Fashion has a new fairy godmother in the form of Carson Kressley. The loud and brash New Yorker is setting a new standard in style as he comes to the rescue of the everyday girl. As the super camp one in Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Kressley brought his lovable quick quips to an international audience. Now he endears himself further as the host of Channel Ten’s new hit series How to Look Good Naked. In Perth recently as Ambassador of Fashion for Myer’s national campaign Three Weeks in New York, Kressley took some time out to talk all things fashion with OUTinPerth’s Scott-Patrick Mitchell.

You’re becoming as big as fellow New Yorkers Jerry Seinfeld and Carrie Bradshaw – what’s so hot about Carson Kressley?

- Advertisement -

What’s so hot about me? Oh my gosh, am I really that hot? I don’t think so. I just think that what I do is keep it real and try to help people feel good by looking good and people respond to that. Everyone wants to look good. My motto is ‘looking cute is the only cute.’

Can you describe the average New Yorker in three words?

Direct, hopelessly stylish, and I think real. People always tend to portray New Yorkers as being rude or arrogant, but I think once you’re there among us you’ll find that we are some of the most direct and friendliest people in the world.

Would you say you are an average New Yorker?

No, I’m not an average anything. I’m a very typical New Yorker in many ways. I’m super proud to be from there.

As an ambassador of fashion for Myer, what do your duties include?

It’s been really interesting and great because this time I’ve been able to visit all of Australia and not just Sydney and Melbourne. I got to go to Brisbane and The Gold Coast and travel to Perth, which is absolutely gorgeous. Everybody has said, ‘oh wait until you get to Perth, it’s so beautiful’ and it is. I get to do all these runway shows in front of all of the department stores, and it kind of demystifies fashion and clothing and shows everybody that there are a couple of easy ways to buy great looks and to have great fun with clothing. I think a lot of people are intimidated by it even though it’s supposed to be fun.

What do you think of Australian style in general?

I think a lot of people feel as though Australia can’t keep up with the rest of the world, but I think that’s less and less of the case now, particularly since home-grown designers are showing at New York Fashion Week. You’re a little more relaxed and a little more beachy and that’s great – you’re kinda going with an L.A. vibe. And no matter where you live you can get great stuff these days, so there’s no excuse for not looking cute!

When it comes to styling what’s the one thing you always do before you leave the house?

I always put on a great pair of sunglasses because I think that’s just a great way to finish of any look.

And in the possibly unfortunate event that you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be and why?

Oh my god, that would be tragic! But it’d probably be Ralph Lauren because he makes great stuff. Even though I know my look would be limited for the rest of my life I’d be safe knowing he makes great stuff for all the seasons.

What can you tell us about your new TV show How To Look Good Naked?

We’re doing the second season in L.A. right now. So far it’s doing really well on Channel Ten. And I think for your readers, the important thing is that while you think it may not apply to gay guys, it applies to everybody. The show is for those who don’t really like their body, or feel ashamed; the show is about people loving themselves and becoming proud of who they are.

Fill in the blanks…

• Blank is the new black? Black.
• Fashion is dead, long live blank? Personal style.
• I love blank blank? Everything Australian.

And so in one just very quick sentence, how does one look good naked?

Basically it’s just one word: confidence!

For those who want to know How to Look Good Naked, the show airs every Monday night on Channel 10 at 8pm.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Will you be tuning in to watch How To Look Good Naked? Why or why not? And what does it take to look good naked?