The new season of Project Runway just started a couple of weeks ago, so it is still too early to predict who will have the opportunity to showcase their talents at Bryant Park. However, in 2008 we witnessed the start of a stunning career for a designer, Christian Siriano, whose unique hairstyle, the “fashion hawk,” and creative genius earned him the top spot among the fashion crowd. He became the youngest designer to win the reality fashion show, and has shown two impressive collections at New York Fashion Week. In addition, he has collaborated with Payless ShoeSource and Victoria’s Secret Beauty for exclusive editions of accessories and makeup products. Now, Siriano can add author to his growing list of projects. His first book, Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self, is available now at your local bookstore.

The book serves as a guide to finding and developing your own style. While it is full of advice on topics, including shopping and working with your body type, Siriano wanted the book to be “fun, kitschy and not super-serious.” One of my favorite chapters was his tips for looking fierce on a budget. He described fierce style as being about being confident and exuding power. He recognized that while it is fine to want to have “dream” pieces in a wardrobe, you can find more wallet-friendly choices at stores, such as H&M, Banana Republic and Forever 21. Maybe you can’t afford a Burberry trench coat. A Banana Republic trench is a wonderful option for you with great quality and fit. 

Like the rest of us recessionistas, the style guru appreciates the collaborations from Target and H&M. When a designer does a line for them, the superstore can be a hidden gem, said Siriano. It’s a no-brainer to purchase some pieces when it’s from someone like Stella McCartney, he said.

Siriano also shared his belief that fashion definitely means taking chances. One of his fans who embodies the style of a risk-taker is actress Sarah Jessica Parker. If she didn’t wear something that looked outrageous to the rest of us, she would never be dressed different, he said.  Take risks and find different things, such as a new color or a print. After all, looking fabulous for yourself is what makes you feel better about yourself, said Siriano.