Designer Christian Siriano on his rise to the top and why it wasn't always seamless

Acclaimed fashion designer Christian Siriano sits down with CBS News correspondent Christina Ruffini to discuss his career and why representation in fashion matters.
#fashion #christiansiriano
Each weekday morning, "CBS Mornings” co-hosts Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson bring you the latest breaking news, smart conversation and in-depth feature reporting. "CBS Mornings" airs weekdays at 7 a.m. on CBS and stream it at 8 a.m. ET on the CBS News app.
Subscribe to “CBS Mornings” on KZbin: / cbsmornings
Watch CBS News: cbsn.ws/1PlLpZ7c
Download the CBS News app: cbsn.ws/1Xb1WC8
Follow "CBS Mornings" on Instagram: bit.ly/3A13OqA
Like "CBS Mornings" on Facebook: bit.ly/3tpOx00
Follow "CBS Mornings" on Twitter: bit.ly/38QQp8B
Subscribe to our newsletter: cbsn.ws/1RqHw7T​
Try Paramount+ free: bit.ly/2OiW1kZ
For video licensing inquiries, contact: [e-mail]

[@Kelz_X]

I remember him on the show, I absolutely love how far he’s come & that he includes ALL body types for his clothing.

[@georgewashington3322]

“All body types” being over weight isn’t a body type.

[@AmandaFromWisconsin]

@@georgewashington3322 He includes all body shapes and sizes in his clothing designs.

[@angelachanellehuang5663]

I took marketing classes

[@georgewashington3322]

@@AmandaFromWisconsin better 🤝

[@BiologicalClock]

I love that he started on the show whining about having to design for models larger than a sample size on one episode, and now he's known for designing for people of all kinds of body shapes. It makes me really happy seeing how much his design philosophy has grown and matured.

[@luisanadegolyer1282]

We met him in 2008 when my oldest daughter was 11, like me she loved designing clothes so I took her to meet him and he was so genuinely sweet and nice. There were a lot of people there but he took the time to look at her drawings and told her to never give up on her dreams. At 16 she graduated and got accepted to SCAD with $26,500 in scholarships. Years later she was also accepted at The Teen Vogue Fashion University events twice where she met him again in NY and he was still nice. I love him for that. To create clothes for everyone, low and high budget, and sizes is amazing. I became a fan when he started in Project Runway. God bless him!

[@BiologicalClock]

Congratulations to your daughter!!

[@lindseyflax941]

THIS IS SO COOL!

[@keymexstyles901]

Congratulations to your daughter 🎉❤wish her the best on her journey.

[@healthyvillage725]

Congratulations to your daughter.

[@cateng767]

I once heard him say ' there are enough problems in the world; getting dressed should be easy' and from that second on: I was a FAN

[@cjmac2766]

Christian Siriano is EVERYTHING!!! I have loved him since his big win on Project Runway, and I adore him now for so many reasons! He deserves his success, and he has already paid it forward with his face mask production and dressing inclusivity. 💙💙💙

[@yvonneboaten8289]

I love him. So real, relatable and he connects emotionally to his client. Beautiful for saying someone who pays less today may be able to wear pricey clothes in the future. His heart is in the right place.

[@adf2099]

Christian is a breath of fresh air. He doesn't shy away from size & that's what makes him a successful designer.

[@samanthac.349]

“We’re not curing cancer. It’s a dress. Calm down.” THANK YOU!!! This is why I have admired Christian from the beginning.

[@mallorygraf8574]

Wow...he may be remembered for his beautiful dresses 💫but I know he will definitely be remembered for his kindness.🙌🙌🙌

[@Trix897]

I have always loved this guy, and I’m so delighted that he really wants to bring fashion to people of any size. I’m so happy to see he’s become so successful since his Project Runway start.

