Celebrity Interviews

Actor

TV:Parenthood, Entourage, Starter Wife, Scrubs, Will & Grace, Dirty, Sexy, Money
Film: I Love You, Man

1. My favorite vacation getaway - Home, where I play Rumikub and watch Murder, She Wrote with my Mom. I’m so gay.

2. The best gift I have ever (given/received) would be
Given: my sweet lovin’. Received: my sweet lovin’…it’s been slow.

3. A party is never better when there’s “Lost in Emotion” by Debbie Gibson and truffle honey on a triple cream.

4. My advice for achieving (happiness/success)
Happiness: Surround yourself with friends. Success: Go with your gut.

5. This week my guilty pleasure has been homemade Rocky Road fudge. Thanks Liz.

6. Most people have no idea that I am secretly butch.

7. My favorite thing in my closet at the moment is a Marc Jacobs double cardigan I purchased on Chic.org.

Ali and Jordan Feldman sharing food and conversation.

Dressed actress, Emily Bergl (Desperate Housewives) for “The Home that Hollywood Built Benefit.” She is dressed in Lloyd Klein bustier and pants and Glynneth B jewelry.

Creator and Designer Bisou Bisou, Miss Bisou and XOXO
Co-owner of Hale Bob

1. The designers that intrigue me: Azzedine Alaia has been a big influence on me because he knew how to value the real shape of a woman. Jean Paul Gaultier for his amazing silhouettes and prints. John Galliano for his fearless showmanship and architectural approach in his design.

2. My muse /or the person I design for is an ageless modern woman with a positive attitude and high level of confidence. She’s smart and not afraid to be noticed.

3. I’ve been inspired by everything around me. Youthfulness is very inspirational to me. I love freshness and newness and like to see how the young interpret style. Music and Hollywood also bring great inspiration to me.

4. In my own closet I gravitate towards my most versatile pieces because I never know what type of activity I will be doing that day. I love a comfortable stretchy bottom and sexy top which later I can add some accessories to and a leather jacket and be set for the evening.

5. The best person I’ve dressed is my daughter on the day of her wedding. No celebrity could ever beat that!

6. I learned most from my mistakes. Fortunately for me, I make a lot of them, so I’m very smart.

7. My biggest fashion faux pas was a snow hat I designed that I swore everyone needed to have. It looked like something out of a cat in the hat or like a wind sock…so scary. On top of it they were multi colored stripes and I made them in two different lengths! Our warehouse was full of them and never sold one piece. I ended up giving them away as gifts, which was equally as embarrassing.

Emmy Award Winning TV Host of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, TLC’s 10 Years Younger

1. I’ve made over countless men and women and I’ve learned beauty isn’t about how you look, it’s about who you are.

2. I knew I’d found my second home when while on a yoga treat in Mexico, I snuck off the retreat center in search of an iced moca, with soy, and I actually found it!!! I spend a lot of time in my little village in Mexico.

3. If I weren’t on TV, I would definitely NOT have a nine to fiver. I am an Explorer my nature; I love to get out and see what’s out there. I would figure out a way to travel a lot.

4. My advice for achieving happiness is stay in the Now; it’s the only time that really exists.

5. I couldn’t live without my _: There’s nothing I couldn’t live without but I really love my books.

6. Right now I am so into Peruvian Energy Medicine.

7. I moved to LA over a year ago and I love hiking, but I miss walking the streets in New York City.

Kyan Douglas, Ali and Anthony Morrison on location for TLC.

Haute Couture Designer

1. Biggest indulgence…was celebrating my birthday with an extra, extra large strawberry a la crème cake and enjoying it all by myself.

2. What is your advice for a woman seeking to define her own individual style?
She has to identify WHO she is as a woman; what story she wants to tell with her second skin and who she is seducing because inevitably we are sending a message to the world with what we wear.

3. You’ve dressed countless celebrities like Hayden Panettiere, Paula Abdul, Natalie Cole, Katy Perry, Felicity Huffman, Gwen Stefani, if given the opportunity who would you like to design a dress for? And whom would you consider a muse?
I would love to dress Charlize Theron because she embodies femininity with strength, glamour with confidence, sophistication with discretion and most of all subtlety. I have several muses that represent the many goddesses that inspire me when I am designing. Strength of character and boldness in expression as a personal brand are what I am attracted to the most in a muse.

4. Elegance is…truly understanding that less is more.

5. What are your fashion obsessions? And what’s the last item you bought that truly makes you happy?
My last purchase was a dozen bespoke dress shirts from London with French cuffs to showcase my vintage cufflink collection. I am obsessed with those little touches that say so much about who you are and how you feel about yourself.

