Fashion designer Christian Siriano is known for dazzling runway gowns and bold red-carpet looks, but this Thanksgiving, he’s reflecting on a much more personal story — one that left a lifelong impact.
Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE aboard the Queen Mary 2 during Transatlantic Fashion Week, the Project Runway winner revealed the touching way a friend’s mother helped him during his first Thanksgiving in New York City 20 years ago, when he was struggling to get by.
A Thanksgiving Memory That Changed Everything
Siriano, now 40, recalled arriving in the city with almost nothing.
“I had $20,” he said. “I had no money.”
After spending the holiday with a friend’s family, he said the friend’s mother insisted he take a taxi home, even offering to pay the fare when she realized he couldn’t afford it.
“She told me, ‘I’ll give you $20 — you need to take a cab home.’ And I said, ‘You’re right.’”
At the time, Siriano lived downtown and remembers her disbelief:
“Oh, no one goes downtown,” she told him before handing him the cash.
That small act of kindness stayed with him — and changed his Thanksgiving traditions forever.
A Tradition Built on Gratitude
Siriano says he now celebrates multiple Friendsgivings each year, including one with the same family who helped him two decades ago.
“I still do Thanksgiving with them every year,” he shared. “It’s fun. I’ve had Thanksgiving with them forever.”
The designer says he hosts one gathering with his “crazy, wild friends” and another with the family who welcomed him when he was new to New York and alone for the holiday.
Chosen Family On and Off the Runway
Siriano’s loyalty extends far beyond Thanksgiving. His long-time friend and collaborator Coco Rocha, who joined him aboard the Queen Mary 2 for his fashion showcase, reflects the found-family bond he values.
Rocha, 37, walked in both of Siriano’s runway shows during the voyage — something that almost didn’t happen until Siriano convinced her to bring her children and join the journey.
“It made it really nice,” Siriano said. “We hang out anyway, go to dinners, the kids come over. They just stayed at my house for a week.”
Siriano said her presence helped ensure the shows felt joyful rather than formal.
“I didn’t want it to feel like stuffy fashion. We just wanted to have fun.”
A Holiday Rooted in Connection
Two decades later, Siriano’s career is thriving, but the kindness shown to him as a young designer remains a powerful reminder of the meaning of Thanksgiving.
His story underscores that the holiday isn’t about lavish dinners or grand gestures — but about generosity, community and gratitude.
