Men We Love: Christian Siriano

 
You don't need a reason to love Christian Siriano. He's been nothing but a class act since his debut as a contestant on "Project Runway" in 2008.

My first thoughts were, Who does this pipsqueak think he is? Chistian had attitude and at 5'4" and probably 110 pounds soaking wet he sure needed to put his talent where his confidence was. Well, he did, and became the youngest Project Runway winner with his beautiful, imaginative creations.

But could he make it as a real fashion designer? Not surprisingly his first forays into commercial design were for mass market retailers, such as a line of shoes and handbags for the late, lamented Payless. But he debuted his own line late in 2008, sold at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neimans as well as a private couture line. He's every bit an established designer today—successful and respected, a member of the CFDA, a published author and basically king of all that he surveys. And in a sweet case of turnabout, he was the mentor of this year's Project Runway reboot, replacing his own mentor, Tim Gunn.

Throughout he has been funny and confident, kind and helpful, living up to one of his favorite catchwords, fierce. All that would be fine and good enough, except Christian has done a few things that make him really special.

Christian and Leslie in the studio

One that comes to mind is his request to dress Leslie Jones for the premiere of her movie "Ghostbusters." He heard no one she asked would make her a red carpet gown. That might have seemed like a tempest in a teapot but brought to light what women face who are not an "acceptable" size in the big business of dress-up.

When asked why he wanted to do it Christian said, "We should just try to make every woman feel great about themselves, because there’s enough crazy hate going on in the world." The dress was gorgeous, and he and Leslie have forged a friendship that continues to spread his philosophy.

Leslie's Siriano gown

 
Okay, so Christian Siriano is a mench. He lives up to his own hype and seems genuinely caring. But what has he done lately? Well, this. When he found out New York City was perilously low on the supply of masks, he tweeted,  "If @NYGovCuomo says we need masks my team will help make some. I have a full sewing team still on staff working from home that can help."

And that's what he's been doing, sewing 500 a day both in his studio (with social distancing) and by workers at home. They are simple and follow mask guidelines, washable, no funky fabric designs or Christian Siriano logos. He is doing good not only for NYC, but he's keeping his staff employed.

A stitch in time. Thank you, Christian Siriano.