Canada, get ready to Look Good Naked
Posted by Lucky on Jan 4, 2010
Q: Your goal on the show is take women who can’t face themselves in the mirror and get them to the point where they’re confident enough to walk a runway wearing nothing but lingerie. As a man, how do you tap into their feelings?
A: Growing up, I struggled with body confidence. I was a tall, skinny, gangly character. I used to wear ill-fitting, baggy clothes all the time. But I learned how to dress to suit my build. A friend of mine once challenged me to look in the mirror and say, “I am beautiful,” which was difficult, but ultimately liberating. I get these women because I understand what they are going through. Supporting them reminds me to stay a better person.
Q: The women on the show get help from stylists, hairdressers and other experts. Based on what you’ve seen, what top three practical tips would you give to women at home on how to feel and look good naked?
A: It’s important to put your finest face forward and to present yourself in the best possible way, but when you strip away all the layers to reveal your authentic self and accept your perceived flaws while acknowledging that you are great just as you are – that is how to look good naked.
I tell my ladies to accentuate the best and dress the rest.
Have an honest look at yourself in the mirror. For every one thing you want to pick on, find two things you like about yourself. We want to focus on the positive. Forget trying to measure up to a perfect ideal. Once you realize that you are full of beauty as you are, then you are golden.
Once you have assessed your shape, the next step is clothing. The key here is to wear clothes that fit and flatter your form. We want to see your body. Clothes that are too big make you look bigger, as do clothes that are too small. The next thing to remember is to balance your proportions, and bring it in at the waist to achieve the coveted hourglass shape. And of course, demonstrate your style by wearing clothes that reflect your personality and your character.
Q: Everybody loves a good Cinderella story. What’s your favourite makeover movie or novel where the heroine undergoes a transformation via a makeover?
A: Pop culture is saturated with makeovers. The heroine is allowed to be her best self once she’s got her hair did and her makeup done. In film, think My Fair Lady. Pretty Woman. Or look to animated series: She-Ra. Jem. Wonder Woman. Diana Prince was hot in her pencil skirt and crisp blouse, but put her in star-spangled panties and a gold-trimmed bustier and she was unstoppable. Besides, nothing completes an outfit like a tiara, red knee-high boots and bulletproof bracelets. Am I right?
Q: Many of us have seen the British version of How to Look Good Naked. What are the main differences in the Canadian version?
A: I think of the show as a personal journey for each woman, and they all experience it differently, making each episode unique and compelling. I believe that the storytelling in our show allows you to know the woman more and what is really at stake for her. This isn’t just a fashion makeover. This is an opportunity for her to create more, better and different in her life. Our show is cohesive by taking cues from the woman’s journey and offering tips and trends for the viewer to benefit from. As the host, my professional and creative background and unique sense of humour allows me to lead the way in a distinct manner. Plus, I break out my dance moves whenever I can.
Q: Who’s your talk-show-host idol?
A: I admire Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and Riaz Meghji. Their style and work ethic influences my approach. Ellen represents a joy and gratitude and we both love to dance it up. Riaz reminds me to do my best to be my best. Oprah has always encouraged me to dream a bigger dream. When I spoke with her earlier this year at the Toronto International Film Festival on a show I hosted with my brother, I asked her, at what moment did she realize she was going to be the Oprah that she is now? She paused and said, “Sitting on my porch as a little girl in Mississippi, I just knew.” In that moment, I felt that she gave me the permission to know that I want better and will have better as I achieve my goals. It is my intention to instil this in all the women who are on naked.
Q: What’s on your own fashion must-have list for this winter?
A: Last year, my boots were very much function over fashion. This year, I’m stepping it up a little. I recently got a pair of Phillip Sparks riding boots and some leather boots with fur trim, kicking it St. Nick style. If you don this kind of footwear, I think, for men and women alike, its sexy time. If you be rockin’ boots, you may very well be knockin’ boots.
How To Look Good Naked Canada premieres Jan. 5 on W Network.
source:http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Canada+ready+Look+Good+Naked/2395950/story.html
