Christian Siriano Dressed the First Lady for the First Time for a Very Somber Event

Designer Christian Siriano recently celebrated his marriage to musician Brad Walsh, but he has mixed feelings about his latest achievement — dressing Michelle Obama for the first time. Yesterday, FLOTUS wore a Siriano dress at the memorial service for the five police officers who were killed by a sniper during a rally against police violence in Dallas Thursday night.

She wore the black, asymmetrical-hem lace frock from Siriano’s spring 2016 collection to pay her respects. “It’s the first time she’s worn something of my design, so for me this is an incredibly bittersweet moment,” Siriano wrote on Instagram. “Despite my admiration for her at this moment, I wish there was no reason for her to need a black dress today. I stand in solidarity with all the families who lost their loved ones across the country last week.”

The designer’s fans extended their support and best wishes. “Such a sad occasion, but she looks lovely nonetheless,” wrote @miss_mina4. “We Texans appreciate your kind words! #dallasstrong” added @spgreen16.

Siriano has been fortunate to dress celebrities for happier occasions, too. Among them are Uzo Aduba of Orange Is the New Black, who wore a strapless, mermaid-style dress by the designer in fire-engine red at the 2014 Primetime Emmy Awards. He also put Mad Men star Christina Hendricks — a guest at his wedding — in a sublime peach, ruffled gown for the 2010 Golden Globe Awards.

Siriano’s career took off when he won Season 4 of Project Runway — but it was his winning personality, in addition to his trademark aesthetic, that made him so popular.

Though Michelle Obama proudly dons duds from J.Crew and Banana Republic, other famous designers have had the honor of dressing her as well. Tracy Reese, Rachel Roy, and Narciso Rodriguez have all crafted outfits for the first lady.

At the Dallas memorial, President Obama, who cut a European vacation short to attend the somber event, said, “I’m here to insist that we are not as divided as we seem. And I know that because I know America. I know how far we’ve come against impossible odds.”

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