Christian Siriano has never thought fashion was just about the clothes.
“I’ve always felt that what I really do is create moments,” says the designer. Since winning Project Runway in 2007 and launching his namesake label in 2008, Siriano has dressed celebrities and political figures while becoming a leading champion for body diversity on the runway and red carpet.
Inclusivity has been central to the brand Siriano has built. “Fashion can sometimes feel like an exclusive world, and I’ve always wanted my brand to feel like an open door,” he says. He’s proud to have dressed people across identities, ages, shapes, and sizes, making sure they “feel seen” and know “that they belong in fashion.”
Keeping that door open hasn’t always been easy. Siriano calls building and sustaining his brand one of his biggest challenges in a constantly changing industry. He continues to evolve without losing sight of the people he designs for. That evolution now includes Runway by Christian Siriano, his new skin care line.
Siriano hopes his visibility helps the next generation see queer people “creating, leading, building businesses, and taking up space everywhere.” His advice? “You don’t have to change who you are to be successful,” he says. “In fact, that can be your greatest strength.” @csiriano
