Mary Sickler, the reigning Miss World America, recently collaborated with renowned fashion designer Christian Siriano to create a striking gown inspired by her personal battle with alopecia areata. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the pair discussed the profound impact fashion can have on one’s self-esteem, particularly for those facing challenges such as hair loss.
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Sickler, who previously held the title of Miss Nevada USA, began losing her hair nearly two years ago due to alopecia areata. This unexpected diagnosis significantly affected her life, especially as she pursued modelling and pageantry, both industries heavily focused on appearance. It took time for Sickler to embrace her true self on stage, ultimately leading her to compete without a wig at the Miss World competition, where she placed in the top 20.
Reflecting on her journey, Sickler stated, “I’m especially proud that I’ve been able to take this hardship and turn it into something that’s really meaningful.” Her participation in pageantry has allowed her to raise awareness about alopecia areata on both national and international platforms. After unveiling the gown on 17 September, during New York Fashion Week, Sickler expressed her delight that the dress managed to encapsulate the stories of herself and two other women who had experienced similar challenges.
The campaign, backed by pharmaceutical company Sun Pharma, titled “Regrowth Restyled,” aimed to convey the narratives of women dealing with hair loss. Sickler shared her insights with Siriano on her experiences of hair loss and regrowth, which ultimately informed the design of the dress. “I wanted to show that every single person goes through a trial they didn’t choose,” she remarked, emphasising the universal nature of personal battles.
Siriano expressed his goal of ensuring that the women involved in the project felt their best selves through fashion. He underscored the notion that, regardless of personal struggles, a stunning outfit can make anyone feel radiant. The custom gown, an elegant red design with a one-shoulder silhouette, drew inspiration from various experiences of hair regrowth, reflecting the individuality of each woman’s journey. Siriano chose the vibrant colour deliberately, proclaiming that the focus should be on the wearer’s beauty rather than their hair.
Upon seeing the completed dress after returning from Vietnam, Sickler shared her emotional response: “I was filled with happiness and joy and relief that he was able to capture all three of us in a different way.” The addition of flower appliqués served as a poignant symbol of her journey with hair loss. Sickler often posts images of herself adorned with painted flowers, a technique that helped her embrace her appearance during her first photoshoot without a wig.
“I think a flower can lose its petals, but it’s still beautiful, and it can regrow and rebloom,” Sickler continued, reflecting on the deeper meaning behind the floral elements in the gown. Siriano echoed this sentiment, hoping to instil a sense of confidence in wearers, regardless of their personal challenges. He noted that for many women he spoke to, hair loss often felt like losing a part of themselves, and his creation sought to empower them to embrace their beauty anew.
Moreover, Sickler highlighted the common feelings of isolation that can accompany hair loss. “You feel like you can’t tell anyone… I refused to go to lunch with my friends,” she shared, recounting her own struggles during her initial hair loss experience. However, through her partnership with Siriano, Sickler aims to inspire others who may be silently enduring similar struggles.
“I hope I’m showing, along with Christian, that you don’t need to hide,” Sickler declared, advocating for visibility and acknowledging the worthiness and beauty of those experiencing hair loss. Her story, alongside the stunning gown designed by Siriano, serves as a powerful reminder that fashion can transcend the superficial, offering a means of self-expression and empowerment for all.