6. I’ve been told you are quite the gourmet cook. What is your favorite meal to prepare for guests and who receives an invite? And what restaurants in LA (and beyond) do you enjoy for fine food?
Anything with a touch of caviar. I love to experiment and add my personal touch to the food I prepare. My favorite hors d’oeuvre is Bouchees a la Reine, the favorite of Louis IVX – it’s very couture and a pleasure to see as well as taste. I enjoy making small bites for a group of 5 people including myself, anything more than this is too high maintenance. And when L’Orangerie closed last year I resigned myself to good sashimi bars like Ketana.

7. You design sophisticated, coveted couture dresses, ready to wear suits, knitwear, and accessories that include leather bags that surely last so long in one’s wardrobe that a granddaughter will end up wanting to carry it—so what’s next for the House of Lloyd Klein?
One of my dreams is to design Lloyd Klein Hotels de Luxe that would be found at the four corners of the world. Modern tributes to old world luxury with couture details that would make them destinations like my Castle in Los Angeles.

A few of the celebrities who love to wear Lloyd Klein:

Kate Beckinsale Eva Longoria

Toni Collette Marissa Miller

Initially trained in architecture, Lloyd Klein ventured into the world of fashion design after becoming mesmerized by a Givenchy haute couture runway show. Using his extreme interest and self-taught knowledge, Klein’s talent as a dormant designer erupted in 1994 when he presented his first runway collection in Paris. After just two seasons he became the appointed head designer for the legendary Maison Mme. Grès. Upon the successful completion of his contract with Grès, the designer went on to showcase his own signature label. In 1999, after his first of many New York Fashion Week runway appearances, Klein made a solid imprint in fashion by creating his base of couture operations in the United States.

Reflecting on his training in architectural detail; Lloyd Klein’s designs are unexpectedly classic and contemporary all at once. Each piece differs, but remains consistent with his technique as they preserve a bold balance of broad masculinity and edgy femininity. His mastery of drapery shows in many of his pieces as delicate fabrics flow on the female form, adhering to the most flattering curvaceous hot spots with meticulous precision. His mixing and matching of a variety of textural fabrics creates fine garments that foresee the direction of the industry. Constrictive, yet flattering corset-like bodices provide a modernized classical look while flowy gowns wisp through the air with elegance. Precision tailored suiting with waist flattering proportion, however, is his strength and is what his customer seeks.

The charismatic designer travels between his home in Paris and his business in Los Angeles. He has been featured on numerous popular television shows including appearances on America’s Next Top Model, the Ali G. Show, as well as cameo appearances on several other televised programs. In addition to developing an outstanding celebrity following, his collections have been featured on numerous films and television properties including the standout fashion hit “Ugly Betty”. A Documentary style reality series about the “House of Couture” is in the development that will offer a glimpse into what goes on in that beloved Fashion Castle that sits between the Hollywood sign and Rodeo Drive….stay tuned!

The Lloyd Klein Flagship

Lloyd Klein’s two-story Flagship located in one of LA’s most charming shopping neighborhoods, serves as a creative workshop and retail space for both his ready to wear and couture clientele. The historic landmark building, which locals refer to as, “the Castle”, is replete with a gothic turret. The 1928 “petit chateau” features a wildlife pond and wood planked “moat” entry-way leading into the mesmerizing 7,700 square foot space.

The interior, designed by Lloyd Klein, has an elegant ambience that reflects his overall lifestyle vision and has the feeling of a true old-world Parisian Salon. The layout includes a private VIP consultation lounge and fitting room for his couture clients; editorial and sales showroom; conference room; and chic retail space to showcase a full range of Lloyd Klein products including accessories, jewelry, handbags and ready-to-wear. The space also includes an archive library featuring over 4,000 runway sample garments that chronicle the history of his work.

Like a Magician But Cooler

Host of Cupcake Wars on Food Network
“Rachael Ray” Show Buddy/Correspondent – (over 20 appearances)
Disney’s “Suite Life on Deck”
MTV’s Room 401
Host/Creator Turning Tricks (Lifeskool network)

1. Someone once dared me _
Someone once dared me to do magic naked. I’m all for it, but where would I hide the rabbit?

2. My most unexpected moment in entertainment _
During college I was doing a show for an uber-devout Christian summer camp. My illusions must have been top-notch that day, because they stopped my show half-way through. Apparently the preacher feared my magic was the work of the devil…I took it as a compliment.

