Christian Siriano Debuts First Bridal Collection

Sam Lane
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Fashion designer Cristian Siriano showed his first bridal collection at Kleinfeld Bridal in N.Y.C. on Monday, April 18. (Photo: Sara Kerens)

I don’t know much about bridal fashions, so I was overcome to find myself backstage at Christian Siriano’s spring 2017 bridal collection, surrounded by tiers of lace, crystal-like beads, and lots (and lots) of tulle.

This collection was Siriano’s first full capsule collection for the legendary Kleinfeld Bridal boutique in N.Y.C. (he designed a much smaller collection the season before). The shop takes up nearly an entire city block, and downstairs, 50 full-time seamstresses work in an atelier studio, constructing one-of-a-kind gowns for brides-to-be. “It’s really insane,” Siriano says of the shop and his show space. “People don’t really understand how big of deal this place truly is. You walk in here, see the space, and you’re like, ‘Wow.’”

A big venue, of course, calls for a big dress: “Our dresses will range from $3,000 to $19,000,” Siriano says, reassuring me that everything is made by hand.

But what does a $19,000 dress look like?

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Look 27; the $19,000 ombré ball gown

“Do you want to see the dress?” Siriano asks excitedly, leading me into a back room where one fuchsia ombré, thousand-tiered tulle dress hung on a rack. “I love a colorful bridal gown. You know, this is a bride’s one fantasy moment; it’s nice to take a risk!” Siriano exclaims. (He doesn’t suggest wearing a printed gown, because patterns quickly feel dated).

In addition, Siriano’s variety of gowns — some very short, most of them long — and even one pantsuit, will come in a range of sizes. “We will be doing petite and plus-sizes,” he says. “There isn’t any one particular silhouette I recommend per body type. Every woman is different, and it just depends on how she feels.”

With the completion of his first bridal collection, the 30-year-old designer can finally focus on his own wedding this summer to singer-songwriter Brad Walsh. “We’ve planned literally nothing,” he says. “When this is over, I can finally focus on my own plans.”

Siriano’s new collection will be available next spring at the Kleinfeld Bridal boutique, and will offer just about everything for the modern bride-to-be.

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