Brody's Scribbles...He may diminutive, but he is definitely Fierce

Christian Siriano 

Photo By Brody Levesque

By Brody Levesque (Washington DC) Oct 10 | Have you ever felt like you're just a tad bit out of place? Yup, that was me today- covering a book signing event  for a colleague at the Borders Books store on L at 18th streets Northwest in downtown Washington.

He had called and asked me, "Brody, do you mind dropping in and covering a book signing for me?" 

Well, since it was enroute to my final destination of Dupont Circle, yeah, I could do that. I asked him, "Who's the author?"

"Christian Siriano," he replied. "Oh and it started at Two," he sheepishly added. Two? Lovely, I'm already 15 minutes late.

Christian Siriano? Hmm, okay, young, fashion something or another, and I knew he had designed a fantastic Designer T-Shirt for the Human Rights Campaign- but past that? Nope, not ringing any bells. Well, this can't be that hard right? Uh huh, right. I tell him no problem and I get off the Metro rail at Farragut West station, strolling up the one block north  to Borders. As I reach the front door, I am practically run over by an extraordinarily well dressed group of giggling young women clutching books with young Christian's picture emblazoned on the front.

After dodging them and then several even more fashionably attired ladies similarly accessorized with his book, I headed for the lower level of the store where the staff normally sets up for these events. As I approached I spotted Borders Staffer Jim Stunz, whom I've previously met,  who chaperons the signings for this store. Sliding up to him and greeting him, I asked how was the attendance as it was fairly obvious that the event was well in progress. He told me that well over 130 people had turned out, which for a gloomy, grey, and rainy Saturday in downtown DC, is really not bad. Looking around I spotted a camera crew grabbing footage and a line of folks waiting patiently their turn to have Christian sign their copies of his book, and in some cases it appeared, take a picture with him.

Now, to be fair when it comes to fashion sense, I am an idiot. If somebody ever needed an example of how NOT to dress for a "Dress for Success" book, then I'm the perfect poster boy for its front cover. Also, I'm a political correspondent and have NO clue about the arts past a pedestrian eye for what I think passes as tasteful. Plus, I am used to shouting questions at recalcitrant politicians. I stood there for a moment wondering whether or not I should attempt a short interview.

I asked one of the Borders Staff standing next to me if Christian had brought an agent/manager or even a publicist with him?  The staffer pointed to a very attractive young black lady who appeared to be in charge of directing the folks in line and riding shotgun on the chaos surrounding Christian.

I approached her and introduced myself. Her name was Tanisha Christie and she turned out to be incredibly gracious, offering to give me five minutes alone with Christian interrupting the ongoing event. I begged off as I really didn't wish to make his fans wait any longer than absolutely necessary, but she said it was not a problem and told me to wave at her when I was ready. I retreated to a spot on the other side of the room pondering what to ask.

Oh joy, professional embarrassment then set in. I had not read his book. I barely knew who he was and most importantly, what should I ask as I'd no clue what exactly he does for a living. Well, ok, he designs clothes, yeah but remember- me? Political reporter? Fashion klutz? Alright, I knew that he was a celebrity so generic safe questions should work, I jot them down and wave at Tanisha.

She immediately halted the proceedings and brought Christian over. The very first thing I notice as I shook his hand is the obvious, he's diminutive in stature. I guess I should explain that compared to my 6 foot 2 inch 200 pound bulk, he's quite small. However, I got the impression that there is a formidable intellect and personality that belies his size. He is an extremely polite and genuine young man. I then asked him four quick questions:

BL: Christian, have your dreams been mostly fulfilled by your recent successes? 

SIRIANO: Oh yes, my every dream has been filled, its been fabulous.

BL: What is your immediate goal for the next five years?

SIRIANO: I want to build a brand, for women, inspired, creative, flawless, fierce. A tribute to women.

BL: Fame Christian, Good or Bad?

SIRIANO: [Laughs] Mostly good but alot of dramatic moments!

BL: Okay, I can relate to that. Finally, why a book at age 23?

SIRIANO: I wanted to explain, well answer people's questions. I think that they want to know what it means to have Fierce style.  Oh and I'll write another one in ten years. [Laughs]

BL: Thanks Christian, mind if I take a picture?

SIRIANO: No, please and thank you.

So I take a shot [above] and on my way out, Tanisha hands me a copy of Christian's book; "FIERCE STYLE, HOW TO BE YOUR MOST FABULOUS SELF."  On the Metro headed for my next stop, I skim through it, impressed by the layout which is very creative and colourful. I have added it to my list of must reads for this next week.  I leave thinking what a pleasant, articulate, and nice young man Christian is, diminutive to be certain, but definitely fierce.