Holly Barclay / 27 July 2016 / Categories: Creative

Christian Sirano

I was a massive fan of the TV show Project Runway when it first hit the screen and remember following with absolute intention the journey of this young man from Maryland, who at 21 was producing out of this world garments I wanted in my wardrobe. In the final in 2008 I even recall guest judge steely faced Victoria Beckham cracking a smile at the whimsy of his Bryant Park Collection.

Of all the hopefuls that have graced this stage non has stuck quite like Sirano now 30 who this week was in the fashion spotlight dressing Michelle Obama for probably the most important speech of her life at the DNC in Philadelphia.

The blue cap sleeved quite somewhat conservative creation captured the imagination of the world, not just the fashion press, we have not seen a dress cause such a stir since Zac Posen unveiled his fairytale futuristic fairylit gown for actress Claire Danes at the Met Gala this year.

It is unusual to see a young designer grab the publics attention, the old school houses are tough to break into and making a name in your own right even tougher. Even the likes of Georgina Chapman, co founder of house Marchesa struggled to revive the fortunes of Halston but everything Sirano touches turns to solid gold.

Like all creative genius there appears to be a genuine humility about him, driven, focused and working at what he loves and so impressed to see him use the platform of the Academy Awards this year to align himself with Water.org and Stella Artois, auctioning the gown he made for E! News presenter Maria Menoumous to raise money and promoting the sale of limited edition crystal chalices to provide water to people all over the world.

What a refreshing change to see someone in the public eye get there on sheer talent and hard work, just the kind of person you'd expect the First Lady would ask to make her important frock.