For a Perfect WeHo Day (and Outfit), Ask 'The Real Friends of WeHo'

MTV's The Real Friends of WeHo recently wrapped its first season. But before the reality TV series about SoCal acquaintances navigating the pressures of fame and brunch plans concluded, Out staged a fashion shoot with cast members Brad Goreski, Curtis Hamilton, and Joey Zauzig at famous West Hollywood locales: the Abbey Food & Bar and its sister venue, the Chapel.

There, the cast members modeled looks styled by Naomi Zinns and were photographed by Easton Schirra. They also shared advice on planning a perfect West Hollywood Sunday Funday and ensemble. Check out all the WeHo wisdom (and lewks!) below.

photographer EASTON SCHIRRA @eastonschirra
stylist NAOMI ZINNS @naomizinns
assistant stylists FIONA SKYE & XAVIER
grooming JOSÉ ANTONIO FIGUEROA @josefigz
grooming assistant LESLIE ORTIZ @leslienataliexoxo
location THE ABBEY @theabbeyweho

Brad Goreski, Stylist

Your friend is in town and asks to do a Sunday Funday in West Hollywood. What would your itinerary be for the day?
I would start off at Dayglow for a coffee. I love Bottega Louie, so we would go for lunch and then head to the Abbey, naturally.

What would you wear on this occasion?
Prob something really casual. Vintage concert tee, cotton Isabel Marant pants, Dior high-tops, Celine fanny pack.

Tell us a story about an epic time at a WeHo gay bar.
I can’t remember the name of the club. It was behind Rasputin. A big space. I saw Britney Spears perform there years ago. She did a few numbers to promote her new album. It was epic. The crowd went wild.

“Friends” is an important part of the title of your show, The Real Friends of WeHo. How have Los Angeles friends and found family enriched your life and career?
I have made so many amazing friends in L.A. My BFFs Matt Holloway and Scott Myrick are so supportive. We have so much fun when we all go out together dancing. Brooke Lynn Hytes and I are very close. She is super sweet and funny and beautiful — I have to say that or she gets mad. Justin Sylvester makes me laugh so hard and always gives me great advice. I feel very lucky to have such good people in my life. They are my sisters. I love them so much.

There have been some surprisingly nuanced conversations on the show about race, intersectionality, coming out, and the pressures of dealing with fame and personal branding in the social media age. What have you learned from your experience on the show and engaging in these talks?
Everyone has their story. Everyone has their own unique experience. I was so impressed by the guys on the show and their willingness to be vulnerable, to share their story, and to also listen. For me, it was really nice to sit with other gay men and get to know them, their coming-out story, the things that happened to them along the way, and the things that unite us. I hope the audience gets that as well.

There’s been some local criticism of the show — but of course, gay-centered reality content nearly always sparks heated debate. What do you believe is the reason for these strong reactions — among gay viewers in particular?
I’m so happy this show has found an audience who really love it. I have been stopped by so many people, gay and straight, who are enjoying it, talking about it with their friends, having a laugh and maybe having a cry. I’m glad the response has been so positive.

What’s your routine for escaping stress and drama?
My husband, Gary Janetti. My dogs are so amazing. I also work with animal rescues in L.A., and helping them really makes me feel good. That’s the stuff that matters. I don’t really pay attention to what the internet is saying.

What’s next for you?
Filming season 4 of Canada’s Drag Race. —@bradgoreski

Curtis Hamilton, Actor

Your friend is in town and asks to do a Sunday Funday in West Hollywood. What would your itinerary be for the day?
To be honest with me, we probably would hit up Cecconi’s! I love the diversity of the people that go and the ambiance. The food isn’t bad either. Dress up or down, you’re sure to see someone that they’ve seen on their TV screens. It’s always a vibe to me.

What would you wear on this occasion?
My thing is shoes! I love wearing whatever new shoe I have in my closet on the weekends. Nothing like a fresh pair of kicks. My clothes — I keep it comfortable and loose along with some designer frames. Quite honestly, style is about confidence, so wear what makes you feel bomb!

How would you describe West Hollywood style?
West Hollywood is a place of community for anyone, particularly queer people. Most events and nice restaurants reside in West Hollywood. I love that it welcomes us all and feels so inclusive. One of the best places for fun, leisure, people sightseeing, restaurants, clubs in L.A. I’ve grown as a man in this city. I’m happy to say I did.

Tell us a story about an epic time at a WeHo gay bar.
Well, to be honest, I haven’t been out to the gay bars in years. But I’ll say this. For Lance Bass’s birthday one year, we did a scavenger hunt around all the bars looking for clues to bring back to the Abbey. The thrill and competitiveness involved was so much fun amongst the group. It was hosted by Joey Fatone from NSYNC as well! Fun times fa sho.

