How Christian Siriano Transformed From Reality Star To Household Name

How Christian Siriano transformed from reality star to household name by making glamour accessible to everybody

- Karen Valby

In the decade since Christian Siriano became project Runway’s youngest-ever winning designer, he’s been reinventing the red-carpet experience. Recently, plus-size model Ashley Graham closed Siriano’s fall 2019 show at New York Fashion Week swathed in a glittering, curves-hugging couture gown—and wearing heels from his Payless line of shoes. A few weeks later, at the Oscars, Pose star Billy Porter arrived in a Siriano creation that melded a black velvet tuxedo blazer with a ball-gown skirt. The recurrent message of the 33-year-old CFDA designer’s work? Fashion belongs to everybody. He’s dressed First Lady Michelle Obama, Oscar winners Angelina Jolie and Kathy Bates, and hip-hop icon Nicki Minaj. He produces his designs in sizes 2 through 28, unheard of in an otherwise hipbone-loving indus try, and partners with affordable brands such as Home Shopping Network and TJ Maxx. This spring, Siriano returns to Bravo’s Project Runway to take over for Tim Gunn in the role of mentor—a sign that he’s definitely made it work. Here’s how.

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