Christian Siriano facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Christian Siriano
Siriano at Ozy Fest in July 2018
Born	(1985-11-18) November 18, 1985 (age 39) Annapolis, Maryland, U.S.
Education	American InterContinental University
Occupation	Fashion designer
Label(s)	Christian Siriano
Spouse(s)	Brad Walsh ​ ​ (m. 2016; separated 2018)​

Christian Vincent Siriano (born November 18, 1985) is a famous American fashion designer. He is also a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Christian Siriano became well-known after winning the fourth season of the TV show Project Runway in 2007. He was the youngest person ever to win the competition.

After his big win, he started his own fashion brand called Christian Siriano in 2008. His brand quickly became very successful. Time magazine even named him one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2018.

Early Life and Fashion Dreams

Christian Siriano grew up in Annapolis, Maryland. He went to Baltimore School for the Arts where he could study fashion design. His older sister, Shannon, is also a creative person. Their family has Italian and German roots.

Christian's parents always supported his artistic interests. As a kid, he loved ballet and musical theater. He often said he enjoyed the costumes. This love for costume design made him want to work in fashion. He started designing clothes when he was just thirteen. He even sewed outfits for hair shows at a salon where he worked.

After high school, Christian studied fashion in London, England, at American InterContinental University. While there, he got to intern with famous designers like Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. He moved to New York City after finishing college.

Becoming a Fashion Star

Winning Project Runway

Siriano during the 2008 Project Runway finale

Before Project Runway, Christian Siriano worked as a makeup artist. He also made wedding gowns for people. A friend's mom suggested he try out for Project Runway. He decided to go for it!

During the fourth season of the show, he won three challenges. This was more than any other contestant that season. Christian made it to the finals and got to show his collection at New York Fashion Week. His designs were inspired by Musketeers. They featured ruffles, feathers, and cool headwear.

In the finale, celebrity judge Victoria Beckham loved his collection. She called it a "breath of fresh air." She even said she would be "honored to wear" his clothes. As the winner, Christian received a fashion spread in Elle magazine. He also won a new car and US$100,000 to start his own fashion label. He was the youngest designer to win the show. Later, Christian returned to Project Runway as a mentor for new designers.

Starting His Own Brand

In 2008, Christian Siriano launched his own fashion line, Christian Siriano. His clothes are sold in big stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. He also worked with many other brands.

He designed a collection for the sports brand Puma. He also created affordable shoes and handbags for Payless ShoeSource. Christian teamed up with LG to make a fashion-themed phone. He even designed a makeup line for Victoria's Secret. He also made special designs for Starbucks.

By 2010, his fashion line was earning over $1.2 million. In September 2012, Christian opened his first store in New York City. Many celebrities attended the opening, like Heidi Klum. In 2013, he joined the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). This is a big honor for designers.

Big Projects and Impact

Porter at Stonewall 50 – WorldPride NYC 2019, gown by Siriano

In 2014, Disney asked Christian to design costumes for fairy characters. These costumes were for the animated movie The Pirate Fairy. Christian was very excited to help create a bit of Disney history.

In 2018, he celebrated 10 years of his fashion line. His runway show featured many different models. This included Ashley Graham and Selma Blair. Many stars like Cardi B and Whoopi Goldberg came to watch.

Christian Siriano has designed amazing custom gowns for actor Billy Porter. One famous design was the black tuxedo gown Billy Porter wore to the 91st Academy Awards in 2019. He also designed a rainbow gown for Billy Porter to wear at Stonewall 50 – WorldPride NYC 2019.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Christian and his team helped out. They volunteered to sew face masks for doctors and nurses.

Christian Siriano in Pop Culture

Siriano with Anna Schilling at the My Habit Launch in 2011

Christian Siriano became a pop culture icon during Project Runway. People loved his unique hairstyle and energetic personality. His famous saying, "fierce," became very popular. It was even parodied on TV shows like Saturday Night Live.

In 2008, he appeared as himself on the TV show Ugly Betty. He designed some of the costumes for the cast. He also appeared in a music video for the song "No Substitute Love."

In 2009, Christian wrote a book called Fierce Style: How To Be Your Most Fabulous Self. It shared tips on how to be fabulous. His former Runway mentor, Tim Gunn, wrote the introduction.

In 2010, the TV channel Bravo aired a special show. It was called Christian Siriano: Having a Moment. It showed him getting ready for Fashion Week.

Christian also warned his fans about online scams. Some fake ads asked models to pay money to work for his brand. He told everyone to be careful and that he never looks for models online.

Personal Life

Christian Siriano lives in the Chelsea area of Manhattan. He has tattoos of a squid and an octopus on his right arm. He has said they are a tribute to Maryland and the sea, or sometimes that they are just random.

Television Appearances

See also

• LGBT culture in New York City
• List of LGBT people from New York City
• NYC Pride March