fashion Week in September.

“Oh my God, are you so excited?” one petite brunette squealed to a friend.

“So excited,” exclaimed an attractive blonde in four-inch heels.

The crowd of more than 300 mixed and mingled inside Coplon’s in Forest Acres, the exclusive women’s wear retailer, waiting for a glimpse of the clothes and the man.

Traci Cooper waited for the show wearing an Escada designer dress and “vintage” pumps.

“I love fashion, and it’s also a great cause,” Cooper said.

Attendees paid $65 per ticket, with the proceeds benefiting the USC Dance program. Earlier in the day, Siriano was the guest of honor at a $100-per-plate luncheon at Gervais and Vine that sold out with more than 40 people in attendance.

In due time, the fashion-forward crowd took their seats and the DJ, set up on the Coplon’s jewelry counter, pumped up the electronica music.

Eight models, some from Columbia, worked the runway in steely grays, strong lined jackets and ethereal, ruffled dresses. Hair was pulled in low, sleek buns. Shocks of green and orange accented the collection while exquisite picture hats framed perfect pouts.

Crowd approval came in the form of smiles shared among seatmates, a slight point to a sleeve or skirt, a plethora of camera phones.

“I want that one,” said a front-row spectator, pointing at a pair of billowy black shorts.

Among the collection was the beautifully constructed evening gown supermodel Heidi Klum wore to the Emmy Awards this year.

Siriano’s creations run from $200 to $3,500, though an evening gown can cost up to $11,000.

At the conclusion of the show, Mr. Fierce himself took his turn on the runway, air kissing his models as the crowd leapt to their feet in approval.

Within minutes the tiny man with the huge personality and even bigger fashion vision emerged from the dressing rooms.

Fans waiting their turn for a photo engulfed him. Siriano obliged each one, working his angles like a pro.