The Orange Is the New Black cast took home awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series (go, Uzo Aduba!) at the SAG Awards. And three of the show’s biggest stars accepted their honors in custom-made gowns by celeb-loved designer Christian Siriano. Below, see Danielle Brooks, Jackie Cruz and Alysia Reiner wow the red carpet in their bold creations, and get all the behind-the-scenes scoop on the actresses’ fittings leading up the star-studded award show.
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Brooks, known for her role as “Taystee” on the hit Netflix series, was super-excited to work with Siriano, because of his ability to think outside the box. “I’m a fan of Christian Siriano and love that his designs allow women to have a moment in the garment, because he is so forward-thinking with his looks,” she told PEOPLE. “[The dresses] are always so breathtaking.”
The star selected a gorgeous navy blue over-the-shoulder gown, inspired by “Old Hollywood glam.” But it wasn’t such an easy pick. “The biggest challenge was figuring out which sketch to go with, because all of them were so beautiful,” she says.
As for the star’s hair and makeup, it also fell under the “Old Hollywood glam” theme. “I mostly leave [everything] up to my hair stylist Larry Sim, and makeup artist Jessica Smalls because they never let me down with their choices,” she said.” “We kind of decide what works when we get together, but whatever it is, it’s a play on Old Hollywood glam!”
Courtesy Christian Siriano
And at the end of the day, Brooks knew she was in good hands with Siriano. “He is that DUDE, meaning he’s got it,” she said. “He knows women’s bodies, what will look good on their skin tones, and how to make her feel comfortable and fabulous all together. He’s one of the best at his craft.”
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As for Cruz, who plays “Flaca,” dressing up in a Christian Siriano gown was a huge moment, as she’s “usually in boyfriend jeans.”
But helping create her custom-made gown was a bit a challenge for the star, because she had such a particular style in mind.
“Christian was willing and able to bring our shared vision to life,” she told PEOPLE. “He is an artist who understands the female form and makes women feel confidant and beautiful with his art.”
Courtesy Christian Siriano
And what type of style was that? “Vintage Hollywood” in a beautiful gold sequin gown. “I’m excited to recreate Old Hollywood glam, with my flapper style wave and a modern bold lip done by the talented makeup artist Karen Sarahi Gonzalez and hair stylist Lydia Arce from Beauty Box.”
Rounding out the trio, Reiner also stunned in a custom Christian Siriano gown, featuring a ruffled, off-the-shoulder neckline and mermaid silhouette.
PEOPLE
What do you think of the Orange Is the New Black stars’ dresses? Whose was your favorite?
–Sarah Kinonen
