All eyes were on Christian Siriano. More specifically, all eyes were on his debut collection in the tents of Fashion Week since he famously claimed the Project Runway crown over a year ago. The “fierce” designer parlayed his win into instant celebrity success, even appearing in a cameo on the hit comedy Ugly Betty.

But when word spread of the youngest Project Runway champ, known for his gloss and frills, signing a deal to design shoes and handbags for the low-cost brand chain, Payless Shoes, some questioned whether Siriano had reached his fifteenth minute of fame before his first major collection. Concerns were also raised over how Siriano would tweak his usual garish designing to reflect the recession.

Despite being only 23 years-old and prior criticism for dressing women like dolls instead of women, Siriano delivered a surprisingly mature and muted collection. Earth tones and multi-occasion pieces dominated the runway, but his trademark ruffles and above-the-knee cuts were also present, though less doll-like and more accessible.

There were also pieces to attract the new A-list crowd Siriano has attracted since his win, meaning Siriano was able to accomplish what many other designers were not able to do: appeal to a diverse fashion base within one collection. Now that’s fierce.

by Loic Renin