Bravo, Boyfriend
A few weeks ago Christian asked me “so are you gonna write something when the finale airs and I officially win?” I asked him what he meant by “write something,” and he said “for Junk.” He’s refreshingly clueless about certain parts of the internet, so I didn’t explain that the only people who regularly read this site are New York club kids looking for pictures of themselves, and fifteen year olds in middle America who take anything I say about him here, copy and paste it onto Oh No They Didn’t and then proceed to call me ugly for a week and ponder whether I am taking advantage of Brittany Murphy. Instead I said “of course,” so here I am. Ugly and proud of Christian Siriano. Obviously I’m extraordinarily proud of him, not just for winning the show and fan favorite and text winner, but for making what he did under so much pressure. Even if he hadn’t won I would still have been completely stunned to watch the things on the racks in his living room go from hanging pieces of fabric to straight up works of art.
Last night’s finale party was a lot of fun. Jillian and Sweet P are both stunning ladies and looked incredible. But from a couple others, it was disappointing to hear some be so loudly bitter with my own ears.
So, people often ask me and Christian how we started dating. He and I tell different versions of the story: I say he groped me at a party, he says I stalked him on MySpace. Neither is the truth…
Last fall, before he was an unwitting icon and a more effective catalyst for the word “fierce” than even Tyra, we messaged professionally a bit when I was on a photo blitz and then met up to do some pictures. He stupidly gave me, a stranger at the time, his home address and had me meet him there when his roommate Jasmine was away. He (also stupidly) let me take pictures of his in-progress Bryant Park collection and sketches of the final outfits tacked on the wall. I stayed for a couple of hours and left with some great images of him, and not long after that I sent him some of the pictures. I got an e-mail back saying he hoped we could hang out sometime. A couple weeks passed and we e-mailed again to transfer some hi-res images. He mentioned again that he wanted to hang out, and I had just confirmed a party for Playgirl magazine, so I invited him to be my +1. I sort of wondered if it was a date, but wasn’t sure how I felt about a first date being at a nighttime Playgirl party with penises all over the walls, so I decided in my head that it was not a date because that was very unromantic.
After two drinks went into his tiny body, however, we were clearly on a date. It was a few weeks before Christmas, and there were lots of people around wearing Santa hats with light up penises blinking. We stayed mostly in the DJ booth with my friend Sharon for most of the night; him demanding Britney and me drinking a lot, eventually attempting to stay upright. He lost it for Mariah’s “All I Want For Christmas” and I lost it for the Pointer Sisters’ “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.” He got more and more grabby, though not in any kind of gross or bad way. Respectful, but determined. Long story short, we went back to his place.
After a few hours I had to get up early and spend the day trying to think clearly and be productive. It was also the day Tim Gunn was coming by with a camera crew to film Christian’s progress making his collection for Bryant Park, which is when it really hit me that he was on a TV show. When you watch the re-runs of him showing Tim his stuff in the bright sunlight, know that that was minutes after waking up from a few hours of sleeping off an open bar at a Playgirl party and me hauling ass out of there. If he seems cracked out (for example, asking Tim “what is wrong with you?”), that’s why.
By the way, that episode (the first part of the finale, where they showed the designers in progress making their final collections) was unbelievably skewed. They aired Christian alone for about three minutes, and showed Tim giving criticism of two pieces on the rack. What actually happened that day was: a couple of his friends were there, being fun, and Tim gave lots and lots of glowing praise for what he saw of the collection at that point. Said something about it being the best or most far along he had ever seen any finale contestant in the history of the show. Yet Bravo only aired two “concerned” moments and made it seem like Christian was the only one of the final four who didn’t care enough about his friends or family to invite them over to be filmed with him. We got to see Rami’s friends, Chris’ friends… made them seem much more personable and showed us that they have friends and lives outside the walls of Parsons. They even took a trip out to Long Island specifically to show off Jillian’s family; why make it seem like Christian is a big friendless loner?
