Filed under: Storage & Cleaning, Design, etc, News & Trends, Cleaning
We talked to the fashion designer about his new line of sponges, his neat-freak tendencies and what music gets him into full-on cleaning mode.We see a lot of fashion designers bringing their talent to the home. But while Diane von Furstenberg took her prints to the table and bed and Cynthia Rowley lent her amazing color palatte for paint, Project Runway winner Christian Siriano is taking a different route into your home: Sponges. Yes, the man who so chic-ly embedded "fierce" into America's vernacular has taken on one of the least fashionable home staples...and turned them into leopard-printed fashion statements.
Designer Christian Siriano and his chic sponges -- "Muse" and "Leopard". Photos: O-Cel-O.
Christian Siriano: I'm really into home, and I love this moment of fashion in your kitchen. I figured, sponges could look a little bit cuter... and not so grimy. It's a different type of project -- more of a graphic design experiment for me. Something not so serious fun lighthearted and that was
ShelterPop: What's your dishwashing style? Wait until they pile up or clean them as you use them?
Christian Siriano: I'm a crazy neat freak. I'm always loading the dishwasher and I like a clean kitchen.
ShelterPop: Wait, you use a dishwasher, not a sponge?
Christian Siriano: I can't clean my own dishes -- I don't have time for that. A lot of people in New York don't have dishwashers but when I moved, I had to have one. Otherwise, it makes me crazy!
ShelterPop: So what do you do with all your sponges?
Christian Siriano: The sponge isn't just for cleaning dishes, honey.
ShelterPop: Fair enough. So tell us: How do you make housework fun?
Christian Siriano: Like I said, I'm a clean freak. I get really into it. All I need is good music.
ShelterPop: Whats on your cleaning playlist?
Christian Siriano: Ohmigod, it could be anything. Anything from Britney and Christina to old Toni Braxton. And my boyfriend loves Tori Amos so sometimes it can be a little intense. Oh! And we'll even have a bit of classical depending on what's going on.
ShelterPop: What's your first memory cleaning, as a kid?
Christian Siriano: When I was really, really young, I was very into organizing. My mom used to say I'd organize everything I could. Inside cabinets, my sister's shoes. I was always into it and that's trickled on through life.
ShelterPop: So if we came over, I'd see that everything in your home is meticulously organized?
Christian Siriano: It kind of is. I would love for it to be even more perfect but I do have to throw things around for work so it's not always just right.
ShelterPop: I bet it's neater than you think! OK, one last thing. Here at SP, we believe that happy homes make happy people. How do you make your home happy?
Christian Siriano: I love the little things, like fun fresh flowers and definitely beautiful scents. I really love Belle Fleur, they're based in New York and have a lot of very cool, different scents. And they also have a florist, so I get my orchids there.
Thanks, Christian!
Want to pick up the sponges for yourself? Check O-Cel-O's website to find out where you can find them in your neighborhood.
And of course, read up on some of our other favorite collaborations:
Target & Calypso Home: Collaboration Alert!
Sneak Peek: Crate & Barrel Gets Marimekko Flair
Shabby Chic and Michaels: Collaboration Alert
Converse & Marimekko: Collaboration Alert!