Liris Crosse Says Project Runway Designer Sent Her Down the Runway in a Garbage Bag — And Christian Siriano Just Responded

Liris Crosse is not new to this. Back in 2017, she made history as the first plus-size model to win the modeling portion of Project Runway. So when she says a designer disrespected her on the show, people listen. In August, Crosse went public on YouTube about season 22’s unconventional materials challenge, where designer Bryan Barrientos sent her down the runway in a used garbage bag. She said it broke her spirit.

Weeks later, after fans flooded her comments pointing out Christian Siriano’s reputation for dressing women of all sizes, Crosse asked him directly on Instagram for a spot in his show. Siriano responded that he’d see her there and that his casting director would reach out. Barrientos, meanwhile, has not contacted her. She says she’s at peace with that, and that other designers from the season and show producers have reached out with support.

Crosse says she went public for one reason: to help the next generation of models. And it’s already working. She’s heard from models who say her willingness to speak up made them feel safer doing the same. Her words:“We can’t create change and awareness if nobody knows.”So we want to hear from you — should designers be held accountable when a challenge crosses the line?