Stylist extraordinaire Lloyd Boston has offered fashion advice for the past decade to millions through his books such as Men of Color and Before You Put That On, as well as numerous television appearances on shows such as Oprah, Today and The View. Boston finally lands his own television style show Closet Cases which premieres tonight 10/9c on Fine Living Network. Lloyd Boston took a few minutes to speak with Rod 2.0 about his brand new series, which he describes as "a refreshing oasis on style television."
What's taken so long? I'm surprised you didn't have your own show years ago.
Good question. I've had a slower rise for getting my
own show than other stylists because my philosophy is different. I'm showing women and men what they are doing right and showing them where they can improve. So
many of the other style guys have gotten there faster by pointing out
the negative. I want people to feel good about themselves. Not like they are being judged.
Let's talk about the title "Closet Cases" ...
At first I was like, "Yikes!" This would be the show to come my way! But I have always been very clear and direct about who I am, personally, and my life. So I thought it would be great to have some fun with the double entendre since it's a double makeover show. I get an opportunity to give a person a great look and also to make some changes with their living space.
Describe the show. What will we experience tonight?
Closet Cases is easy-going. It's for women and men
who love fashion and style television but do not want to feel like they are being beat up. I'm not going to stand over your closet and ridicule. The show will be a refreshing oasis on style television. My goal is to be your new BFF: Best Friend in Fashion. I'm taking you to Fashion Week with me, we're going shopping, editing your own closets ... without
making you feel bad.
Black gay men and fashion. Discuss.
I love the fact that black gay style has not been homogenized. There is still inventiveness. If you look closely you can see where feminine
meets the masculine in details. It would be easy for many black gay men to "hide" under baggy hip hop clothes but many do it with a little feminine twist. Rod, and this is something you have talked about on your blog—Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, John Legend, all of these huge names are clearly influenced by the black gay community in terms of style and aesthetic. Black gay men should be applauded for their contributions. It's not easy to wear that badge in a community that may be hostile.
Closet Cases premieres tonight 10/9c on FLN.
It's already TIVOd. Lloyd Boston is fabulous! represent for the brothas, LLloyd!
Posted by: Carlos | 13 April 2009 at 19:45
Lloyd was on the View this morning, he is great. I am so happy for him, he has a lot more personality than half of the men on those style shows.
I'm not sure what channel is Fine Living tho, I think it is near HGTV.
Posted by: Manny | 13 April 2009 at 19:50
Lloyd Boston is a cutey :0
Posted by: Demetri | 13 April 2009 at 19:59
i'm not a huge fan of fln and hgtv b/c they are too whitebread so this is the reason to watch. and i loved seeing the promos on bravo that show lloyd helping another black gay man with his closets, work!
Posted by: Anderson | 13 April 2009 at 20:05
Love Lloyd Boston and love the interview. He's a diva (or divo) but keeps it real and gives brothers the props we deserve.
YOU GO BOY!
Posted by: Chas | 13 April 2009 at 20:37
Closet Cases is on now.
It's a cute show. I want to see Lloyd loosen up a little, I am sure he will in upcoming episodes.
There is also a repeat immediately afterward.
Posted by: JRM | 13 April 2009 at 21:16
The title is hilarious. I can just imagine who will NOT be appearing as guests on this show: LL Cool J, Will and Jada...
Posted by: Reggie H | 13 April 2009 at 21:30
Saw tonight's premiere and loved it! So funny when Lloyd called that girl "Blue Bonnet" who looked like "she was canning vegetables."
Congrats Lloyd Muah!
Posted by: Baltimore Femme | 14 April 2009 at 00:12