“Friends” is an important part of the title of your show, The Real Friends of WeHo. How have Los Angeles friends and found family enriched your life and career?
For me, family is everything. But to be honest, they haven’t had much to do with my journey as an L.A. native and actor. I blame myself because I was hiding and suppressing so much, I didn’t let them in. I’d have to say my cousin Mia Hamilton makes me feel so loved and is like a sister to m, here in L.A. I know she will always be there for me and support me and uplift me. I would like to say thanks to Toma Amot, who found me walking down the street, and Darrien Arnold, who is my aesthetician but most importantly my friend and knows how rough at times this journey has been for me.

There have been some surprisingly nuanced conversations on the show about race, intersectionality, coming out, and the pressures of dealing with fame and personal branding in the social media age. What have you learned from your experience on the show and engaging in these talks?
I’ve consistently said in my interviews and press that this experience was like therapy for me. I’ve learned how being open and vulnerable, [and] most importantly, living in your truth — for anyone, that has so much power. There’s so much respect that comes with that, and that allows others to feel comfortable to tell their truth.

What would you say to the show’s critics? And how do you escape the drama?
I’d say I respect your opinion if you don’t enjoy the show just as much as the ones who do enjoy it! As long as there’s conversations, that’s something. The ones who boycotted it before even giving it a chance, I just have to tip my hat and say your disdain is admirable. By the way, I’m an active yoga member; two times a week definitely centers my mind.

What’s next for you?
I’m working on this new journey and the family dynamic still. I will be in a Tyler Perry project coming soon and praying I build this MTV portfolio. I’m ready to get to work! I miss being on a set, telling a story. —@thecurtishamilton

Joey Zauzig, Influencer

Your friend is in town and asks to do a Sunday Funday in West Hollywood. What would your itinerary be for the day?
We would start off by going to Great White for an outside brunch. I love the diavola pizza and ceviche with a spicy cucumber marg. Then we can head over to SoHo House for a drink and then head over to the Abbey to see a drag show.

What would you wear on this occasion?
I'm guilty of being an outfit repeater. I love my usual uniform, which consists of a white jean, Converse of some type, a plain tee, with a fun Prada button-down shirt, a great pair of Dior sunnies, and two to three necklaces.

How would you describe West Hollywood style?
I think West Hollywood style is all about self-expression. Less focus on trends and more of what resonates with everyone's self. I love the fashion here being an amazing form of self-expression.

Tell us a story about an epic time at a WeHo gay bar.
Hard to pick just one, but most recently, me ending up at Micky’s at 2 a.m. after my show aired and a famous drag queen recognizing me from my show and handing me the mic to tell the whole bar to watch the show — or else you're missing out.

“Friends” is an important part of the title of your show, The Real Friends of WeHo. How have Los Angeles friends and found family enriched your life and career?
Friends are everything to me. Genuine relationships are the key — hanging around people that inspire and uplift you and make you feel good after hanging out with them. I'd rather have a couple really good friends than a bunch of OK friends. Some of the most important relationships are the long-term friends, one of them being Eric Best, who's been my best friend of 15 years. We grew up together, we came out together, succeeded together. Nobody inspires me more. He really enriches my life and career. We really love to support each other.

There have been some surprisingly nuanced conversations on the show about race, intersectionality, coming out, and the pressures of dealing with fame and personal branding in the social media age. What have you learned from your experience on the show and engaging in these talks?
Don't read the comments. I’ve learned that the hard way. You should be enjoying your successes, and don't let people take that away from you. A lot of the people spreading hate are not here to celebrate your successes with you — focus on the people who are. I've learned from the experience of the show that it is most important to listen to one another and listen to everybody's experience.

What would you say to the show’s critics?
I wish everyone would give it a chance; it’s such a powerful show with humor, heart, and humility. We all opened ourselves up [with] going on to a show and showing our authentic selves. It’s not easy to do. I'm proud of the whole cast, and I really encourage everybody to give it a chance

What’s your routine for escaping stress and drama?
I love taking a walk, going to be alone in my own thoughts. Take a breath and a step back from everybody. Practicing gratitude for things big and small.

What’s next for you?
I really want to keep on the TV train. I loved working on this project, and I’m excited to see what kind of opportunities and doors this opens for me. I’m excited to give back to the community that’s been supporting me the last six years. —@joeyzauzig

This article is part of the Out March/April issue, out on newsstands April 4. Support queer media and subscribe -- or download the issue through Amazon, Kindle, Nook, or Apple News.