Back in 2016, something shifted in the fashion world, and it started with a single, frustrated tweet. Leslie Jones was about to hit the massive press circuit for the Ghostbusters reboot—a huge career milestone—but she hit a wall that most of us can’t even imagine. Despite being the star of a summer blockbuster, high-end designers were straight-up refusing to dress her. It wasn't because she lacked star power. It was because she didn't fit into a "sample size."
Then came Christian Siriano.
With a simple waving-hand emoji, the Project Runway alum didn't just offer to make a dress; he basically threw a middle finger at the entire industry's gatekeeping. Honestly, it's the kind of story that stays relevant because it exposed the ugly underbelly of red carpet politics.
The Tweet That Changed Everything
You've probably seen the headlines, but the actual exchange was remarkably fast. Leslie tweeted: "It’s so funny how there are no designers wanting to help me with a premiere dress for a movie. Hmmm that will change and I remember everything."
Less than an hour later, Siriano jumped in. No long-winded PR statement. No corporate vetting. Just a guy who likes making clothes saying, "I'm here."
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People often think these things are planned months in advance by teams of publicists. This wasn't. It was raw. Leslie was understandably hurt, and Christian was just... game. He later told reporters he was a genuine fan of hers and couldn't wrap his head around why someone so talented was being ignored by the "vultures" of the fashion world.
Why Designers Actually Said No (and Why They Were Wrong)
The excuses from other houses were predictable. They claimed they didn't have enough time. They said they didn't have her size in stock—Leslie is 6 feet tall and not a size zero. In the world of "luxury" fashion, "sample size" is usually a 0 or a 2. If a celebrity falls outside that range, the designer has to actually work. They have to create a custom pattern, do multiple fittings, and spend more on fabric.
Many designers simply didn't want to invest the resources into someone they didn't view as the "standard" fashion icon.
Christian Siriano called them out on it. He famously said, "It shouldn't be exceptional to work with brilliant people just because they're not sample size. Congrats aren't in order, a change is." He proved that the "not enough time" excuse was garbage by turning around a custom, show-stopping red gown in about ten days.
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The Red Dress Moment
When Leslie finally stepped onto the green carpet at the TCL Chinese Theatre, the world stopped for a second. The dress was a floor-length, off-the-shoulder masterpiece in a vibrant "don't-look-away" red. It featured a high slit and a classic silhouette that made her look like a Hollywood goddess.
The impact was immediate:
- The Look: It wasn't just "good for a custom dress"—it was one of the best looks of the year.
- The Business: Siriano’s sales and brand recognition skyrocketed. He became the "designer of inclusion."
- The Message: It proved that size-inclusive fashion wasn't just "charity"—it was high-concept art and good business.
A Friendship Built on "YAAAAAAS"
This wasn't a one-and-done PR stunt. Leslie Jones and Christian Siriano became actual friends. If you watch any of Christian’s runway shows from the last few years, you'll see Leslie in the front row, usually screaming at the top of her lungs.
She is his biggest hype-woman. There’s a legendary video of her at his Fall 2020 show at New York Fashion Week where she's literally standing up, snapping her fingers, and yelling "WORK!" at the models. It’s pure joy. It’s what fashion is supposed to feel like but so rarely does.
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The Lasting Legacy of the "Siriano Effect"
Before this moment, inclusivity was mostly a buzzword. After Christian Siriano and Leslie Jones, it became a demand. Siriano didn't just stop with Leslie; he started putting plus-size models on his runways consistently—not as a "token" segment, but mixed throughout the entire show.
He’s since dressed everyone from Lizzo to Michelle Obama, proving that his patterns work on every body type. He often mentions that his business grew because he opened his doors to the 70% of women who are ignored by luxury brands.
What You Should Take Away From This
The saga of the red dress is a masterclass in how to disrupt an industry. If you’re looking to apply the "Siriano mindset" to your own life or business, here are a few actionable insights:
- Spot the Gap: While everyone else was looking for the next "skinny starlet," Christian looked for the person being ignored. There is always value in the spaces others are too lazy or too biased to fill.
- Speed is a Competitive Advantage: He didn't wait for a formal request. He responded to the tweet immediately and got the dress done in under two weeks.
- Authenticity Beats PR: The reason this resonated wasn't because of a press release. It was because people could see the genuine connection between two people who were both "outsiders" in their own way.
- Don't Settle for "No": Leslie’s refusal to stay quiet about the designers who snubbed her is what started the fire. If you aren't being invited to the table, build your own—and invite the people you like.
The next time you see a designer claiming they "can't" find a way to be inclusive, just remember the 6-foot-tall woman in the red dress. It was never about the lack of fabric or time; it was about a lack of vision. Christian Siriano had the vision, and Leslie Jones had the heart to carry it.
If you want to support this kind of work, look for brands that show diversity on their actual runways, not just in their marketing. Check out Siriano's recent collections to see how he continues to push these boundaries, often featuring models of all ages, genders, and sizes. Supporting designers who walk the talk is the only way to ensure the industry doesn't slide back into its old, narrow ways.