[@angelachanellehuang5663]

We love you

[@annmarieknapp2480]

I remember him from Project Runway. He made me smile everytime he said that something was "fierce." He rocks. I bought a pair of his black patent leather look-alike pumps for a photoshoot. I painted the soles red to give a wink to Louboutin!!! When I saw them at Payless I was thrilled. And those pumps rock in that photo shoot. They look like a million bucks and I felt so sassy and full of excitement in them. Thank you Christian!!! I appreciate that you make any body look gorgeous. You are fierce!!!!

[@NitaKerns]

I remember watching Christian on PR and I always had a feeling he would win! His designs were fresh and fun and his passion for fashions totally beams from every piece he makes. I love that he will create for ANYONE!!!

[@enelmartodoesfelicidad]

Yeah i really like him in that show, he was the best...i also like the other guy, i think his name was Rami or something like that.

[@habitualflair6509]

I’ve loved Christian since his Project Runway days and have been rooting for him ever since. I remember being so amazed at how fast he sewed on the show and thinking to myself…how the heck does he do that?! 😅🙌🏽 So awe inspired by him!💛

[@Bloquita5]

I love the energy that comes from Christian Soriano. I also love that quiet confidence. So much respect and love for him. I appreciate how intentional he is and what a good heart he has. ❤️👏🏽🙏🏽

[@nadinestewart9279]

Christian is probably in my top 3 designers from Project Runway! Probably my favorite designer period. Love him. I think he’s been instrumental in leading the rise of plus sizes becoming mainstream like they should be.

[@marilynrowland5197]

I saw him win the Project Runway competition, as well, and he had such passion even then. Every other word out of his mouth was "Fierce!" Lovely to see how well he's doing, and that his passion has not diminished one iota!

[@kathyperrin7444]

I remember when he was on Project Runway. I knew he would be successful. He loves designing. And he is so created. He definitely will be one of the top designer's in the world. Congratulations Christian.

[@cherylmcclintic1366]

He was my favorite on PRW...So proud of him, he's is Amazing

[@prettybrowneyes1990]

I'd never heard of Christian until I brought a cute little powder/sky blue (my fav color) handbag from Payless of all places a couple of years ago... Everytime I rock it I always get compliments... I thank God this awesome super-talented designer has a big heart and chose to partner with lower-income stores so everyone can enjoy his amazing looks... You go Christian, I luv him :):):)

[@gardensofthegods]

Yes don't you get sick of how there so much snobbery involved in the fashion industry and it makes people feel like dirt because everything so damn expensive and geared towards having a lot of money for your clothing and accessories ? It's nice to find one or two who care about the average person and remember when they themselves didn't have much money . Isaac Mizrahi was another one... he was making clothing and selling them at Target years ago I think .

[@prettybrowneyes1990]

@@gardensofthegods Awesome reply, I full agree with everything said :)

[@gardensofthegods]

@@prettybrowneyes1990 yeah they're the real heroes not the ones who become so wealthy that they're out of touch from always hanging out with other wealthy people and they think everybody can afford to run out and buy a $300,000 handbag . Plus nowadays more people are suffering more than ever before . It's going to be ' interesting ' in the next year or two to see the disparity between the rich and the poor .

[@corbinfauntleroy382]

Same with me. I found the absolutely best most comfortable heels that he designed for Payless. I loved them and are them out. Was so sad when I couldn't find another pair.

[@gloria6441]

I love this man he gets women of all sizes, Christian Siriano is super talented. He is very hard working and a joy to watch. 💙👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼👏🏼 👏🏼👋👋👋👋👋

[@mrqs1549]

He so deserves where is here now and more. I watched his season on PR. He was my favorite. Super talented guy, and he makes cloth for every shape of women.

[@dolfoboynas9583]

His dress designs…I picture him designing for JC Penny’s 🙄🙄

[@TheLoveweaver]

He deserves every success!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Girlforaction]

Amen.

[@lorimcmahon407]

Always have been a big fan of Christian's since he first appeared on project Runway. He is a class act. He was always inclusive with different sizes and different finances. He also is a true humanitarian. He stepped up in the beginning of Covid pandemic and offered to make masks for nurses. Thank you for including plus size woman in your designs. Love that you are getting the success you have worked so hard to achieve.

