My love affair with Christian Siriano shoes

Any fan of Project Runway knows that Christian Siriano is arguably the show’s most successful alum. Winning the fourth season, this whiz kid won the hearts of judges and fans everywhere with his incredible design aesthetic, unique personality, and hilarious vocabulary. (The word “fierce” spread like wildfire after he used it to death.) Unlike other winners, who would fade into oblivion after the show, he started showing his collections during Fashion Week and has become a mainstay every season. He even guest starred in the now-defunct-but-oh-so-memorable show Ugly Betty as — who else? — himself, adding color and fierceness to the already fashionable backdrop of Betty and Wilhemina’s world.

He’s kept busy with so many projects, but one of his most successful ones was his collaboration with Payless Shoe Source. After releasing his collections for Fashion Week, he translated the shoes to more street-ready and affordable versions. Hues and patterns from his collections would appear on wearable flats and heels. I remember drooling all over my computer some years ago as I lusted after his shoes online — green and gold booties, printed pointy flats, cage heels, even a gorgeous pair of snakeskin rain boots. All of them were usually under $50. What an unbelievable bargain, to own something designed by one of my favorite designers for under $50! My favorite was a blue and white pair of platform pumps with a claw-like heel that came out in 2009. Alexander McQueen had released his infamous eight-inch claw heels at the same time, and people couldn’t help making comparisons. Despite the drama, it showed that Christian could be as fashion-forward and fearless as McQueen, even in footwear. The claw heels were only available online, and it killed me that Payless didn’t ship to Manila. This meant I could never get my hands on the shoes that I wanted. I always had to wait until very good friends (who were willing to go to Payless stores and hunt down these shoes for me) flew to the States, and usually by that time the shoes weren’t available anymore.

Fierceness: The winner of the fourth season of Project Runway, Christian Siriano has gone to conquer the fashion world with his runway collections and Payless shoes.

When Payless arrived on our shores not long ago, I was ecstatic because that could only mean that Christian’s shoes would be arriving as well. True enough, the shelves would display boxes with his lovely creations and instead of drooling online, I would drool on them in the flesh. (Thankfully, no salesladies ever caught me.) I absolutely adored his shoes from his spring/summer 2011 collection, which were open pumps with a ribbon fanning out ostentatiously from the sides. When I checked Payless, I fell in love with his Christian Siriano for Payless versions. They were still open pumps with a ribbon, but the size and pleating was simpler. They were no less pretty than the real versions, and I loved that they retained their feminine vibe.

Every time I visit the store, I fall in love with new pairs by Christian Siriano. I love that his shoes are always wearable and comfortable, as with most Payless shoes, but they’re never boring or too basic. He is always able to infuse gorgeous details into his shoes, whether it’s a luscious shade of lavender, an adorable golden swirl insignia or an interesting snakeskin texture. I’m currently lusting after a pair of lack pumps with square heels and a pair of blue strappy sandals, and what a perfect time to be in shoe lust: his limited edition shoes are now on sale in Payless, along with the rest of the designer lines. The Isabel Toledo for Payless lines are always unique and interesting as well, and currently I’m seriously considering a pair of mesh tie-up pumps or a platform wedge from her current collection. If you’ve always wanted a designer shoe collection, now is your chance to scoop up as many pairs as you like for a bargain. I think I’m about to have my own Christian Siriano collection.