Carson Lee Kressley (created November 11, 1969) was the trend specialist on the American television program “Queer Eye”, where he was among the show’s “Fab Five”. He was also the inspirational host of the TV show “How to Look Good Naked” and OWN’s Carson Nation.
He started as a completely independent stylist, subsequently worked for Ralph Lauren from 1994 until 2002, working in several regions including menswear as well as corporate marketing. His jump into television occurred in 2003 when he acquired excellent publicity as the “trend savant” on Queer Eye when the show debuted on the Bravo cable television network. He stays active and visible on television as a style critic or commentator. Kressley often appears on Good Morning America and for the E! Network, amongst others, and has critiqued red carpet trends at high profile events like the Oscars as well as the Golden Globes. In 2006, he returned to the Miss Universe pageant, but as commentator, and was additionally commentator for the 2006 Miss USA pageant. In February 2007, he was declared as the host of new Lifetime makeover show, How to Look Good Naked (a U.S. variation of a British series). The show’s premiere episode on January 4, 2008 attracted record amounts for Lifetime—1.6 million audience, which contained significant amounts in the adults 18-49 and adults 18-34 demographics, as well as the network’s goal demo of women 18-34. As of January 2008, the introduction episode of How to Look Good Naked is Lifetime’s highest-rated premiere in those three demographics. Crowned debuted on The CW on December 12, 2007. He’s also appeared on Big Brother Australia.
Carson Lee Kressley , Queer Eye for the Straight Guy , The Fab Five
Awards
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality Program
Movies
The Perfect Man, 16 to Life, What's the Name of the Dame?
TV Shows
Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star, Paula's Party, Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants, Queer Eye, Dancing with the Stars, How To Look Good Naked (US)
Star Sign
Scorpio
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Trademark
1
Often wears the Danish/American brand Von Dutch
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Quote
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It's really important to share the idea that being different might feel like a problem at the time, but ultimately diversity is a strength.
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People are much deeper than stereotypes. That's the first place our minds go. Then you get to know them and you hear their stories, and you say, 'I'd have never guessed.'
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Friends think your life is so glamorous, and it is. But there are times when, instead of going to a glamorous party, I would rather just come home from work, pop in a DVD and eat some microwave popcorn with a cutie on the sofa.
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Challenge yourself, jump off the deep end and learn to swim.
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Whether you're gay or straight, with a physical disability, your skin's a different color, it's absurd in this age to not be aware and be concerned of the inequity in rights.
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I think ultimately I make people happy: Whether I'm doing the stage show, giving somebody a makeover, or designing clothing, the end goal is to make people smile.
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I hoped I could make people smile and laugh and have a good time.
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I wasn't always this confident. Growing up as the awkward gay kid in a small town in Pennsylvania, you're constantly told, 'Don't be yourself, don't be proud of who you are.'
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I learned how to dance. I got a free spray tan. My life is good!
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I've always believed that clothing is a great way to tell your story.
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We did a whole fraternity house. We made them over.
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One of my co-workers at Ralph Lauren heard about the show, and when she got back to the office, said; Carson, you have to call Bravo. They're doing a show. You're perfect for it.
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On our show, I've only reached out and touched about 55 guys. I think there's still about 40 million.
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Show's going well. New season starting, we're on the road.
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My method of helping someone is saying, 'Wow, you look amazing. Let me help you look even better.' I think tearing someone down is an awful thing to do. It has a lasting impression on people.
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Compare yourself to yourself and say, 'How can I be better? How can I be the real me?'
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We came, we saw, we bedazzled! You know, and it's hard to be serious and thoughtful when you're dressed like a Skittle.
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I've been doing makeovers on TV for years and years and years. It's something I really know how to do. I also know personally what it's like to not feel good about yourself.
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When I was growing up, I was obviously gay, and I got heckled every day of my life. The only way I knew how to survive was to make people laugh. If I could make them laugh, I wouldn't get hung in a locker for two hours. That's a blessing.
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I was into Barbie and designer jeans.
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I am not much about rules, I like to break 'em and don't like to make 'em.
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I love fashion, but it's always been my job, whereas horse riding is my hobby.
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I love music. I love going out dancing.
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It's incredibly hard to program a network from scratch for 24 hours.
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Fact
1
Previously worked for Polo Ralph Lauren, New York City, men's sportswear and advertising divisions.
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Holds degrees in both Finance and Fine Art
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Graduated from Gettysburg College in '91 with honors in Management
$7 Million