[@katykennedy4244]

I love him sooo much!! His mother should be so proud of his kindness and love for all!!!

[@Charlee152]

Christian, I watched the season and was your fan right away. I'm so happy to see how successful you have become and you're still very humble. Congratulations!!!

[@brandytorretta3701]

I LOVE him!!! Fame hasn’t changed who he is and that’s the best part about him💕 His work is stunning!😍

[@Jeremy-d6y]

I can feel his humility.

[@ryanamari2233]

He’s an inclusive designer …and in order to include ALL of him he partnered with and did collection for companies that represent who he was in his core

[@dremadremasmith4094]

I love his clothes he’s young talented and gifted . I know he’s going to be everything he can BE !!!

[@hanaj]

I love the way he makes he’s clients look.

[@JoBloxJ27]

Love Christian Siriano. I remember him on Project Runway. He sewed the fastest! He would be done well ahead of time and his clothing was impeccable. I thought then that he would go far. Great to see where he is today.

[@rshells9755]

Love how inclusive and thoughtful he is for big ladies like me!

[@Kelz_X]

Yes 👏

[@serenaleigh8418]

Im in tears😥 so touching, i follow him since PR

[@ronsantiago9736]

Yes! Gail that is your dress ? I consider Christian Siriano one of the best fashion designer EVER ! When I was a kid I loved Bob Mackie because he can dress Cher, Carol, etc and make them look and feel like a million bucks no matter what body or shape they maybe. Christian KUDOS for all you do !!!

[@imalrockme]

Yes, it´s about cut, proportion, and, above all, sensibility.

[@commenterfromanotherplanet055]

I loved him since Day 1! I've enjoyed seeing his career blossom. I'm so proud of the moments in fashion history he created with his amazing designs. He went to another dimension for those out of this world astounding designs. I loved and appreciated his Payless collection. I was always going to Payless for his line. I spoke to customers at the store about why they needed Siriano in their life. He is a humble and kind human. I'm making plans to go to Atlanta. I have to see his astounding and out of this world collection in person. Needless to say I'm a BIG FAN!!! I love Christian.

[@ShellyBomb]

Good for him - I loved him on Project Runway all the way back in 2007 🤩

[@southbug27]

I don’t always love the more extreme outfits, but I love a lot of his looks & more importantly, I think he’s a person of character who treats others with love & respect. God bless him.

[@hilarylauren6112]

“We’re not curing cancer here. It’s a dress, calm down.” 🙌👏

[@megnakamura7652]

I know! He is so down to earth.

[@ssatpath]

I will wear the yellow gown to the grocery store!!! I swear I would 😁 ps I've gone in to Payless for some affordable shoes for an event that I needed heels for and literally taken a cab to Chanel right after going to Payless. so yea, people shop wherever we want. its because you are so genuine in this way and "get this" while other designers are into their niche, is what makes Christian Siriano the designer that truly is a designer whose love of fashion and style FOR ALL OF US, is the thing that makes us love you.

[@1sava]

It's refreshing to see a designer who's actually really passionate bout their craft without having to be pompous or condescending! Keep it up Christian!

[@purplebubblegum4055]

first time i saw him was on project runway, loved his designs and his work ethic on the show as a kid. now as an adult i appreciate him for designing clothes for plus size celebs like Leslie Jones when other fashion brands refused to do so

[@deannaterry6875]

He's amazing! Gayle yellow! ❤️👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@lynnmanning2795]

So proud of your ethics!

[@nlbhaduri]

Cristian makes statements with fabric that are powerful lessons in how we should treat each other and ourselves….he transcends fashion. Bravo Cristian!! I have admired you since PR and have been proud to wear your label!

[@theronaldophotography4971]

Inclusion.. Diversity..This is why I LOOOOOVVEE Christian Siriano. Representing everyone.

