People Are People honors famed American designer Christian Siriano’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. SCAD FASH is proud to present Siriano’s impressive body of work to an Atlanta audience following the exhibition’s debut at the SCAD Museum of Art in 2021.

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, LGBTQIA+ heroes, first ladies, and more. Garments worn by Michelle Obama, Janelle Monae, Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, Billy Porter, and Ariana Grande will be featured.

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 the 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.

Curated by Rafael Gomes, director of fashion exhibitions, this expanded iteration of People Are People features more than 60 looks including dramatic, never-before-displayed gowns worn during the 2022 red carpet season.

About the designer

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 former First Lady Michelle Obama; legendary divas Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, and Jennifer Lopez; pop icons Lizzo and Janelle Monáe; and celebrated 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.