3. Hot on the trail of Houdini, what’s your next plan to marvel us?
I can’t wait to find out myself! I’m just happy to be doing what I dreamed of doing when I was a kid. Best job ever!

4. Now that you have your street cred, whom do you admire in your arena?
I’ve always been a huge Steve Martin fan. He’s a living legend, his early comedy is timeless, and he too started as a magician….definitely a career to emulate!

5. Lost on an island—five things I’d want (not need)
1.) A Frisbee
2.) Someone to play Frisbee with
3.) A deck of cards
4.) My iPhone (with power source & 3G tower of course)
5.) A boat.

6. My best kiss happened …
My best smooch has to be the asses I kissed in order to get on the Rachael Ray Show.

7. Something most people don’t know about me …
I sometimes do a trick in my show where it appears that I swallow a long balloon sword. I don’t actually swallow it, but it really looks like I do. Well, unfortunately one time it didn’t really go as planned…and I had to actually swallow the balloon. While everything came out okay (excuse the vile pun), it did open my eyes to a potential career as a narcotics mule.

Justin lives up to his recent title of “Entertainer of the Year 2009″ from Campus Activities Magazine. (That’s three years in a row…btw)

Justin has toured with musician Jason Mraz as the host & ringmaster of “Music, Magic, and Make Peace”. The groundbreaking tour was a neo-vaudeville, earth-friendly, circus-on-wheels.

Check him out at www.justinkredible.com
And look to You Tube, www.youtube.com/watch

Motivator, Exercise Guru Extraordinaire, Inspiration to countless men and women, gracious guy and a little bit wacky, Richard Simmons is a must meet in Los Angeles.

I took Richards class after a friend and her husband took it on a whim. We all know him from the countless times we’ve seen him on TV, his books, his DVDs, but what I hadn’t known was that he was merely 15 minutes from my doorstep. And once I saw the photos they took with him, I knew I had to meet the icon and see what all the sweat was about. He wears the dazzling tanks and striped shorts and arrives to a packed class full of men and women of all sizes. And it appears there’s always visiting some Parisians. Richard is global.

After just a few classes, it’s easy to see why Richard draws such an adoring crowd. He makes you laugh, he makes you sweat and then he makes you laugh some more. And while you shake your ass and kick your legs for the 500th time while singing along to Michael Jackson or an old Broadway tune he motivates you to take better care of yourself. So friends, if you haven’t visited his studio, Slimmons in Beverly Hills, it’s time to put pedal to the metal. Here’s a snippet of some private time I got with Richard.

What brought you to LA to start up the exercise craze?
I moved from New Orleans in the 70’s. I worked as a waiter at night and during the day I took lots of classes like Pilates, yoga, tap and jazz. I never saw fat people. I had originally lost my weight through dieting so this was new to me, but I felt something was missing. One day I passed this building, Wilson’s House of Suede and it was up for sale. I had $25,000 saved and decided to go for it. I put up flyers in the neighborhood and soon people were coming for classes. And 38 years later, it’s still going strong.

Did you ever think you’d reach icon status?
This is my job, my crusade. I look forward not left and right. This is my fun and my hobby. Isn’t it great that I can combine my hobby and exercise?

You have such a strong following of all kinds of people—the rich dames of Beverly Hills, heavy and slender men and women, gay and straight, all kinds in such a welcoming environment. What keeps it going?
It’s friendly, good music and before you know it an hour has passed and you see yourself in the mirror and you look better.

Why records in class?
I’ve been collecting records for over 38 years. I started going to Tower Records and several other places and I’d sit on the floor of the studio and listen to them to find the right songs for class. A good mix. I now have a huge record room. I do go to iTunes and MasterBeat as well. It’s about anything that will put a spell on people so they don’t think about their credit card bills or any worries. Old and new music that will give people energy and forget about the 500 leg lifts. You just come in here and let the disco ball spin and have fun.

What do you love about living in LA?
I live a pretty recluse life. I don’t go out much, but I do sneak out to farmer’s markets once in awhile. I have my own garden as well. I do love movies and seeing them on a TV is not the same as the big screen so about four times a year I treat myself and go out to the movies.

I love, love dogs. I used to have eight Dalmations and now I’m down to one. My 14 yr old Dalmation, Hattie. Whenever I’m in town I take Hattie for a drive and let her put her face to the wind outside the window.

And I love to cook.

You’re deserted on an island, what five things could keep you satisfied?
1. My 14 yr old Dalmation, Hattie.