Anyway. We started seeing each other a lot in December, and over a few months we got really close. I didn’t bring him out to my parties very often because as more and more time went by and he got higher up in the competition on the show, winning the most challenges and becoming more of a character, every single place we’d go would become a fishbowl. To the point that it caused some trouble between us. We couldn’t have fun together. I hated eating dinner at a restaurant and being interrupted mid-sentence by a girl or a gay guy who completely ignored my presence and either blabbered about herself to him or hit on him right in front of me (and then, always, shoved a camera in my face and asked me to take a picture of the two of them). There are fanmoms and screamers (actual screaming people, shouting his name in the street) everywhere we go. Waiters visit our table ten times. I get e-mails from people all over the country trying to get me to connect them to him, and judgments from bloggers who would prefer that he was single. Nowadays it’s unavoidable, but I’m used to it and it doesn’t creep me out nearly as much. I’ve spent plenty of time in public with people who get recognized by fans (I even have some of my own, BELIEVE IT OR NOT), but for some reason it used to seem natural for everybody to want a picture of someone like Leigh, and totally weird for everyone to want Christian’s.
I don’t know why my congratulatory post turned into a Wikipedia entry of our time together – probably because I am an ugly narcissistic attention whore with a rolodex full of starlets to take advantage of and the contempt of Jay McCaroll, who decided it would be a good idea to bark lewd sexual shit at me and Christian last night on our way out – but I guess what I’m saying is that we have been through a lot of very strange and trying things in a compressed time period and come out strong. He’s unbelievable. I’m so proud of him. He won Project Runway. It’s a huge accomplishment at the beginning of a strong solo career. And now everybody can stop asking us if he won. Yes, he won. Yes, he won!
March 6th, 2008at 12:39 pm
yay! yay! he won…and deservidly so! congrats. beautiful collection! eh and yeah dating famous people..sometimes less fun than one would think.
March 6th, 2008at 1:35 pm
finally. the real story. Thanks man.
March 6th, 2008at 2:08 pm
Gaaaahhhh. I love you both.
March 6th, 2008at 2:09 pm
P.S. Walshiano 2008 again and again
March 6th, 2008at 2:26 pm
you’re a real cutie.
^__^
March 6th, 2008at 2:37 pm
This is a very nice story. I am a fan of Christian’s and remember the pictures that appeared in the magazine. I think what you have written is honest and sweet. I am just dropping a note because I imagine that Chris and Jay are very unhappy and angry people. It must be extremely frustrating to be so heavy and in an industry that celebrates the body. It sounds wonderful that you and Christian have found each other because (and this is just from my casual view who knows neither of you) it appears that you can offer each other comfort and art. The music went very well with the clothes. Keep going forward! I expect to hear great things from each of you.
March 6th, 2008at 2:41 pm
thanks for the nice sentiments, but i don’t “being heavy in an industry that celebrates the body” is relevant. chris and jay are designers. i don’t think equating someone being heavy with them being “unhappy and angry” is very fair…
March 6th, 2008at 2:48 pm
I liked this post, Brad. Christian’s designs last night were stunning. Congratulations! See you both Saturday
March 6th, 2008at 3:33 pm
Brad, I love your music and photography. Your super fabulous yourself.
You are a such a cutie.
I love you both soooooooo much.
Like they say in my language:
You guys are masterchuliz
March 6th, 2008at 5:07 pm
that is a very cute story! i must say, that makes much more sense about christian’s unnerved composure in that last episode; i was wondering what was up with that. i thought it was really strange that they didn’t show any of his friends or family, as well-that was very noticeable! i hate to hear that chris behaves like that, he really seemed like a sweet man-that’s too bad. now i’m glad he didn’t make it to the finals. …and jay who? yeah, he’s just bitter he doesn’t have half the talent of christian. i hope you two are happy!
March 6th, 2008at 6:00 pm
Aw, hey, this is sweet. I love reading “How we met” stories, especially about people that interest me.
This morning I came into school 5 minutes after watching the taped episode of the finale (I’ve been sick, bed at 9, drink your tea, be a good little girl) and promptly screamed like a little girl. I’m really, really pleased that Christian won. I’ve never me the boy, but I think he deserves it.
Dayumm. I’ve never had to deal with that sort of popularity on such a scale, but just my own experience of attempting to have conversation with someone and constantly having someone swoop in and hijack makes me feel for you. I shudder to even think about what it must be like for you.
I’m suprised by the whole Chris thing–usually they don’t edit so well. At least we had some really genuine characters as well.
I’m going to go stalk bluefly now, see what’s going on there.
Cheers,
Aly
March 6th, 2008at 7:35 pm
Congrats! Christian’s collection was amazing! And your song for the catwalk was like super. Good job both of you.
