THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE: COURTESY RYAN SEACREST ENTERPRISES
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f you ever think you’re too busy, take a moment to consider Ryan Seacrest. His Emmy-winning Ryan Seacrest Productions produces hit shows like Keeping Up With the Kardashians. He hosts Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, radio programs “American Top 40” and “On Air With Ryan Seacrest,” E! network’s Live From the Red Carpet and the iHeartRadio Music Awards, and he’s signed on to host NBC’s latenight coverage of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. The menswear line he founded, Ryan Seacrest Distinction, is carried nationally at Macy’s. He’s chairman of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, which brings broadcast-media centers called “Seacrest Studios” to pediatric hospitals (see the inset photo); a board member of LACMA; and an investor in various media and tech companies. Meanwhile, he’s launching a men’s skin-care line, and, oh, he’s been busy hosting a little show called American Idol. Seriously—the 41-year-old could make just about anybody feel lazy by comparison. Fortunately for us, he took time out of his jam-packed schedule to answer a few questions, share a few fashion tips and even recommend dishes at his favorite L.A. restaurant. We’ll have what he’s having.
What’s your proudest accomplishment?
I am so proud of Seacrest Studios, and specifically the new studio located inside the Children’s National Main Atrium at the Sheikh Zayed Campus for Advanced Children’s Medicine in Washington, D.C. Helping kids
Bond to Frank Sinatra. Those guys always looked great in a suit. But for my personal style, it was an evolution. When I was first starting out, I was just happy to be able to afford a suit. But I realized that finding a best look and having the right fit was key. And wearing the right suit could make me feel better and look better. It gave me confidence, and I developed my own take on that classic Hollywood look. What’s your favorite restaurant?
and families explore the creative realms of radio, television and new media to both heal and educate is empowering. What motivates your charitable work?
I believe that I personally have a responsibility to do it, and it is all of our job to give back in any way we can. It is a part of who we are as human beings, living here in our world today, thinking about this generation and the next. It is important for young people to figure out their passions and follow dreams and continue to pass that on, contributing to their success and future and society. One of the best parts about having such a big extended family and working with so many amazing people here and across the country is I have the means, the resources and the contacts to ask others to be engaged in this process with me. And once they get involved, they are hooked. Tell us about your clothing collection.
Distinction by Ryan Seacrest is currently dominated by tailored clothing and accessories, from
suits and jackets to tuxedos, dress shirts, ties and cuff links. We have expanded into incredible outerwear, knits and other categories and don’t plan on stopping there. It has been an amazing trajectory and learning curve, and we have been successful launching a full range into the market, which has been so well-received in a short period of time. What inspired you to launch it?
I am not a designer, and certainly don’t think I am, but I do spend a good amount of time on camera, on the red carpet and in wardrobe. I have had the incredible fortune of seeing and learning from the best, including Burberry’s Christopher Bailey, who both taught me and showed me a lot and encouraged me to take on the venture of creating a collection. I know what works for me, and I saw the opportunity to help curate an integrated collection for guys that has quality, details and design elements at an accessible level. How would you describe your personal style?
I am certainly inspired by the old Hollywood classics—from James
In Los Angeles, my favorite spot is Bouchon Bistro. I appreciate greatquality ingredients and the time and attention to detail and service. I am a friend of chef Keller, and he just does it right. It is very comfortable—I [even] have my favorite table. What do you order there?
I have to say that my favorite dish is probably the fried chicken. On a lighter note, salmon, and nothing beats their Sunday brunch. How do you feel about the American Idol chapter of your life closing?
It’s frankly hard to imagine my life without it, as American Idol has been a part of my life for so long. While helping others chase and fulfill their own dreams, it helped some of my own dreams come true. The incredible team we worked with for the past 15 years has performed Herculean efforts to create, produce and sustain this groundbreaking show format. We have spent so much time together—the producers, judges and crew—and it was a truly remarkable journey. We really had a great time.
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