Being a fashion student and a big fan of “Project Runway,” I was excited to see that a museum in my hometown, The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, was displaying a Christian Siriano exhibit. Siriano is notably one of the biggest names to come out of “Project Runway,” a television series where contestants compete in challenges to craft the best clothes. After watching his season on “Project Runway” and seeing the exhibit, I wondered what he has been doing since appearing on the show.
Siriano began designing clothes at the age of 13 and studied fashion design at the Baltimore School for the Arts. Furthering his studies in fashion design, he then attended the American InterContinental University in London, England. Following school, Siriano interned with renowned designers Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen.
Siriano competed in the fourth season of “Project Runway” in 2007 at 21 years old, becoming the competition’s youngest winner. The prize of the competition, $100,000 to start his own label and a fashion spread in Elle Magazine, allowed Siriano to jumpstart his career. He debuted his first collection following “Project Runway” in 2008. In 2012, Siriano opened his own flagship store in New York City.
The Christian Siriano exhibit, “People Are People,” displays the colorful creations from Siriano’s archive. There are a multitude of bright tulle gowns worn by celebrities ranging from singers such as Celine Dion, Taylor Swift and Lizzo to actors such as Lucy Liu and Zendaya. Also included are political figures such as Michelle Obama and Jill Biden. Often in his designs, Siriano merges masculine and feminine elements, like combining ruffled skirts with blazers. Siriano constructed his brand on the idea that fashion is for everyone— every body type, gender, sexuality and age. He wants every person that wears his designs to feel beautiful and confident and he prioritizes diversity and inclusivity in his work.
While Siriano designs extravagant and expensive gowns for celebrities, he has collaborated with brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Lane Bryant, E.L.F Cosmetics and Payless Shoes to create affordable products too. He has since launched fragrance and beauty collections, as well home décor. Recently, he has expanded into interior design.
In 2013, the designer was inducted into The Council of Fashion Designers of America, a not-for-profit trade organization committed to strengthening the impact of American fashion. He was recognized on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in 2015 as well as Crains’ “40 Under 40” list. Siriano was also named Designer of the Year at the AAFA American Image Awards in 2016, as well as Couture For A Cause’s “Designer of the Decade” award. In 2018, he was named in Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” due to his contributions to diversity in fashion. Siriano returned to “Project Runway” as a mentor for seasons 17 through 20. Recently, Siriano showed his S/S 2025 collection at New York Fashion Week on Sept. 6, 2024.
While many designers shy away from dressing women of all sizes, Siriano welcomes everybody, no matter their shape, size or gender, to enjoy his designs. His commitment to inclusivity and diversity is something that all designers should achieve. Hopefully, Siriano’s efforts inspire other designers to transform the fashion industry to become more inclusive to women of all sizes.
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