March 6th, 2008at 9:08 pm
hey brad,
thanks for taking the time to write this, im really glad that the two of you seem to be so happy together and i wish nothing but the best for you two.
It was also really nice to hear the project runway experience from someone who wasn’t part of the show and can bring in their own unedited opinion to things.
best of luck
William
Houston, TX
March 6th, 2008at 9:43 pm
well. if it makes you feel any better, i will spend the better part of saturday hitting on you and begging you to take nudes of me. lol. you are ugly btw.
March 6th, 2008at 9:43 pm
o yeah, and cleveland rocks.
March 6th, 2008at 11:14 pm
i wish you both were straight and single! ahhhhh!!
March 7th, 2008at 12:55 am
Is it just me or do you seem kinda hard on your self about your appearance? Or is that just how you feel other people perceive you. I think you are a very attractive man. And very lucky to have what you got. I admire you in so many ways, and I think other people should to, and if they don’t well then that is their fault not yours because you have made a name for your self and they have not.
March 7th, 2008at 1:28 am
well, I don’t know you or Christian, but I found this to be incredibly adorable and I enjoyed reading it, so I thought I’d drop a comment saying so. also, you’re not ugly, and you definitely shouldn’t take anything the ONTD kids say too seriously - they automatically deem any person standing next to Christian in a picture “not fierce enough” (including Tim). Christian teenyboppers = the new Claymates.
you guys are cute together, best wishes!
March 7th, 2008at 1:43 am
i am neither a NY club hound or a 15 year old girl out to copy and paste your sentiments but i do want to say that i really appreciate your blog. i’m an avid reader of the magazine, i think you and kathy are both very funny and i like to see what people are wearing in the city because i’m well, so far from. ANYWAY i thank you for clearing up what really happened in the first episode of the finale. i was wondering where christians friends were, and it disappoints me greatly at how they made it appear……
being a fan of both YOU and Christian, i really liked your little love story too. how endearing. i’ll keep listening… and reading…. and hopefully its not the last i hear from your boy, PR winners sometimes disappear between the cracks. KEEP HIM WORKING!!
March 7th, 2008at 11:48 am
thanks people
i don’t think i’m ugly. just repeating what other people have said.
March 7th, 2008at 12:14 pm
What a cute little story
I usually don’t online much but I like the song Christian used on his runway show a lot so I googled a little and then found out about you two. I only wish the best for the two of you because I think you guys make a great couple.
Btw a bit disappointed with Chris too, not my favorite but I really liked him on the show.
March 7th, 2008at 2:57 pm
hi sweetness.
you are pretty.
christian is pretty.
thank you for taking my picture.
i’m sorry i screamed.
free zygo vodka made me do it.
March 7th, 2008at 4:05 pm
you’re adorable. i think both you and christian are so lucky to have one another. your music really contributed to the show. even michael kors was bobbing his head up and down!
March 7th, 2008at 8:19 pm
As someone who has experienced
Reality Editing (but in a good way: better lighting
and angles) THANK YOU so much for
helping some of us get to know Christian
a little more realistically. Too bad some of
his life with you wasn’t included on Bravo.
Bravo (and Brava) to you and Christian…
—-Don and Tim in Vegas
March 7th, 2008at 8:42 pm
Great blog! I still stand by my words that Christian Siriano’s collection is the best in four season of Project Runway. There is that pesky matter of personal taste, but still, it baffles me that anyone might think differently.
And there’s no way someone as fabulous as Christian would ever date an ugly person.
March 7th, 2008at 8:46 pm
Also, 27 year-olds in Baltimore. Apparently, I should hang myself, or you underestimate your blog. Cheers to you and Xian.
March 7th, 2008at 10:43 pm
I think you are way hotter than christian and your music and photography is amazing =P wish you were straight and single =O anyways, you guys are both amazing and talented and I’m so glad he won. Looking forward to see more of his fabulous designs.
March 8th, 2008at 1:21 pm
christian is absolutely adorable
March 8th, 2008at 6:35 pm
does this mean you’re not marrying me? now that you’re in a “relationship”? fuck you.
March 9th, 2008at 1:16 am
people are messaing me asking if i know christian personally. i’m like damn all up in my busniess.
March 9th, 2008at 4:22 pm
Awww, Brad. You’ve been silent on LJ since the finale so I popped over here to see if you’d written anything about it. This was cute to get to read. Anyway, congrats to Christian, and to you for being happy with your guy!