2. TV. I love my Nurse Jackie, Anderson Cooper and plenty more.

3. LA Times. I’ll live on the island, but I need my newspaper delivered everyday.

4. A garden I can tend to so I can eat healthy.

5. Harmonica—No, I’m kidding. But I would need my pillows. I’ve had the same pillows for 62 years ever since my mother put them in my crib as a baby. I don’t know what’s in those pillows now, but I sleep on them every night and take them on my travels. They are flat, but this afro of mine has slept on them every night.

What are your favorite talk shows to appear on?
I love Ellen. I knew her when she was starting out. She and I are both from New Orleans; same with Hoda Kotb. I love Fox, CNN, Neil Cavuto all for different reasons. Recently my TV appearances have been about getting people to vote for their congressman and making people aware of the Fit Kids Bill. It goes in front of the Senate for a vote soon. I want exercise back in school.

I love to go on shows particularly when they let me get the audience involved in exercising and dancing. I love Letterman’s humor, he and I have had a love/hate relationship for the last 20 years.

After a sweaty hour with Richard!

Shooting “How Do I Look” with Jeannie Mai, our makeover participant and her friends.

Daysun Perkins, handsome husband extraordinaire, Jesse Brune, friend and true star of “Private Chefs of Beverly Hills,” and Me

Celebrity Hair Stylist
Hair Guru on What Not To Wear
Owner of Ted Gibson Salon in NYC, Washington, DC and Ft. Lauderdale

1. Besides wearing your signature pink shirts, what else is a favorite in your wardrobe?
My favorite thing is my Hermes ties. Not one in particular, I love them all!

2. Which celebrities do you believe have the best hairstyles? Which ones would you love to work with and which lucky ones do you already work with and have fun stories to share?
I love Anne Hathaway, Debra Messing, Gabrielle Union and Lake Bell (I style them all). I’d love to work with Eva Mendez because I like her no-nonsense approach to beauty and simplicity in the way that she wears her hair.

3. What has been your journey? When did you know you wanted to create beauty with stylish hair and how did you reach your incredible success?
I decided at 21 that that I wanted to become a hairstylist. I always had a passion for it and a good friend of my convinced me to pursue it. Twenty plus years of experience and hard work have brought me to the place I am today.

4. What has been your philosophy for creating looks and your luxury products? From your collection of products which one is a must have for any woman?
When cutting hair as well as creating my product line, I really think about the potential beauty in everyone and how to maximize it. My favorite product from my line is the Hair Sheet Styling - they’re innovative, unique and perfect for the woman on the go.

These sheets are available at www.target.com for $24.95

5. When you’re not styling gorgeous hair where do you go for peace and quiet? And what’s your favorite escape for adventure?
I love my apartment and being home. It’s quiet and gives me inspiration through mediation. My favorite escape is a massage and facial.

6. You’ve lived in plenty of faraway places like Germany, Hawaii and Japan; is New York your tried and true love? Or is there another city you’d consider giving a chance?
New York is my favorite because of the influences that it has on the rest of the world. Being a part of that influence makes me happy as well as connected to everything. But I do love vacationing in the South of France and the Caribbean.

7. Something most people don’t know about you….
Most people don’t know that I love ketchup! I have to ask for it even at the most expensive steak houses.

Ted and his client, Anne Hathaway

Ted and me at the Today show. He had just finished Debra Messing’s hair.

Ted Gibson has an intuitive, almost magical way of manipulating hair and his warm, engaging personality trickles down to the salon’s famously down-to earth atmosphere. Through his daily interactions styling celebrities and models for iconic magazines like Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Allure, Ted is tuned into what women want. “I really listen to what they have to say,” says Ted. “I cut hair with sensibility and ease so that my clients leave with a refreshed style without necessarily feeling like they’ve had all their hair cut off.”

Ted Gibson is one of the most sought-after celebrity hairstylists in the beauty business today. His multi-faceted career as a fashion, runway, editorial and celebrity stylist continues to take him around the world where he finds great beauty in exploring different cultures. Previously exclusive to just A-list celebrity clientele such as Angelina Jolie, Gabriella Union, Renee Zellweger, Keira Knightly and Anne Hathaway; Ted is now available for appointments at the ted gibson salon in New York City and D.C. Ted has also launched a prestige haircare collection, ted gibson beauty that is available at target.com.

“Orchids are the MOST beautiful flowers in the world,” says Gibson. “Like the women I encounter, they are inspiring, beautiful and evoke a sexiness which I believe every woman possesses. It is precisely these orchids that are essential ingredients in my beauty products.