SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film Presents Christian Siriano: People Are People

Celebrated fashion designer showcases more than 60 electrifying looks in Atlanta retrospective

The Savannah College of Art and Design presents the Atlanta premiere of People Are People, honoring famed American fashion designer Christian Siriano, at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film. On view through Oct. 9, 2022, the exhibition showcases more than 60 sensational creations from the designer’s decade-plus career that embrace glamour and 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 designs 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. Drawn from his extensive archive, People Are People honors Siriano’s extraordinary contributions to fashion and culture.

“No designer understands people as well as Christian Siriano. Celebs love his designs — Billy Porter, Amy Adams, Zendaya, and Lizzo sing his praises, " said SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace. But what sets Christian apart is his belief that fashion is for everyone — and when we zip up a Siriano design, we are all stars.”

The SCAD FASH exhibition features extraordinary gowns and red-carpet looks from the Siriano archives, including many of the designer’s greatest runway moments and garments worn by the world’s biggest stars and luminaries such as Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey; legendary divas

Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez; LGBTQ+ heroes Billy Porter, Laverne Cox, Michael Urie, and Jonathan Van Ness; leading ladies Alicia Silverstone, Regina King, and Danielle Brooks; pop icons Taylor Swift, Janelle Monáe, Lizzo, Sia, Lil’ Kim, and Cardi B; and international top models Heidi Klum, Naomi Campbell, Coco Rocha, and Ashley Graham. This expanded iteration of People Are People will also feature dramatic, never-before-displayed gowns worn during the 2022 red-carpet season.

“To have my work featured in a solo exhibition at SCAD not once but twice is such an unbelievable honor," said designer Christian Siriano. "I’m so grateful to SCAD for recognizing the dedication that my team and I have put toward my brand for the last 14 years. I hope that with this exhibition, I can encourage others to persevere and continue to create. Without art, this world would be incredibly ordinary, and I hope that this exhibition inspires young artists to push the boundaries and make the world extraordinary with their work.”

SCAD students and alumni from an array of the university’s top-ranked degree programs will have the opportunity to explore these iconic pieces and interact with Siriano during exclusive programming and engagements. SCAD fashion and accessory design graduates also had the opportunity to engage with the designer through the SCAD Alumni x Siriano Design Challenge. Envisioned by SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace, the SCAD Alumni x Siriano Design Challenge invited 14 alumni to present concepts for a collaboration with Siriano. Challenge winner Sarah Passman (MFA, fashion design, 2021) was awarded a $5,000 honorarium for her stellar designs.

On Friday, May 6, Siriano was fêted at a members-only reception at SCAD FASH, in attendance with celebrity supporters and loyal friends who have worn some of his most signature designs featured in the exhibition.

“We are thrilled to present Christian Siriano’s incredible work at SCAD FASH and highlight the undeniable impact he has had on the fashion industry," said Rafael Gomes, director of fashion exhibitions at SCAD and curator for People Are People. His stunning creations are vibrant, whimsical, and combine beautiful craftsmanship with a unique point of view and positivity. We are proud to recognize Christian and bring this exhibition to Atlanta’s dynamic culture and fashion scene.”

For more information on the exhibition and SCAD FASH membership, visit scadfash.org.