March 9th, 2008at 11:20 pm
everyone is a fuckin faggot
dingle dongle
someone’s calling you
GOULET
hey tranny (it’s tranny)
March 10th, 2008at 2:11 am
Aww that’s quite exciting. I’m glad he won! But I can completely understand how you feel about people walking up to you. People go so crazy over celebrities of sorts, and I’ll admit that I loved Christian on Project Runway, but I’ll never understand why people gawk over them and treat them like property of the public eye. And how rude to approach him, and not even acknowledge you! I think you’re just as awesome and every bit just as interesting as Christian! I’m happy you two are together!
March 10th, 2008at 11:35 am
I’m not a club kid, I’m a middle aged man who just loves project runway. Christian was very refreshing, and talented.
Have Fun and be Fierce!
March 10th, 2008at 2:44 pm
i’m not an nyc club kid or a 15 year old midwestern brat. i did, however, find your blog through ontd. we aren’t all like that =). i wanted to say congratulations to both you and christian. he was my pick from the very beginning. it’s so nice to read you guys are both so happy together and that things are going well for both of you. i loved the music you made for his runway show, it really added to it. i also love you relating the story about what went on the night before tim went to his apartment…and the fact that they cut out christian’s friends, which really isnt fair. seems like you guys have some great stories together! i’m not going to lie, if i ran into you guys somewhere (i’m a college kid right outside nyc), i’d probably be like “oh wow!” too, but i wouldn’t totally ignore you and i’d try not to creep you guys out =). congratulations again!
March 10th, 2008at 2:59 pm
brad. this is all very strange.
i did not even know what project runway was until i googled christian after your party the other night.
i feel like maybe one day i should get tv again so I am not so completely out of the loop.
March 10th, 2008at 3:21 pm
okay, so i hear of you through gossip about christian, but i’m definitely absolutely totally a fan of yours. since i’m into music more than fashion, well…just don’t tell your boyfriend, okay? he seems like such a sweet guy. i want “control me” embedded into my head, on repeat 24/7.
thanks for the back story on the PR finale episode - i thought it was seriously weird that they didn’t show any friends or family during christian’s segment, and only showed tim all worried about ‘costume-y’ feather pants.
if i saw you two out on the street, i’d be in awe and most certainly wouldn’t be a screamer. i’d ask for a pic with you both.
March 10th, 2008at 4:05 pm
I am happy I was able to read this! I remember finding your article/pics like the first week of project runway, when I googled him. And I have fallen in love with your work.
And I was upset that they didnt show any family/friends for Christian, I knew something was wrong. Ahhh the horros of editing on reality tv show
p.s. you are not ugly!
March 10th, 2008at 5:16 pm
ah i love you both!
ps- brad, you are FAR from ugly!
best wishes to you and christian.
March 11th, 2008at 2:35 am
I would love to do gratis web design for you and Mr. Fierce. My main qualifications are that I’m 5′11″.
Here via afterelton.com + my lust for frilly black clothing and hard music.
March 11th, 2008at 5:03 am
I’m still kind of learning about both you and Christian. I just stumbled upon this blog after boldly e-mailing Christian to check out my site. I’m proud to be involved, even if just as a new fan! Great stuff man..
- L
March 11th, 2008at 10:43 am
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March 12th, 2008at 10:36 pm
i fucking love your guts!!
March 16th, 2008at 5:12 am
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March 22nd, 2008at 9:45 am
sweet!
best wishes for the both of you!
fab! fab! fab!
March 22nd, 2008at 7:06 pm
aww brad, I’m a fan. i love you and your music and your sexiness
March 22nd, 2008at 7:08 pm
If I saw you and Christian in the street, I would totally include you in the picture
March 23rd, 2008at 8:36 pm
first of all I’m not a middle america kid…although I was forced to moved there I’m from cali and I have to say that 1. you’re not ugly. 2. you’re fucking awesome. There’s your ego boost for the day
March 26th, 2008at 3:51 pm
I have to say that you’re quite an acheivement yourself, first of all. ; ) If I had to choose a favorite music artist [which is hard for me since I like so much] you’d be at the top for sure.
And all of the fans know Christian because of the TV show. It will probably be even more exciting and flattering when he becomes known as the next American designer! Keep him working.
April 17th, 2008at 3:13 pm
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