Written by Kaitlynne Rainne, Photos by Meg Aki
As the 24th annual SCAD Savannah Film Festival kicked off on Oct. 23, students, panelists and honored guests filled the streets of downtown Savannah, each excited to share their stories and to experience new ones. One of the honored guests to share his story this year was fashion designer Christian Siriano.
Siriano’s first solo exhibit, “People are People,” is on display at the SCAD Museum of Art right now celebrating the designer’s work and the confidence that women will always be beautiful. The “In Conversation” Panel was led by Christian Siriano and his sister, Shannon Siriano. Both siblings brought a lighthearted air to the conversation, injecting moments of sibling banter, laughs and memories. All while, Siriano kept the conversation grounded in the idea that people are people and there are no rules in fashion.
One of the first questions asked to Siriano was if he knew that there was anything about himself growing up that he knew would inevitably make him different. Siriano said, “No, I don’t think there was. I was just always curious and I didn’t need to understand something to be curious so I just went with it.”
Siriano said that when he was growing up, his sister would always wear interesting things and to a child, clothes were interesting. Partnered with coming from an open-minded family and a personal belief in the interesting being unknown, Siriano had the space to explore his curiosity which has led to a successful brand.
One of the successful aspects of Siriano’s work is that he has done things that have never been done before. A prime example is Siriano’s advocacy of diversity and inclusion on the runway. “I didn’t see it as a risk especially because there are no rules in fashion. I didn’t know why they weren’t using curvy models,” Siriano said.
To Siriano, fashion is a field with no rules but it’s still being treated like there are. He’s been bringing in people who had never been brought in before and using clothes as a form of expression. “You put clothes on their body and it follows them in their lives. At its core, fashion is very organic so why was it placed in a box to prevent that in the first place?”
To young creative designers, Siriano also shared advice that it’s not enough to make pretty clothes, there is an impact to be made. But to not put so much pressure on themselves, to rather let the great, organic moments happen. “Sometimes you just got to get the creativity out, if it makes you money, great. If it doesn’t, well, just keep moving.”
Siriano also shared advice on finding your voice and identity as a designer. “We put a lot of pressure on trying to explain inspiration. I just think it is. I just have an imagination, I’m just making things that are inspiring. Sometimes you can’t explain it. Nor can you be everything for everyone.” With the pressure within the fashion industry and fear of failure, Siriano said, “You just have to be something for someone. Measuring success is different for everyone. Having goals are important but even if you don’t achieve them, it doesn’t mean you stop.”
The conversation with Christian Siriano ended with a brief student Q & A and a signing for his new book “Dresses to Dream About.” You can keep up with Siriano’s work on his Instagram and website as well as check out his exhibit, “People are People” at the SCAD Museum of Art.
Kaitlynne Rainne is the Chief Copy Editor for District. As an editor and a writer, Kaitlynne is passionate about storytelling in all genres of writing and helping others find their voice. Her work ranges from profiles, spotlights, and advice pieces. In her free time, Kaitlynne loves going on walks, making oddly specific Spotify playlists, reading and working on her novel.
