Old Town was significantly more fabulous than usual this afternoon as former Queer Eye for the Straight Guy Carson Kressley was in town filming segments for a new show called Carson Nation that will appear on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Network and air this coming May.
The Journal caught up with Kressley and his film crew at Shipwreck in Eureka where he was kind enough to explain the premise of his new project. “Our mission is to go to small towns all across America, which people think don’t have great style, but show people that they can use their local resources and find great things, whether it’s vintage clothing or a local salon or spa.” Besides Shipwreck, The Spa at Personal Choice in Eureka was also scheduled to be Nation location.
Three local individuals are getting the Carson treatment. “We’re making over a couple for their dream wedding, which we’re going to shoot later on this week. And then we’re doing a woman who’s in the Coast Guard and giving her a new look for her retirement.” For those concerned that “Humboldt” isn’t represented in the makeover candidates, he continued, “And we’re making over a guy who hasn’t shaved his beard in like five years or something. Yes, he has that classic ‘raised by wolves’ look.” That narrows it down.
The segment we witnessed saw Carson and, one would presume, one of the makeover-ees shopping in Shipwreck for accessories. “This is my favorite store in Humboldt County!” Carson exclaimed. The formula seemed to be as follows: Carson examines a product, makes an adorable comment, moves on to the next item. The best unscripted moment occurred when the UPS dude rolled in with a package for Shipwreck’s owner Marcy Bruce:
Carson: “Why are all UPS men sooo cute? And look, he has a package.”
UPS dude: “Uh, it’s for her.”
Word has it that after the jaunt to Shipwreck, Kressley and crew were off to Hurricane Kate’s for lunch, and then on to Heuer’s Florist to pick out wedding flowers.
No word yet whether or not Carson Nation will make it to the Carson Mansion. We’ll keep you posted.
This article appears in The $10 Million Dash.
My husband is excited to hear he has a “classic” look!
Which package was Mr. Kressley referring to?
I am the “UPS dude”. I had know idea what was going on, when I went into Shipwreck. Little did I know I was face to face with a celebrity. I didn’t know who Carson Kressley was, until I walked into work this morning. My co-workers made sure I know, now.
Comedy. I’ve never seen “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”…would a show called “Hetero Joe for the Flaming Homo” fly in today’s world of bizarre political correctness? I dunno about that purple turtleneck…
“…today’s world of bizarre political correctness…” You got some alternative?
Well, f*ck “political correctness” but I heard from people that worked with Carson that he is a sweet pea and I think it’s awesome that he’s out cheering people up in this economically dismal holiday season. Go Carson go!
Since no one else is going to ask it, I will. Who’s the cute brunette with him, clearly seen holding the umbrella in the last photo. Yowza!
That;s a bummer because the “raised by wolves look” is hot.
Based on the information above, I would guess that the brunette pictured is not the retiring Coast Guard woman, so I deduce she is the fiance of the soon to be married couple.
I do wonder if the retiring Coast Guard woman is the same woman who applied for the 4th ward Eureka City Council seat.
Actually, I think the brunette is one of the multiple crew that was with the show.
The brunette is part of his crew. And Carson is sweet and great. He did a wonderful job on the wedding. The couple deserved all and more. Thanks carson