Siriano Marks 15 Years in Business with Sia Singing and a Sparkling Ballet Fantasy

The Christian Siriano collection is modeled during Fashion Week, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, in New York. (AP)
The Christian Siriano collection is modeled during Fashion Week, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, in New York. (AP)
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Siriano Marks 15 Years in Business with Sia Singing and a Sparkling Ballet Fantasy

The Christian Siriano collection is modeled during Fashion Week, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, in New York. (AP)
The Christian Siriano collection is modeled during Fashion Week, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, in New York. (AP)

Christian Siriano marked 15 years in business Friday with Sia performing on his runway and a nostalgic, ballet-inspired fantasy on his models during New York Fashion Week.

“I feel really proud of everything we’ve done,” he told The Associated Press backstage. “All the amazing people we’ve dressed and helped feel confident about themselves.”

It wouldn’t be a Siriano milestone without longtime muse Coco Rocha sashaying down the runway in something dramatic. This time, it was at a luxury New York landmark hotel, The Pierre, and this time, she wore a frothy pink ballet gown adorned with multicolored paillettes as her hair swung freely and Sia peeked out from behind a huge white wig topped with a pink bow.

And it wouldn’t be a Siriano show without a starry front row. Janet Jackson, Quinta Brunson, Kesha, Rosie Perez, Laura Linney and Avril Lavigne were among his guests.

In a way, Siriano went back to his roots. Among his earliest inspirations was his sister, who was a ballet dancer. He rolled out leotard- and tutu-inspired touches and a dose of strong black to go with a range of sparklers, from gold-and-copper ombre in ballgowns and suits to huge champagne-colored sleeves and necks on sleek and mini party frocks.

“It’s a very ballet, ballerina-inspired collection, kind of like where I grew up,” Siriano said. “Me and my sister backstage in costumes, hair and makeup, seeing all the black warm ups and then into this sugar plum fairy dream world. That’s what I wanted to show, the restrictive dark side of ballet into the really magical fantasy world, which is kind of what I fell in love with in clothes, actually.”

He also wanted something for everyone, including his plus-size customers represented by the plus-size models he has embraced for years.

“I still love the fantasy,” Siriano said, “which I think is why I love doing a show. Maybe I wouldn’t do a show if it wasn’t exciting and fantasy for me. It’s a lot of money to just put some jeans and a T-shirt down the runway.”



Saudi Fashion Commission Launches Pioneering ‘Sustainable Ihram Initiative’

The initiative focuses on recycling Ihram garments. SPA
The initiative focuses on recycling Ihram garments. SPA
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Saudi Fashion Commission Launches Pioneering ‘Sustainable Ihram Initiative’

The initiative focuses on recycling Ihram garments. SPA
The initiative focuses on recycling Ihram garments. SPA

The Saudi Fashion Commission unveiled its latest sustainable initiative, the Sustainable Ihram Initiative, during a news conference at the Islamic Arts Biennale

The initiative focuses on recycling Ihram garments by collecting, sorting, and repurposing textile waste from pilgrims to create new, sustainable Ihram attire.
The Fashion Commission launched the initiative in collaboration with Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), a leading company specializing in waste management and the circular economy, and Tadweem, a prominent company in sustainable fashion, aiming to transform used Ihram garments into new, eco-friendly Ihram clothing. The innovative process highlights the viability of textile recycling within the fashion industry and contributes to a more sustainable textile ecosystem.
Additionally, the commission partnered with SANKO Textile, a specialized group in sustainable textiles, with support from RE&UP, an innovative textile-to-textile recycling technology company, further reinforcing the environmental impact of the initiative.

The Sustainable Ihram Initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s environmental protection goals, marking a significant step toward a more sustainable fashion ecosystem in the Kingdom. It aims to promote sustainable practices, raise consumer awareness about textile recycling, and support the development of a circular textile economy in Saudi Arabia.
“The Sustainable Ihram Initiative demonstrates our commitment to innovation in sustainable practices, honoring the cultural and spiritual significance of the Ihram while safeguarding our planet for future generations,” said Saudi Fashion Commission chief executive Burak Cakmak.
He emphasized that the commission is committed to promoting a vibrant and sustainable fashion industry in the Kingdom in line with global sustainability standards, promoting conscious consumption and recycling.