“Project Runway” Winner Christian Siriano at Coplon’s December 2nd in Fashion Show To Benefit USC Dance

COLUMBIA, SC – October 31, 2008 – Coplon’s, Columbia’s place for upscale fashion, welcomes “fierce” celebrity designer Christian Siriano to Columbia for an exclusive showing of his Spring 2009 line December 2nd.  All proceeds will be donated to the University of South Carolina Dance Program.

Siriano quickly became a sensation during the fourth season of the hit Bravo-channel fashion design competition “Project Runway.”  Both his eye-catching creations and his unique personal style (notably bringing the adjective “fierce” into the popular lexicon) made Siriano an instant media darling.  Since winning the competition, Siriano has established himself an in-demand designer for such style icons as Victoria Beckham and “Project Runway” host Heidi Klum.  He is designing a full couture collection for the upcoming film, “Eloise in Paris,” starring Uma Thurman, which is slated to begin production in 2009, a year which will also see the release of his first book, published through the Hachette Book Group. 

Siriano’s Spring 2009 line, which Coplon’s will be carrying, was launched at New York Fashion Week in September.  Tim Gunn, advisor on “Project Runway,” said of the collection, “What I saw today represents four or five years of evolution, not four or five months.  He really is the next great American fashion designer, I’m confident of it.”

Bruce Greenberg, owner of Coplon’s, comments, “This is a collection for women who are into fashion, but also wearability, and features everything from knit tops to ball gowns.   The designs are very feminine, with Christian’s signature direction, but not costumey.”

Greenberg continues, “We are excited about this new designer and his collection, and think they are both a perfect fit for Columbia style.  We decided a fashion show was the perfect way to celebrate the collection and introduce Christian to Columbia.”  Coplon’s is one of only twelve boutiques nationwide who were approached to carry the collection.

The store is offering two opportunities to meet the designer on December 2nd.

The showing of the Spring 2009 collection will happen at 7:00 pm at Coplon’s, located at 4825 Forest Drive in Forest Acres.  For $65 each, up to 300 guests in the limited-seating event will enjoy a formal fashion show along with plenty of opportunity to meet Christian.  Food and drink before and after the runway show will be provided by Rosso, the new Italian trattoria from Kristian Niemi,  owner of Gervais & Vine and founder of Mr. Friendly’s and Solstice.

 
At 2:00 pm on the same day, a 40-seat luncheon with the designer will be held at Rosso’s soon-to-open location in Trenholm Plaza.  Admission to the exclusive luncheon is $100.

Those wishing to attend both the luncheon and the fashion show can do so for the reduced price of $150.

Admission to either or both events can be purchased in-store at Coplon’s.  Guests can also register for the events through the internet at www.getmeregistered.com, and by clicking on the link which mentions the Christian Siriano event for USC Dance.

Coplon’s decision to donate the event’s proceeds to the University of South Carolina Dance Program stems from their longstanding relationship with the school.  Bruce’s wife, Sherri, is President of the USC Board of Dance, a volunteer advisory committee that helps raise funds for scholarships, and a group which has been an instrumental force in the program’s recent exponential growth.

“USC Dance offers so much to the community,” says Mrs. Greenberg.  “The scholarships we’re able to provide help in recruiting the finest dancers from around the nation to the program, which, in turn, serves as a real cultural benefit for Columbia.”

The Board of Dance has also played a critical role in the development of the Dance Program’s new facility on Sumter St.  The board recently secured a major donation from Katherine E. Matthews, owner of Columbia’s Modern Exterminating, funding which made possible additional studio space in the new building.  “The new facility is another huge component in attracting the best students to the program,” Mrs. Greenberg says. 

USC Department of Theatre and Dance

The dance program at the University of South Carolina, founded by Susan Anderson, has had a history of excellence for 30 years. The program specializes in ballet with an offering of over 75 courses supporting majors in “Performance and Choreography” and “Dance Education.”  Alumni are currently dancing professionally and working as dance teachers and administrators in colleges, universities and other educational and professional organizations.

Information about the University of South Carolina Dance program is available on the web at www.cas.sc.edu/dance or by calling Kevin Bush, Director of Marketing for the USC Department of Theatre and Dance, at 803-777-9353.

Coplon’s, the Southeast’s leading specialty store for women, is the exclusive home to the world’s greatest designers.  In an ambience of refined elegance with a twist of whimsy, where customer service reigns supreme, Coplon’s brings its clients the best of the best.  Coplon’s is a proud supporter of the arts.

For more information on the Christian Siriano event or Coplon’s, contact Sherri Greenberg at 261-1812.