Model shows off her own fall collection with tumble on the runway at Christian Siriano

By TAMARA ABRAHAM

Going, going, gone: A model trips and falls on the runway at the Christian Siriano show at New York Fashion Week yesterday. The shoes were from a range the designer had created for budget store Payless


With the likes of Alexa Chung, Mena Suvari and Petra Nemcova in the front row, the pressure was on for the models at Christian Siriano's show at New York Fashion Week last night.

But it all proved too much for one girl who took a tumble in her towering heels. The embellished platforms were part of a collection Mr Siriano had designed for budget store Payless.

Miss Chung, who looked every inch the kooky fashionista in a long printed dress and platform heels, was also joined by actress Gabrielle Union at the event.

The Bring It On star wore a short teal printed dress, while Miss Suvari went for a rock-chic look in a black leather jacket, miniskirt and towering platform wedges.

Like the models, both actresses wore shoes from Mr Siriano's Payless line, but thankfully neither followed the unfortunate model's lead in falling over.

Though Siriano, 25, has shaken off his reality show roots to become a respected designer in his own right, his decision to hire celebrity stylist Danielle Nachmani has proved a shrewd one.


Front row fashionistas: Actress Gabrielle Union was joined by television presenter Alexa Chung and American Beauty star Mena Suvari at the fledgling designer's star-studded show


His signature high-octane glamour looked to have found its comfort zone in a palette of inky blacks, greys and khaki greens.

The collection, which was inspired by the orchid, also featured flashes of soft pink - a sweet counter to the muddy hues.

Much of the drama came from his use of volume and different textures - one cocktail dress was an explosion of fabric petals, while a cashmere and leather double-lapel coat worn with a slim knit turtleneck and skinny silk trousers was an example of how he had mastered the multiple mediums.


Muddy hues: Siriano lifted his palette of black and khaki with a soft pink that was the perfect counter


Cocktail hour: Eveningwear featured volume and ruffles, and is set to be a favourite with stars on the red carpet


The silk draped sheath dress with just a hint of a leather underskirt was accessible yet fashion-forward, and the zip-front shawl collar jacket had the makings of a wardrobe staple.


Celebrity fans: Siriano (centre) with Mena Suvari and Gabrielle Union backstage after his show


Siriano shot to fame after appearing on the fourth season of reality television show Project Runway in 2008. He is the youngest person to have won the show, though he has enjoyed more success from it than any other winner.

He is of Italian and German descent, but was born in Maryland and is based in New York.

Before his appearance on Project Runway he was an intern at Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Marc Jacobs.

He is a favourite with actress Christina Hendricks, who wore one of his dresses at the Golden Globes last year. He is one of few designers prepared to loan the U.S. Size 10 star dresses for awards ceremonies.

She said last year: 'People have been saying some nice, wonderful things about me. Yet not one designer in town will loan me a dress.

'They only lend out a size 0 or 2. So I'm still struggling for someone to give me a darn dress'.


Christian Siriano FALL 2011 COLLECTION, MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK



source: dailymail