If there was one lesson to be learned from the first three seasons of Bravo’s fashion-reality hit The Rachel Zoe Project, it was to expect the unexpected. No, the Versace gown would not turn up on time. Yes, they were “literally going to have to pull dresses out our asses”. Every two minutes, it seemed like there was a new – how to put it? – oh yes, “clusterfuck,” in the world of celebrity styling. But perhaps the biggest surprise of all was how Brad Goreski – the defiantly upbeat, decidedly witty, nattily dressed young fashionista-on-the-make, who was hired as Zoe’s fashion assistant in the first episode of season one – became the show’s breakout star.
Goreski’s among those few characters you see on reality TV shows that you might want to hang out with as well as just watch. Goreski is generally adored by Bravo audiences. But since the third season aired, he’s also become something of a style icon, and even a bit of a sex symbol. Now, while Zoe is preparing to have her first child and embark upon a fourth series of The Rachel Zoe Project, Goreski’s decided to go and do his own thing (his first red carpet client is Jessica Alba). Sadly, then, we’ll have to mourn his absence on our television screens, but judging by his recent work for InStyle and his brand new blog (bradgoreski.blogspot.com) it seems likely we’re going to be seeing a lot more of this rising young stylist in the future.
Has being a TV star let you discover an exhibitionist side to yourself?
Urm, maybe. I never really thought about that. I wore a T-shirt in the swimming pool until I was 18 years old. I was a chubby kid and I didn’t really like showing my body. And I think, you know, part of the liberation came from Terry Richardson – the photos that Terry took of me last year. I had never been exposed in that way before. I know it was just shirtless but for me it was a big deal, because I’m not really that guy. In a sense, now that that’s out there it’s helped me be a little loser.
Do you think it’s good that shows like The Rachel Zoe Project expose the inner workings of the fashion industry, which is based upon exclusivity?
I think it’s the new wave. I didn’t go to the shows in Europe and I can sit at my desk, my dog on my lap, with a cup of tea, in my sweats, and watch a live stream of Burberry or Prada … The entire industry has embraced a more global attitude. I don’t know if it’s all that exclusive anymore because every shoot now comes with behind-the-scenes footage. I think the docudrama is so fascinating as it is, and was such fun to work for. Rachel has such a distinct vision that’s made an impact on fashion and styling. So it’s a nice thing to show people her world and the people who have surrounded her.
So you’re in New York at the moment. How is it being on your own?
It’s been great. I’ve been really, really lucky to be doing so many great jobs. I’m just like totally grateful that people have been wanting to work with me. I’ve been working with Instyle and Details and starting to build up my portfolio and, recently, I worked with Kate Spade on the New York Fashion Week presentation. The show definitely gave me a platform to do that. But people still want to see your work at the end of the day.
What’s been your best job since you’ve gone solo?
One of my favourite jobs so far was Jessica Alba at this year’s Baftas; she wore an Atelier Versace gown. I also did a piece that’s out right now featuring Liya Kebede for InStyle, using the Jil Sander collection.
Oh yeah I saw it on your new blog… I love that you’ve just done one post but you’ve still got 90 comments.
Yeah, one of my blogger friends was like “Do you know how major that is?” and I was like “Oh really, cool.” The next one will be a photoshoot of my friends that I did on the way home from a club with an iPhone at four o’clock in the morning.
Who would you love to style now? I’m watching this J-LO video now by the way.
Oh my God. Major. Are you gagging? She’s working it, right? Who would I love to style … You won’t be expecting this, but Juno Temple, I love. I’m also a big fan of Emma Watson. I love the Brits.
Are you going to be back on TV any time soon?
That’s TBC. Nothing right now. There’s been interest, yeah, but there’s already so much. I’ve been working between New York and LA constantly. It’s really important to me right now to be able to focus 100 per cent on my jobs and my clients. But who knows, big question mark. There’s so many question marks in my life right now. The only thing that’s absolutely constant in my life is the rack of clothes. In my hotel room, in my house, wherever it is, there’s always lots of clothes, be it mine or be it women’s. My closet is expanding.
Photography: Kevin Amato
Fashion: Brad Goreski
Words: Adam Welch
A full version of this article first appeared in Wonderland Issue 26, April/May 2011