Preview to Christian Siriano's Fall 2011 Collection

Every girl will need three things this fall; sky-high stilettos, a statement jacket and a big cocktail dress. Or at least that's what Christian Siriano is telling his A-list clientele.

After Christian finished Project Runway, Heidi Klum was an instant fan. Others quickly followed, including Victoria Beckham and Mad Men's Christina Hendricks. Christian doesn't take any of this for granted, he told me. He's so grateful for every fan, including Mena Suvari and Gabrielle Union, who sat front row on Thursday. Mena was in head-to-toe black with fierce CS booties. Her hair was very blond, very retro. Think Veronica Lake.

Alexa Chung made a statement in bright-orange patent sandals and black tights, while Gabrielle rocked a printed strapless. And her supersize cocktail ring was so cool!

Once the show started there were a few missteps. One model fell, another kept getting caught in her dress and a third took one shoe off and hobbled a bit. The shoes looked amazing, but they weren't exactly easy to walk in.

There were great moments, though. The zipper details and wide lapels on Christian's jackets went over well. So did the moss-green sheer.

Fans were torn over the voluminous ballgown skirts. But the minimalist looks showed a new side of Christian ... a side that's sure to be taken seriously at retail.