Laughter, Fashion, and Life Lessons: Carson Kressley on Success and Staying True to Yourself

With his eclectic taste and infectious personality, Carson Kressley rose to fame in the early 2000s with the hit show, “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.” Little did he know, this was the start of an incredible journey.

Before taking the TV world by storm, Carson was happily ensconced in the world of New York City fashion, working for one of the most iconic brands, Ralph Lauren, a company he says he “always envisioned being a part of.”

“I had a job with a non-profit and that was great, but I really wanted to eat and buy a new pair of shoes,” jokes Carson. “I made a list of companies whose products and culture resonated with me, and Ralph Lauren was at the top of that list.” #

Despite not having much experience in the industry except for a love of clothing and its symbolism, Carson landed a job not long out of college with the renowned fashion company.

“I tell people it was like ‘The Devil Wears Prada …’ I was somebody’s assistant, got people’s lunches, picked up samples, and drove around in a black Town Car, but with really nice people who were also very preppy,” says Carson.

Since the world first fell in love with Carson, he’s had the opportunity to be a part of many great projects, both on-screen and off. He is a fierce supporter of the younger generation and aligns himself with organizations where he can help make a difference. “I remember my struggle, and anything I can do to make their pathway in the world a little bit easier, I think is valuable,” explains Carson.

Fascinated by Carson’s story and his passion for life, we sat down with the star to talk about his road to success and the ways in which he is helping others live a stylish life they love.

As a kid, did you ever envision you’d be where you are today?

I have always loved design, but it was not so much in the fashion space as the architectural space. I was constantly doodling houses, floor plans, and landscaping designs. I thought for sure I was going to grow up and become an architect like Mike Brady on “The Brady Bunch”! I thought, that's a great job, and then at some point I realized you had to be really good at math, so I was like ‘OK, next!’ I am not a math person!

I didn't know what I wanted to do at all, even through college. I had no idea what I was going to do the next Tuesday, so I just followed my heart. I knew I wanted to live in New York City, so the day after graduation I had a job lined up—not a dream job, but a job—and moved to Manhattan immediately. I think the city was a great catalyst in giving me amazing opportunities and opened my eyes to a variety of things I could do and that eventually led me to Ralph Lauren.

So, moving to New York City set you on the path you were meant to follow?

Absolutely! Moving to New York right away seemed exciting and a little bit scary, but it's the place where possibilities seem unlimited and that's very much my attitude. I know some people have Impostor Syndrome—I have the opposite! I thought, I'm going to go to New York, I can do anything I want, and I can be anyone I want, and that mindset let me become who I was meant to be.

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