[@californiacobra6422]

This is SOOOOO IMPORTANT! I grew up chubby/chunky/fat, whatever you want to call it, and it didn't feel good to know I couldn't shop at certain places. At one point when I was a kid, they "hid" all the plus size clothing downstairs at my local mall. When my mom noticed that and said something about it, it kinda hurt my heart because it's like they were trying to shield everyone else's eyes from all the fat women's clothing and bodies. I remember a time when I wouldn't even walk into a Victoria's Secret store because I knew nothing would fit me. I felt like, "Why can't bigger bodies be sexy, too?" I've been fat and thin and fat again, and while I can still find clothing and lingerie that fits me, it still feels like you have WAAAAAY more options as a thin person. I always used to wonder why stores like Macy's would run out of my size faster than any other sizes and I think they just used to not buy as many clothes in my size for their store. I'm about the same weight I was when I graduated high school back in 2003 and it feels weird to be in the same spot again, where it's harder to find clothes in my size because #1 I'm like "between sizes" and #2 there are A LOT of women my size, so my size runs out first all the time still!

[@FireyTinkerHell]

Siriano is AWESOME!! He's so inclusive, and his designs are so fun.

[@audreymo63]

Love him ..every since project runway

[@drgnldy8101]

I have always loved Christian!!!! He shines with love!!!💗💗💗

[@jessicabrewer89]

His designs are so beautiful, it brings me to tears. One beautiful day I will have one or more of his pieces 🖤🖤🖤

[@sjferguson]

I love his designs and his outlook on fashion. Such an inspiration!

[@heidevanness2788]

I have been wearing his glasses from America's Best for years. I just love em! And him!!

[@judithkcolbert8483]

I love Christian Siriano and bought several pairs of his shoes and purses from Payless, and I adore them. I love him for designing for 0 to 24W. He is accessible and the best.🥰😍😘

[@sorayaassar1602]

He’s just amazing. Such a kind soul. I remember how respectful he was to his modem on PR. He stole my heart then!

[@stacyjpoliticscommunityfai359]

I remember Christian when he first won Project Runway.....he was ahead of his time even back then.

[@starzperformer]

He is “fierce” , love his creations ! 🔥🔥🔥 His daringness reminds me of a family member RIP Rudi Gernreich! Both are fearless!

[@catenystrom6506]

OK, he's now my favorite designer!! What an AWESOME, LOVING thing he's doing, really, hats off Siriano!!

[@llamom]

I think he is so very amazing!! So happy he is doing so great. He deserves it!!

[@TastemyAtrocity]

His articulation of the meaning of his work is as gorgeous as the shoes and clothing he creates. Wonderful segment. 👗💙

[@sherrismithwilliams7084]

He's just amazing. Garments you can actually wear . So proud of him

[@ms.diva0079]

He is so amazing and I love him as a designer! He truly loves women! He designs from a space of making sure every woman looks beautiful and is confident and he did it before it was trendy. He always talks about his mother and sister being his inspirations! I love everything that he does. He’s just a cool person💜💜💜

[@LVXMagick]

I just LOVE him!! And its beautiful how he's grown as a person and designer noticable from even a very limited outside view. Blessings on your career path Christian!🙏🥰🖤

[@redrobin7638]

great attitude! so happy for his success story! Stay kind, Christian!

[@lisamann8521]

Omg! I absolutely love Christian's clothes designs! I also love that he designs and makes clothes for every body shape and size. I commend him for being "ferocious" in everything he does. It shows in his works of body art. If I ever have a memorable event to go to and can afford it, I'm heading straight to you Christian! Best of luck in your future endeavors! ❤️💚

[@M0odyBlue]

Love this artist. He never forgot his roots and I have so much respect for how inclusive he is in a world of one size (O) designers.

