NEW YORK, September 9, 2012
By Jessica Minkoff
Today's Christian Siriano show felt like an afternoon at the ballet, which boded well for a designer whose often over-the-top gowns are hard to imagine anywhere but on the runway. Inspired by a recent performance of American Ballet Theatre's The Dream, Siriano (himself a former dancer) couldn't resist reinterpreting what he saw onstage as a series of looks for a modern yet elegant woman. The first models graced the runway in pale pink polka-dot cropped pantsuits—what dancers might wear off duty—followed by a party dress in the same pattern topped with a leather jacket. You could call that girl the rebellious ballerina. It was clear in the details—pearl-encrusted bodices and white feathers—that Siriano had done his research. "I got to look at the American Ballet Theatre's costume archives," he said in a preview at his studio. Yet his knack for understanding a ballet dancer extended further than what they wear with their pointe shoes. A pair of ivory palazzo pants and a crisscross halter top would be ideal for any prima's post-performance night out. But the highlight of the show was the finale, when three girls clad in watercolor tulle frocks walked the runway in unison, garnering cheers from the crowd. Siriano said he took his inspiration literally. We'd say in this instance it worked.
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/slideshow/S2013RTW-CSIRIANO
