The Game Changer

Growing up in Annapolis, Maryland, Christian Siriano began designing clothes at age 13.

Fast forward 21 years, and he’s now a sought-after fashion designer who counts Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Demi Lovato and Amy Adams among his celebrity clientele.

The 34-year-old fashion designer captured the public’s attention after winning the fourth season of the hit design-competition show “Project Runway,” in 2008.

Only 21 at the time, Siriano is both the show’s youngest winner and most successful designer. Known for his sassy comebacks and fierce fashions, he quickly became a fan favorite.

Part of Siriano’s success is his inclusive approach to fashion. Many female celebrities, including actress Melissa McCarthy and model Ashley Graham, have spoken out about how fashion designers wouldn’t dress them for formal events because they don’t fit sample range of sizes 0 to 4. 

When actress Leslie Jones complained in 2016 that she couldn’t find a designer willing to work with her on a gown for the premiere of the all-female “Ghostbusters” reboot, Siriano quickly volunteered to help out.

“I believe in celebrating all sizes and ages,” he says. “My mom, Joye, is a curvy woman, and my sister, Shannon, is a ballet dancer, and they served as my original muses.”

His fashion line features sizes 2 through 28 – a rarity in an industry that has historically ignored fuller-figured women – and he uses runway models of all shapes and sizes in his fashion shows. And, in 2016, he partnered with women’s plus-size clothing chain Lane Bryant.

Yet, his commitment to inclusivity goes beyond size. Last year, Siriano dressed actor Billy Porter in a black velvet tuxedo blazer with a ball-gown skirt for the Academy Awards. The gender-bending look broke stereotypes – and quickly made headlines.

“Billy’s design happened very fast. He came to my show at Fashion Week, and we were having fittings days later,” he recalls. “He wanted to wear something to the Oscars that made him feel good, and we brainstormed a hybrid tuxedo look. It happened organically, and we didn’t expect the amazing outpouring of support we received.”

For the runway, Siriano, who is openly gay, casts models of all ethnicities and ages as well as those who are male-bodied, trans and gender-nonconforming.

From Kid Fashionista To Famous Designer

Siriano’s love of fashion started at an early age. He remembers loving musical theater and playing dress-up as a child. In his teen years, he worked as a shampoo boy at Bubbles hair salon in Annapolis and made a name for himself locally by sewing outfits for the salon’s annual hair shows.

After studying fashion design at the Baltimore School for the Arts, he went on to attend the American InterContinental University in London and to intern with noted designers like Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood.

With that pedigree and natural talent under his belt, Siriano has developed a clear sense of purpose in his work.

“I design clothes that celebrate the person and show off the parts of their body that they love, whether that’s their shoulders or their curves,” he says. “I work to make clothes that are emotionally powerful and can tell a story without saying a word.”

As an example, Siriano cites the crepe silk dress in cobalt blue that he designed for Obama in 2016. The former first lady wore the cap-sleeve dress with an A-line skirt when she spoke at the Democratic National Convention. Although the piece was deemed stunning by the media, he notes that the simplicity of the ensemble allowed her speech to take center stage.

He recounts his experiences dressing Obama and other famous clients in 2017’s “Dresses to Dream About.” The coffee table book showcases his work and takes readers through the design process, from sketches to finished creations. In his first book, 2009’s “Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self,” he offers readers advice on creating their own personal style. Siriano is currently working on a new title that he hopes will be published late this year or early next.

Returning To His Roots

Last year, things truly came full circle for Siriano when he returned to “Project Runway,” taking over for Tim Gunn as mentor to the show’s design contestants. One of the aspiring talents he worked with was Jhoan Sebastian Grey of Wilton Manors, who recently walked away as the season 17 winner.

“I hope Sebastian takes his talent and designs and runs with it,” Siriano says. “I try to teach all of the contestants everything I’ve learned about the business – not just giving them feedback on their designs but also talking to them about building relationships in the industry and cultivating return clients.”

He seems to have aced that aspect of the business, with many of his A-list clients wearing his creations to award shows and premieres year after year. (In fact, 17 stars wore Christian Siriano to the Oscars in 2018.) At the Golden Globes in January, actresses Annette Bening and Awkwafina were among the stars sporting Siriano’s gowns, while singers Lizzo and Demi Lovato donned his designs for the Grammys. 

He says the process for dressing each celebrity varies wildly: “Sometimes, I’ll work directly with the actor, and we’ll brainstorm what kind of look they’re going for, whether it’s sexy or glamorous. Other times, their stylist will pull a dress from one of my collections.”

His Fall 2020 collection, he says, will herald a return to glamour.

“We’re going to see people getting more dressed up – putting more effort into their appearance – and designs that are both glamorous and empowering,” he predicts. 

Expect the unexpected, he adds, as the collection will be “a little darker and mysterious.” 

“I can’t say too much about it at the moment, but many of the designs are inspired by characters in a new movie that will be released later this year.”

In New York City, where Siriano lives, he owns The Curated NYC, a multi-brand boutique offering luxury clothing, jewelry and more. Set in a renovated historic townhouse in Midtown West, the venue comprises five rooms of shopping on two floors, along with a courtyard café. 

Also on the designer’s impressive resume: He released a line with the women’s clothing chain J. Jill, and his fashions are currently sold at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Miro’s as well as on his own website.

Despite Siriano’s multitude of projects, his top priorities remain building his personal brand and making fashion fun.

“My one blessing is I don’t overthink things,” he says with a laugh. “I’m able to tune things out when I need to and submerse myself in my next project.” O

Photos by Karolina Wojtasik/Bravo and courtesy Christian Siriano