This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.
Paid Content

Christian Siriano's Comments On Fashion Inclusivity Are Perfect, Of Course

Why don't more designers think like this?
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 10: Christian Siriano - Backstage - September 2016 - New York Fashion Week: The Shows at ArtBeam on September 10, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Victor Hugo/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Victor Hugo via Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 10: Christian Siriano - Backstage - September 2016 - New York Fashion Week: The Shows at ArtBeam on September 10, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Victor Hugo/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

Christian Siriano’s fierce dedication to inclusivity isn’t news, but that doesn’t make it any less worthy of praise when we get a reminder.

Siriano is a pioneer of body positivity and diversity in the fashion field, even if he doesn’t feel he should be commended for it. Casting five plus-size models in his runway show and collaborating on a line for Lane Bryant in 2016 are just two testaments to that fact. Now, in a new essay for Glamour, the “Project Runway” alum hits perfectly on the point so many others miss when it comes to his choices in clients.

Recalling the now-famous move he made to dress Leslie Jones for the “Ghostbusters” premiere last July, he reminds everyone that he “always championed body inclusivity. Still do... Leslie couldn’t find a designer to dress her, and unfortunately I hear stories like hers a lot. But whether it’s Leslie or Gwyneth Paltrow, I don’t think about a woman’s size when I dress her. I ask myself, ‘Am I a fan?’”

Jones in Christian Siriano at the
Alberto E. Rodriguez via Getty Images
Jones in Christian Siriano at the

It’s a refreshing, simple, sensible and rare attitude within the industry (last week it was revealed that unnamed designers “flatly refused” to provide clothes for British Vogue’s January cover featuring model Ashley Graham). Perhaps, as he explains in the essay, Siriano’s desire for inclusivity and success in breaking from the status quo has something to do with his upbringing in Annapolis, Maryland, “a preppy, traditional military community a few minutes from the Naval Academy.”

“I felt, at times, super different. I was young. Gay. Eccentric. A little guy. Those things made me feel insecure sometimes, but they also made me feel connected to other people who are different, who break conventions,” he said.

Considering the impressive roster of people he counts as clients today ― it includes Lady Gaga and oh, right, Michelle Obama ― we’d say that break from the norm is working pretty well for him thus far.

Head to Glamour to read his essay.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.