Interview: Brad Goreski on Going Solo

Brad Goreski is on the fast track to fashion success and he's not looking back. With his book Born to Be Brad: My Life and Style So Far, co-authored by Mickey Rapkin, coming out this February, and his own reality show, It's a Brad, Brad World, premiering on Bravo January 2, the assistant-turned-stylist is quickly becoming a household name. In addition to his impeccable lewks and affable personality, Brad is joining the ranks of elite stylists such as Lori Goldstein, Joe Zee, and former boss Rachel Zoe. His celebrity clientele includes leading ladies such as Demi Moore, Rashida Jones, Jessica Alba, Abigail Spencer, and Christina Ricci. We caught up with Brad to talk about his solo TV debut, favorite designers, his boyfriend Gary Janetti, and striking out on his own.

What is your favorite part about your job? My favorite part of my job would have to be the look I see on my clients face when they have found the dress. It makes my job so much more rewarding once the whole look is put together and they own it--then I know that I did my job.

Now that you are out on your own styling, what are some important things that you keep in mind? Editing. I try to not overwhelm my clients and have a couple of amazing racks as opposed to a lot of good or mediocre racks. For each client, I tend to pick new and exciting things. I have always trusted my instincts when it comes to my clients. I always try to predict what the public and press will think, if they do not perceive it well, then I didn't do my job to the best of my ability.

What are your style inspirations?
Marilyn Monroe; I'm obsessed with her, I have pictures and videos of her from when I was younger, and I still love her. I also love Madonna. Her style, voice, the way she pushed boundaries and transformed her music videos into movies--I see that as an art form. I also love musical theater; Grease is one of my all time favorites. I tend to draw inspiration from the Pink Ladies. Art always inspires me, as well as Barbie. She never stayed still, she was always on the go.

How would you describe your personal style? Whimsical, colorful, euphoric, sexy, geek-chic.

How has your style evolved over the years? I think I've gone from channeling a character like in The Great Gatsby or something more typically preppy to what you see today. I've become more adventurous, it takes building up the courage to not get stuck in the same trends and styles. I tend to have variations of things in my closet and try to keep challenging myself. I try to keep it fresh. I do love color, glitter, and tailoring.

This is the first time we are meeting your boyfriend and really getting to know you on a more personal level? Why now? The Rachel Zoe Project was about Rachel, her world, life, and business. Now that I have my own show, you get to see more of me, my personal life, including my boyfriend (of 10 years), and my family as well. Viewers get to see the real life of a gay couple and the ups and downs of becoming a stylist.

Any advice for people wanting to make in the fashion industry? Get as much experience as you can and always aim for the top. Do internships--and not just interning but making the most of your internship. I interned at Vogue and then W Magazine and I started off doing everyday intern tasks, but later was asked to sit in on photo shoots and fittings. You have to learn the ins and outs of the business before you do anything else. Set your sights high and aim for the top.

What are some of the shows that you are looking forward seeing for this upcoming season during Fashion Week? Client-wise, I am looking forward to Carolina Herrera, Prabal Gurung, Dolce & Gabbana, Jil Sander, and Proezna Schouler. As far as my closet is concerned: Michael Bastian, Thom Browne, and Simon Spurr.

How is your show going to be different from Rachel's?
The pace is different. In Rachel's show you see her at the top of her game: dealing with clients, fittings, award shows, photo shoots, and personal shopping. With me, it's more of the ups and downs. Some days I will be really busy, and then other days it's crickets. My show is getting to be the revolving door of having fittings, being 100 % booked, having photo shoots, and me trying to make my way up to the top. It is a feast-or-famine world.

Photo courtesy of Getty