‘Project Runway’ fashion design star will be in Charlotte. Here’s how you can meet him
Fashion designer and “Project Runway” winner and mentor Christian Siriano will be at Belk’s SouthPark mall in Charlotte Tuesday to launch a new clothing line in partnership with Gloria Vanderbilt.
Siriano joins a long list of celebrities and fashion icons who have appeared at the flagship store through the decades, from Oscar de la Renta and Tommy Hilfiger to Elizabeth Taylor, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and Cam Newton.
Siriano is partnering with iconic women’s designer jeans brand Gloria Vanderbilt in creating a contemporary denim collection of jeans, dresses and tops. The size-inclusive line runs in sizes 26-34, petite and extended sizing.
Expect embroideries, patchwork and Gloria Vanderbilt’s signature swan emblem.
Belk officials did not respond for comment for this story.
How to meet Christian Siriano
The public event with Siriano starts at 6 p.m. Tuesday with a 15-minute question-and-answer time hosted by local lifestyles blogger Miranda Miller. Grab a free photo with Siriano from 6:15-8 p.m. Meet him first by making a GV x CS collection purchase on Tuesday.
About Christian Siriano
Siriano gained attention after winning the fourth season of design competition show “Project Runway” in 2007. At age 21, he is the TV series’ youngest winner. He studied under Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen in London, launching his eponymous collection in 2008.
The Christian Siriano collection is shown each season at New York Fashion Week, and presented in New York and Paris to retailers. Siriano is known for whimsical designs from fantasy evening gowns and cocktail dresses to tailored sportswear and intricate accessories.
In 2012, the first flagship Christian Siriano store opened in New York City. In 2013, he was inducted as a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
He was named “Designer of the Year” at the 2016 American Apparel & Footwear Association American Image Awards and won the Couture For A Cause “Designer of the Decade” award that year. He also co-founded accessories e-commerce retailer “Send the Trend” and served as chief curator until its acquisition by QVC.
Belk focus on inclusivity and diversity
The Gloria Vanderbilt and Christian Siriano clothing line is the latest addition to Belk’s focus on equity, inclusivity and diversity.
This year, Belk added more minority- and female-owned brands andsize-inclusive home, apparel, beauty and accessories to The Culture Shop, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. The shop opened last year highlighting beauty and cosmetic products in a variety of skin tones, along with T-shirts and apparel for historically Black colleges and universities.
The 134-year-old department store chain emerged from bankruptcy in February 2021.
In September, Belk named Don Hendricks as chief executive officer, following former CEO Nir Patel’s abrupt departure in May after less than a year in the role.
In August, Belk filed a lawsuit against Patel, former senior vice president of supply chain Tim May and their employer GameStop accusing them of stealing employees and payroll information, the Observer previously reported.
Belk, owned by private equity firm Sycamore Partners, has nearly 300 locations in 16 Southeastern states.