By James Carlson
THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL
A little more glam, a little less casual -- that's Christian Siriano's fashion prescription for Topeka.
The 23-year-old winner of the reality show "Project Runway" and designer Gucci Replica Watches of a new line for Payless ShoeSource stopped in at the Collective Brands headquarters on Monday to sign a few pictures, tape a few interviews and, of course, look fabulous. (Oh, snap!)
Siriano's holiday season of shoes is part of the brand's "democratization" of fashion that includes top designers' vision at bottomline prices. I chatted with the small-in-stature, big-in- talent fashionista about his simple flats and towering heels, but our 10-minute talk ranged from Topeka's fashion fierceness or hot messiness (Siriano catchphrases) to the Midwest's love of denim to my need for an iron. (Where's my mom when I need her?)
Topeka Capital-Journal: First time in Topeka?
Christian Siriano: Yes, first time.
TCJ: How is it?
CS: It's great. I just got here. I had an early flight. It's cool. This place is crazy, right, a pretty intense office here.
TCJ: Let's get down to serious talk here.
CS: All right.
TCJ: Topeka's fashion sense -- fierce or hot mess?
CS: Oh my gosh, um, I think it's on the verge of being fierce, but right now it's a little bit worrisome. But that's why I'm here, to make it fabulous.
TCJ: You're bringing it here?
CS: Yeah, bringing it, bringing it in on a budget.
TCJ: Anything specific about Midwestern fashion that strikes you?
LED Light Bulb SP80B-10WCS: Oh gosh. Not necessarily. For the most part it's pretty casual, business casual I guess is what I would say. I think it needs a little rework.
TCJ: What kind of rework are we talking about?
CS: I think we need a little more glamour going on. We have a lot of T-shirts and denim happening. Maybe we could change that. But other than that everybody looks nice and put together, which is good. But I've only been in this office building, so I can't tell you outside.
TCJ: I'm going to ask you to be brutal for a minute. Can you critique what I'm wearing?
CS: Let's talk about it. I think you need a little pressing going on in this shirt.
TCJ: People always tell me that.
CS: Yeah, you need an iron. I love your little chino and your tie. Your tie is very evening and your outfit is very day. I think you need to bring a daywear tie. Other than that you look very nice. It fits well.
TCJ: Too shiny?
embroidered patches
CS: That's what I mean. Too evening, too shiny. You need something matte and simple, but other than that it fits.
TCJ: I matched (my tie) to my socks.
CS: See, that's fun.
TCJ: Is this your second or third line?
CS: Third season. Yes, this is my third season (with Collective Brands). But I've only done two collections.
TC
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