I swear he could be the world’s first fashion comedian, if there ever was one, with his sharp wit and mile-a-minute chatter.
One-on-one is a different story. I was really scared to interview him privately at the presidential suite, where I first had to pray to the Holy Spirit. I easily warm up to gay men but Carson strikes me as intimidating.
I was amazed how in the flesh it looks like he could get away with whatever outfit is thrown on him. That’s because he really has his own flair and has an amazingly toned body, wearing a skinny outfit of unbuttoned zebra-stripe top, leopard belt, white trousers, and black flip-flops.
PHILIPPINE STAR: What is that scent you’re wearing? I wanna smell that.
CARSON KRESSLEY: Oh my god! (Unbuttons his shirt.) I have to unbutton a button and it looks like I’m all slutty, but I’m not. Smell it. It’s so good! Isn’t that good? It’s from Fresh. And I discovered it. I was on a trip to Canada and it’s called Cannabis Santal and it has like sandalwood, patchouli, but it’s a little bit lighter. I think smelling good is essential, don’t you think? It’s sexy. Even people on the plane say what is that? It’s me.
You’re hosting this year’s Miss Universe pageant. Are you excited about that?
Yes! We’re shooting it live this Sunday night in Los Angeles, so it should be on in Manila on a… Monday? I think it’s a big thing for gay men everywhere. I know when I was a little gay baby that was like the highlight of the year. It’s almost big as Christmas. And last year I was a judge. We shot it live in Bangkok and you know it’s a big draw in Asia.
Speaking of Bangkok, where else have you been in Asia?
Really just here and Thailand.
Not Tokyo?
No, I’ve never been. Isn’t that a shame? I need to put that on my itinerary.
‘Cause I’d be so tall and blonde there.
You said you’re addicted to Louis Vuitton…
Oh, I love your shoes! That Louis thing with the little strap. Let’s talk about Louis! Love the Marc Jacobs! I love him and I love Louis, so when the two of them got together it was like chocolate and peanut butter.
You know Marc Jacobs said he hates menswear. What do you think of that?
I think a lot of designers don’t like mens’ wear because there’s not as much fun, you know there’s not as much invention and men typically don’t refresh their wardrobes like women do. And as a women’s designer, every season you can look forward to something new.
But the flipside of that as someone who loves menswear – that’s where my interest lies – is that there’s that refinement of, you know, there’s only a certain number, like four pieces every guy should own.
But it gives you a real appreciation for the way a suit fits, and the way a shoulder is made… I think if you really love menswear, even if it’s kind of a smaller niche or market, the other side of the coin is you can appreciate the details and the fine fabrics and the way a coat hangs on a man.
Cause I love men! So I love men’s clothes and I love men, and I love men out of clothes and in clothes. It’s all good!
What are you favorite menswear labels?
Oh, gosh! Probably my two favorites are… you know I love Ralph Lauren and I worked for him for many years. I started out just being a personal assistant to Jerry Lauren, his brother, who runs the men’s company. And it’s the greatest job you could ever have. You get to experience every part of the company–all the licensees, the leather goods, shoes, clothing, sportswear, and golf and tennis. And because of that opportunity I got to really pick and choose where I wanted to work. And then I worked in design and ultimately I worked in advertising and I just think he’s a fantastic designer because everything is always done in perfect taste, and really it’s a wonderful sensibility and he’s probably, I’d say he’s America’s leading designer.
On the flipside, as far as a European designers, I love Robert Cavalli, and he, to me, is kind of the Italian Ralph Lauren or vice versa, because he also has such a strong point of view and everything is done beautifully. It’s a little bit more flamboyant and it’s fun and it’s clothes that celebrate life, and he has such a great amount of vitality and I love that.
I also love vintage stuff. I love clothes from the ’60s, the earlier eras and the tailoring and the detail. Ugh, I just think I love all clothes.
Which Asian designers do you appreciate?
You know I kind of love Yohji Yamamoto. I’ve been loving all the Y-3 stuff. And Blanc de Chine, do you have that here? That’s in New York. It’s wonderful…
We had a great big Shanghai Tang store that was huge and wonderful and had all these great vibrant colors and now they’ve downsized to this smaller store, but that’s really fun, too.
What trends in menswear do you think should end?
Well, I’m a big believer in not buying into trends for men. I think menswear is all about great classics and clothes that fit, clothes that flatter, and clothes that make you feel great. So anything that’s too trendy – a trendy color, a trendy fit, a trendy designer – I always say shy away from that. If you’re going to be trendy anywhere, be trendy with accessories. Get the watch of the moment or get a great belt or a fun pair of shoes. But keep it simple and handsome and great quality.
What do you think of men’s jewelry?
Well, I love it. But I think the number one piece or the most important piece in a man’s wardrobe is a great watch. Because for most guys that’s all they’re ever gonna wear.
I saw you at the opening of the Mac store in New York, on YouTube. Are you a techie?
I’m not a techie. I’m like the last person in the whole wide world to get the iPod but I love it to death. And I just have the basics. I have the iPod, I have the new, like, Powerbook, and that’s it.