interview with LLOYD BOSTON

1. Who were your style influences growing up? I went to Catholic school for most of my life. Uniforms had little or no style wiggle room. So I really didn’t get hip to fashion until I started reading GQ and EM in the mid-1980’s. Top models of the day like Rasheed Silvera and Renauld White wearing great suits and wild sweaters started the fire. EM Fashion Editor Jeffrey Tay had a lot to do with that I am sure. What a joy 10 years later to be able to shoot and honor both of those models in my first style book, Men of Color (Artisan).

2. There is a story floating around about how you met Tommy Hilfiger. i've never heard the story straight from the source so tell me... how did you meet Tommy Hilfiger? I attended Morehouse College in the 80’s to study Fine Arts. A bunch of dorm mates convinced me to hit the mall for an event where Tommy Hilfiger was signing autographed duffle bags. I dressed up, got on line with other 200 students and waited my turn. By the time I got to his table I was ready to give him more than my name. I offered advice on how to present his collection in a stronger way. He was shocked at my Black College moxy, yet seemingly impressed. He offered me an internship on the spot, and handed me his home and office numbers. I transferred at the end of the semester back to Rutgers University to get closer to New York. He paid for my last year of college. I began with him, and left 10 years later as his Vice President of Art Direction. I still remain regular consultant to the brand and a friend. Guess I made “The Cut” before there was one.

3. Who would you say are the 3 best dressed women in entertainment right now? Halle Berry, she keeps it simple.Michael Michelle, she snapped back from a baby and looked even better.Erykah Badu, she follows her own vision all day long.

4. So give me the inside scoop on your new book. Speaking of stylish women, my new book, Before You Put That On (Simon and Schuster), is the first ever book of 365 Daily Style Tips for Her. Women kept asking for a book for them after I appeared on Oprah with Make Over Your Man (Doubleday), so I obliged. I also went back to my art roots and illustrated the book myself. It is a fun, daily read with quick affirmations that any woman can use to look fabulous right then and there. No need for a huge, fussy makeover!

5. Okay I want to delve into your personal life for a hot second. are you currently in a relationship? if not, then what exactly are you looking for and be as specific as possible. Not much of a personal life to jump into. Been single for a while now. My work seems to be the only relationship that has succeeded so far. I suffer from that bad combination of personal shyness, and high professional drive. So I wind up going solo for the most part, I think because people may think I am taken and off somewhere fabulous! Not the case.My ideal relationship is based on trust and just good old fun. I like to laugh. I am very different off-camera and away from fashion. Sometimes I feel that potential dates expect me to want to eat where the fashion set are, and hang out in the hippest areas. Just the opposite. I want Jerk wings and DVD rentals on the weekends, since I do “hip” spots all week for work. And the last thing I want to do is dress up and eat tiny portions of “cute food.”I am not into the perfect body and model face, I am hugely attracted to someone with a sweet spirit, unapologetic intellect, and a passion for something more than just punching in, and punching out.

6. Do you have plans on producing clothing line? No time soon. I am interested in partnering with a mass retailer, possibly doing wares of some sort. I’ve had a few great meetings. I am currently the national spokesperson for both Lenscrafters and Jones New York. No complaints for now.

7. What is your favorite holiday and why? Strangely, I have been really getting into Halloween in the last few years. I was little jaded about it in my 20’s. It was so not cool. Lately, I have been thinking about my costume months ahead of time. Thinking about a beast from Greek Mythology for this year, but with a sexy edge. Where’s the party, Nathan?

well if you don't know, now you know. be sure to get a copy of Lloyd Boston's newest book: Before You Put That On. with Thanksgiving and Christmas not too far away, this is the perfect gift for the special women in your life. so, be sure to support Lloyd by making this a
BEST SELLER.