Christian Siriano

'People Are People'

People Are People, famed American designer Christian Siriano's first solo museum exhibition, honors the undisputed industry leader's electrifying contributions to fashion. Drawn from his extensive archive, the exhibition features bold creations from Siriano's decade-plus career that celebrate self-expression for every body at every age.

Signature image for Christian Siriano exhibition
Christian Siriano custom dress worn by Janelle Monáe to The Met Gala 2019. Photo credit: Shane LaVancher.

Since launching his fashion house in New York in 2008, Siriano has become beloved for statement-making looks, combining beautiful craftsmanship with a unique point of view that has endeared him to the fashion industry, celebrities, and the public alike. From glamorous gowns to gender-defying showstoppers, Siriano's creations have been the focus of unforgettable Fashion Weeks and red-carpet moments, and worn by the world’s biggest stars, top models, pop icons, legendary divas, LGBTQ heroes, first ladies, and more.

Recognized by Time magazine in 2018 as one of the 100 Most Influential People of the year, Siriano has been a champion of diversity, inclusion, and body positivity long before they were trending, integrating social responsibility into the ethos of his brand from the very beginning. He has continually prioritized diversity on the runway and ensures his collections are available in an inclusive range of sizes. Siriano is also renowned for his ability to adapt and respond to the challenges of our contemporary moment, taking action to address inequities in fashion and beyond — from offering to dress actor Leslie Jones for a movie premiere when she lamented on Twitter that other designers overlooked her, to mobilizing his atelier during the global pandemic to produce thousands of masks after government officials tweeted about the need for personal protective equipment.

Resonating with students from an array of SCAD's top-ranked degree programs, the exhibition anchors the SCAD Museum of Art's 10th anniversary festivities in fall 2021, celebrating the cultural impact of the university's premier contemporary art museum. The exhibition opening also coincides with the 24th annual SCAD Savannah Film Festival, the largest university-run film festival in the world and a distinguished stop on the awards circuit, showcasing cinematic creativity from both award-winning professionals and emerging student filmmakers.

About the artist

CFDA Award-winning designer Christian Siriano launched his eponymous house in 2008 following his studies in London under Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. Known for whimsical, showstopping designs, Siriano shows each season at New York Fashion Week, and his collections are sold in retailers around the world. In 2012, the designer opened his flagship Christian Siriano store in New York and, in 2018, he opened the boutique venture The Curated NYC in the heart of Midtown. Siriano's designs have been worn by Oprah; former First Lady Michelle Obama; celebrated actresses Amy Adams, Sarah Jessica Parker, Leslie Jones, and Zendaya; pop icons Lizzo and Janelle Monáe; LGBTQ hero Billy Porter; and top models Coco Rocha and Ashley Graham, among others. Siriano was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2018 for his leading contributions to body diversity on the runway and red carpet.

Most recently, Siriano has been heralded for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting his atelier entirely to the production of masks. To date, Siriano and his team have shipped more than 1 million masks to frontline workers in the New York area. In 2020, Siriano also launched his digital BRAVO talk show, So Siriano, breaking down all things fashion and pop culture with guests including Drew Barrymore, Leslie Jones, Billy Porter, Ashley Graham, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Sia. Siriano also fulfilled a longtime passion, adding interior designer to his impressive list of credits with the debut of Siriano Interiors and a full collection of custom furniture. With more than a decade of practice, the designer and his studio continue to celebrate beauty and diversity in this ever-changing fashion industry.

Install Views

Programs and events

Credits

People Are People is curated for SCAD MOA by Rafael Gomes, director of fashion exhibitions at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film, Atlanta.

Museum Admission

The exhibition is free for museum members and SCAD students, faculty, and staff with a valid SCAD Card. Open to the public with the cost of museum admission.

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