Christian Siriano

On Season 8 of Project Runway, the zebra snapping, catwalk strutting, skinny jean and vest clad tiny bundle of energy Christian Siriano became the youngest winner. The designer spent tons of time [and hairspray!] on his updated Flock of Seagulls-style hair, always had something to say about everyone and everything on the show and seeped oodles of confidence. Christian knew his fashion and loved every minute of it: that was evident from the first show. He overused the word fierce [I began to question Tyra Banks’s trademark rights to the word but it never came up on the shows or outside in any media discussions]. Now Christian dresses such celebs as Victoria Beckham, Heidi Klum, Whoopi Goldberg and sells his clothing line at Bluefly.com.

Lucky for his fans [and maybe a few people who lack mirrors or haven’t progressed beyond their high school looks] Christian has decided that the world needs to know the inside dish on what he thinks is fabulous and how every woman can look fierce. Most of the items in Fierce Style read like Elle or Marie Claire articles [stop me if you’ve read this one before] or the manual for TLC’s What Not to Wear or Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style.

Scattered throughout the book is the Fearless Tip. Here are a few:
--Thinking back on your interests as a kid can be a great starting place for developing your look today.
--It’s important to look to the present. Pop culture and your current interests can impact your fashion sense today.
-It’s better to have one amazing real piece that will last forever than a thousand fakes, no matter how authentic they may look. [Every Today Show fashion segment guest states this.
--Remember—style isn’t always about being eccentric or crazy.
--Take your focus away from the negative and focus on what’s positive and what’s fabulous. The more you do that, the more fierce you will feel!

Other fierce and ferosh tips that Christian describes in the book:

10 things not to wear if you want to be fabulous
1. wire frame glasses
2. UGG boots [I don’t care, I like mine]
3. flip-flops [kudos on calling out THIS HUGE fashion faux pas]
4. shapeless jeans
5. sweatpants
6. hoodies
7. big logos
8. baseball hats [agreed!]
9. fabric band watches
10. polyester fabrics

Christian’s Daily Bag Must-Haves [did Nina Garcia approve this--]cell phone [oh, really?]
--wallet [come on, Christian]
--oversized planner [no we just use our iPhone or Blackberry or Palm Pilot for that]
--A can of hair spray [a can? Good-bye Ozone]
--Bronzer [yuk]

Top 10 Dream Pieces Christian’s editor must have reminded him that the U.S. is in a recession and has an unemployment rate of 10% because he goes on to talk about Nine West, Target, Payless and a few other “bargain” places]
1. Burberry trench coat
2. A big, fun Marc Jacobs bag
3. A classic black leather bag by Yves Saint Laurent
4. A Marni accessory [don’t know who that is]
5. Edgy heels by Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Marni, or Proenza Schouler]
6. Classic stiletto heels by Louboutin, Manolo, or Jimmy Choo
7. Chloe boots
8. A Prada suitcase
9. A pair of classic black Wolford tights
10. A Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress-preferably a print

Although Christian throws in some interesting biographical information-- He started worked at an Orange Julius at age 13 [is that legal?] in Annapolis, Maryland and moved on to Bubbles, a beauty salon. He interned in London then for Vivienne Westwood and after her, Alexander McQueen [no wonder he had so much confidence on the show. He may have been young but he had plenty of real-world experience]-- Fierce Style is all over the map and rather tired. You know how magazines recycle the same story ideas? Most seem to be in this book. It would have been better as solely a unique style manual or as a fun book on Christian’s rise to fame. Fierce Style is a beautiful looking, coffee-table kind of book. I wanted it to be fun and rich with fresh and special ideas. Unfortunately, Christian failed to reveal any new tips within these pages.… (más)

I am a huge fan of Project Runway and was rooting for Christian Siriano during season 4. He was so entertaining and added a spark to each episode. This spark has completely translated into sharing his knowledge of fashion.

Christian’s new book Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self is for every woman. The book is not geared toward size 2 fashionistas but is full of relevant and doable advice. Are you in love with the latest look from a top designer? Christian not only takes a look at those dream garments but their affordable counter-parts and where to they can be found. There is a section finding your personal style including guidelines for dressing for your body type, how clothes are only one part of your fierceness as a whole, and an abundance of realistic tips, including those from celebrities such as Heidi Klum. The photographs are wonderful (there are even photos showcasing his own fashion mistakes) and the writing is….well Christian. There is even an official Christian Siriano glossary to help with his quirky phrases. This is a truly fun read!… (más)