Siriano Says No to Oven Mitts, Yes to Cell Phones
Once upon a time if a reality TV star was lucky enough to be granted a full 15 minutes of fame, he or she would grab every single money-making opportunity, regardless of where it came from. But Christian Siriano, the diminutive winner of Project Runway season 4, catchphrase coiner, and assymmetric haircut standard-bearer, represents a new breed: He's not for sale to just anyone. Well, not quite.
The 22-year-old designer is launching his own high-end label this week, following a runway show at Fashion Week last month. But he turned his nose up at $120,000 worth of promotional deals from companies like Proctor & Gamble (to promote Secret deodorant) and the Italian food brand Bertolli (to design an oven-mitt).
He hasn't been quite as resistant to other offers that have come his way. A six-figure deal with LG Electronics has Siriano promoting the new Lotus phone, and he's raking in money from appearing at events like American Eagle's get-out-the-vote party. As for how his fledgling label is faring, Saks and Bloomingdales had to cancel their orders due to budget squeezes, but don't worry: If you're dying to be one of the first to wear a $2,500 Christian V. Siriano dress, Intermix will be carrying some of the Spring collection.
