Carson Kressley's fashion tips and gossip

Carson Kressley is best known as the fashion expert on hit TV show 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy'. He's also starred in 'The Perfect Man' with Hilary Duff and Heather Locklear. He's currently working on the US version of 'How to Look Good Naked' as well as presenting his fashion range Perfect. He gives us some great fashion tips and lets us in on how he's grown to admire Victoria Beckham.

How did you start your career?

I was working out at the gym one day and I was dressed head to toe in Ralph Lauren - I was even carrying this basketball that you had to buy a gallon of fragrance to get free. There was a head-hunter there who said, 'You're so Ralph Lauren, you should work there', and so I said, 'Well, get me a job!' and two days later, I was working there! I worked there for seven years and later came 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy' in 2003 and here I am international superstar and retail phenomenon!

Have you ever made a fashion faux pas?

I do it all the time! I wore a pair of chute pants in the '80s and I had a keyboard tie - it was very bad! I've burned all the photos. I still make fashion faux pas but it's better to take a little risk and have some fun - if you understand yourself, your body and your fashion, you'll be a success 99% of the time. If not, no big deal!

Who are your style icons?

One of the things I loved about working at Ralph Lauren was that you could go to work almost in costume - one day I would be a turn of the century banker with a rock and roll edge and another I'd be a polo player wearing breeches. So Ralph Lauren is an inspiration because he takes iconic British and American style and interprets it in a way that's really tasteful. I also love Roberto Cavalli, because he's like Italy's version to Ralph Lauren. I love a lot of vintage stuff and Hollywood glamour too, it's so inspiring.

"I used to hate her just because she took David Beckham away from everyone"

What do you and Americans think of Victoria Beckham?

I used to hate her just because she took David Beckham away from everyone! But they did a show when they first came to the US and she was actually really funny, likeable and sweet. Now I really like her and I think her fashion is really good and edgy.

Hilary Duff and Heather Locklear: who's the biggest diva?

They are both super nice, really sweet. I was probably the biggest diva! I was like, 'I'll be in my trailer!', 'You don't have a trailer', 'Well, I'll be outside yours then!'

Who would you rather be stranded on a desert island with: Paris Hilton, Britney Spears or Kate Moss?

Ooh, we'd probably all have a great time! I think I'd choose Britney just because she's super talented and I think maybe I could rehab her - it would be like celebrity rehab!

What's the new black this season?

It's all about the accent colours - red, purple and green. All those jewel tones that are great worn with the basic black, which is always really chic.

What are those key pieces we should have in our wardrobe this season?

Apart from the amazing range Perfect by Carson Kressley! No seriously, I think it's great for women to have the basic wardrobe - great knit dresses that travel well, a good pair of jeans and a well-structured blazer. Take those pieces and seasonally jazz them up with accessories - that's how you make it personal and keep it timeless.

When you want to revamp your wardrobe, where do you even start?

Once a year, assess what you have in your closet and make three boxes. One is to donate, one is to be repaired and one is to keep. I take out everything from my closet and look at it all. It takes days! Keep classic silhouettes and fabrics - if it needs repairs, don't leave it in your closet. If you haven't worn something in a year, you're probably not going to wear it at all.

But, what happens when things from 20 years ago come back into fashion? Should you hang onto things like that?

I think we need to get rid of them so we can buy them all over again to keep our economy healthy! But if there are things you love, that were a good investment and you have the storage space then go ahead and keep them but don't be a big collector of things.

"I try to put the fun back into dressing!"

What's the inspiration behind your Perfect range?

When I did makeovers, I was shocked to discover that people didn't have the basics so Perfect is all about the great American classics that have been perfected - either through silhouettes, fabrication or extra touches so they are more comfy and more fun to wear.

What's your best piece of fashion advice for a QVC customer?

You don't have to go to the store, you can try it in your own home so be a little more daring and try fun colours and different shapes. It's all about expressing yourself and it not being a uniform. I try to put the fun back into dressing!

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