[@elizabethsanaghan2845]

He is fabulous very down-to-earth and great talent his attitude and his designs

[@trohnb8104]

Wow. Christiano is one of my new favorite people. I’m in love with his spirit.🥰🥰🌹

[@michelemurphy3541]

A True Artist and A Pure Talent and A Complete Delight of a Beautiful Soul. Love Him So Much 💛.

[@Loveladylove]

I have so much respect for this man❤️🙏🏾

[@fordkd1]

He steals my heart ever since project runway, I'm so happy for his success

[@KiraAntoinette]

I love Christian. I remember him from the season when he won he has come a long way and I’m so proud of him like is if I know him and I am his black auntie ♥️😂🤗

[@barbeedoll122]

He is so sweet so amazing so down to earth god bless him and I love his clothes ! Live loud !! Live proud !

[@BlessedOne-jp1cy]

He was my favorite back when he was on the show I was glad when he won o proud of how far he’s come

[@brainstew4you952]

I also remember him from that TV show. Felt in love with him at 1st sight. He's amazingly talented and seems to put feeling into his clothes. And he's so inclusive. Love him!

[@w.m.6156]

Beautiful and superior designs and talent. Love his work regardless of "price point". He gives it his all in his designs and it shines through.

[@jamimarie6117]

I love how humble he is!

[@Mayabee321]

His talent is amazing and he is incredibly versatile as a designer. I fell in love with him on his season of PR back in 2007 and he is still so humble and honest.

[@becauseingridsaidso]

every time i see or hear his name i remember project runway and i’m so happy of how far he’s come! he’s a mega star!!!

[@gmazboog9050]

love that he doesn't forget where he came from...he so humble , just beautiful

[@lauraleecreations3217]

I had no idea about his business concept!!!! I love him more now!!!

[@lareneandpipsqueeksully]

I absolutely love Christian Siriano! Such an awesome human being!

[@sarahs7058]

Christian is such a genuine human being. I wish him every success!

[@mbsbrown7838]

I LOVE him, he is so talented and just seems to be a really nice person.

[@shintarusli3532]

I loooooovvvveeeee Christian Siriano. He is a true genius artists who can appreciate beauty in every shapes and colors, then lift it to another level of beauty😍

[@hollydavis7555]

Love this MAN and his outlook

[@SStoll-dz1cp]

I have Christian Serrano shoes from Payless like lots of them including handbags. I love them!

[@JF-co8wj]

I was fan when he was a contestant on PR, he was above the rest. So happy to see his journey.

[@shordy77]

And that’s y I love him . When I saw he was in Payless omg i screamed.

[@abellexoxo3638]

I remember rooting for Siriano on project runway way back when; this was a nice piece on Siriano and I'm glad that they seem to be doing well! I'm also glad CBS touched on the creation of masks from Siriano's team during the height of the pandemic - that was everything. 🖤!

[@MISNM0]

Taking your daughter to this with this mom's perspective is incredible!

[@prettyamy2004]

I love his shoes design. When he has new collection in Payless I make sure to buy one.

[@missssophisicated6742]

I thought they were out of business

[@mariarobles7230]

How a gutsy young man transformed and normalize the greatness of being "normal" 🙏

[@sharonbyrd8625]

I love him. From project runway!!!!! 2007. 👌

[@kdrew8679]

I loved Christian on Project Runway. I was so thrilled when I seen his shoes in Payless because I bought them. Christian is what INCLUSIVITY looks like!

[@lesleyb7546]

I ❤️❤️Christian ! I have been following his career since Project Runway. He is so talented!

[@gata_salvaje69]

Not only is he talented but he is humble and selfless as well to share his talent to the rest of the world esp the underrepresented ones. Kudos!!!

[@vpedidoc]

I love Christian Siriano and his willingness to embrace body positivity!

[@clairehannafin6321]

What a sweet human being.

[@CandiceKumai]

We love you Christian!!! Such a class act!

[@elizabethrigor8094]

Love you, Christian!!!! You inspire me

[@mediterraneane4406]

Bravo,Christian🤗🤗