Once again, Christian Siriano is attracting attention for all the right reasons.
The former Project Runway contestant and designer made headlines earlier this year after crafting a gown for Ghostbuster’s star Leslie Jones for the film’s premiere after she revealed her struggle to find a designer willing to dress her because she wasn’t a sample size.
Now it’s his New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer ’17 show that’s in the spotlight.
Dubbed “the most diverse, inclusive” runway, the show featured several models who the industry regards as “plus-size”, i.e bigger than a size 10.
It shouldn’t be a big deal, but despite all the talk of progress in the industry, it’s a conversation we’re still having.
Modelling the colourful collection that included slinky evening dresses, wide-legged pants, crop tops, billowing sleeves and power capes, were five models who were size 16 (a US size 12) or bigger.
Even better, there was no fanfare, pre-show press release or inspirational hashtag to claim praise for the decision. For Siriano, it’s just a given.
“I love that we dress so many different types of women. That’s what the world is, the women sitting at home, that’s what my mom and sister are. I just think it’s super important,” he told USA Today.
It’s an attitude that makes a big difference to both his models and everyday customers.
“He has amazing fit for me, I’m a size 14. It’s amazing for me to not only have something that fits well but to be current and be stylish,” said model Precious Lee.
“I have to search for a lot of things but I don’t have to search so far when I’m shopping with Christian.”
A designer who says he caters for “all women” and actually delivers? A round of applause, please. No wonder Michelle Obama is also a fan.
The pieces that appeared on models of all shapes and sizes – curvy, slim, big breasted, small chested – were designed to universally flatter, with many available immediately from Amazon and Payless Shoes.
“What’s really great about the collection is we’re really celebrating a variety of things on the runway today. We’re celebrating color and vibrancy and diversity and lots of women can really wear these clothes,” Siriano said.
Celebs in the front row included Kelly Osbourne, Pamela Anderson, models Coco Rocha and Ashley Graham and Christina Hendricks, who has worn his designs a number of times on the red carpet.
“There are a lot of body shapes. Not everybody is going to fit into tiny, tiny dresses for six-foot women. It’s really refreshing,” Anderson told the New York Times.
With the Emmys red carpet less than a week away, you can bet you’re going to be hearing more of Siriano very soon.
Inspirational celebrity body image quotes.
“I think that whatever size or shape body you have, it's important to embrace it and get down! The female body is something that's so beautiful. I wish women would be proud of their bodies and not dis other women for being proud of theirs!”Christina Aguilera. Image via Getty. “I really don't think I need buns of steel. I'd be happy with buns of cinnamon.”Ellen DeGeneres. Image via Getty. "I’m proud of my body. My body weight will always be something that I’ll struggle with for the rest of my life, but I’m finally in a good place and learning to love me for me, and not somebody else's standards,"Image via Getty. “For me, exercise is more than just physical—it’s therapeutic.”Michelle Obama. Image via Getty. “The fountain of youth [for me], let’s see…I guess it’s exercise, healthy diet, lots of water, lots of laughter, lots of sex—yes, sex, we need that as human beings. It’s healthy, it’s natural, it’s what we are here to do!”Cameron Diaz. Image via Getty. "Nobody is perfect, so get over the fear of being or doing everything perfectly. Besides, perfect is boring. Today, instead of picking yourself apart in the mirror or with friends over drinks, start seeing your ‘imperfections’ as unique traits that give you character and dimension—because that's exactly what they are.”Jillian Michaels. Image via Getty. "For me, getting enough sleep, drinking lots of water, having a healthy diet and staying away from alcohol are musts. It's so boring, I know, but doing those things really helps."Jessica Biel. Image via Getty. “Working out for me is something I do when I feel like it. But it’s really about feeling good and taking care of my body rather than having to fit into any sort of model or anything like that. I try to eat well, and everything I do is really just to make me feel my best.”Lea Michelle. Image via Getty. "I've always said, 'Eat clean to stay fit, have a burger to stay sane."Gigi Hadid. Image via Getty. "I'm really proud of my curves, and I hope all you curvy girls out there are embracing yours too! It's important to work out and be the best version of yourself that you can be, but never feel like you have to be the skinniest girl in the room to be the prettiest. Be confident in yourself and you'll shine!”Kim Kardashian. Image via Getty. “If anybody even tries to whisper the word “diet”, i’m like, you can go f**k yourself.”Jennifer Lawrence. Image via Getty.
Image: Instagram/@itsalexvasquez.
Top Comments
Beautiful clothes for all women - YAY!!
Fantastic!
"I love that we dress so many different types of women..." Now, isn't that was designing is all about?