It's hard to believe that it's been a decade since fashion fans were first introduced to Christian Siriano on Project Runway. Equally famed for being multitalented and instantly quotable, Siriano is also the show's biggest success story, having spun his winnings into a full-fledged fashion line that has been worn by the likes of Oprah, Lady Gaga and Michelle Obama. Perhaps, most notably, he was one of the first designers to embrace body positivity in his collections, actively seeking the "everywoman," as he puts it, through a wide range of sizes and collaborations with affordable retailers such as Lane Bryant and Payless.
Siriano is celebrating the first 10 years of his eponymous label with the release of Dresses to Dream About, a retrospective coffee table book featuring favourite dresses he has designed. "It's all about escapism," he says. "People love the behind-the-scenes world, and so I wanted to show people how a dress comes to life from scribbles." The designer will also be nodding to his past with an anniversary show during New York Fashion Week on Feb. 10. "I always say that it's like we're putting on a Broadway show with no dress rehearsal," he tells me. "There's no other industry that does that!" Here, Siriano shares the essentials that will help him through show day.
1. Aveda hairspray
"I always have a can of Aveda Air Control hairspray, which is my favourite. I worked at an Aveda salon when I was growing up and it's just always been my thing. I love having the same things that I've always had – it's a bit of nostalgia for me."
Aveda Air Control Hairspray, $38.50 at Aveda stores and salons (aveda.ca).
2. M&Ms
"I always have a pack of peanut M&Ms. I never eat, so I get my little sweet and protein when I need them."
M&M's Peanut Milk Chocolate, $7.37 at Walmart (walmart.ca).
3. iPad
"I usually have my iPad with me because I'll do quick notepads and sketches."
iPad Pro 10.5 inch display, from $869 at Apple (apple.ca).
4. Earphones
"I always have some type of headphones because I listen to music about an hour before the show when I tune everything out to zone in. I'm listening to a mixture of Tove Lo, Sia and anything else that is calm but exciting."
Airpods, $219 at Apple (apple.ca)
5. Lipbalm
"I always use Classic Chapstick – I don't use any other brand. It's almost a nervous habit I have of constantly applying lip balm."
Chapstick, $4.49 for two at Shoppers Drug Mart (shoppersdrugmart.ca).
6. Comme des Garçons T-shirt
"I always have an extra black Comme de Garçons T-shirt, which is what I always wear. They're the only shirts that fit me because they're cut small and cute. I'm always so focused on everyone else's clothes and mine always get dirty!"
Comme de Garçons Play black 'Double Heart' T-Shirt, $110 at Ssense (ssense.com).