Fashion Police star George Kotsiopoulos talks style, uggs, Aussie celebs
IF THERE’S one thing Fashion Police star George Kotsiopoulos is known for, it’s telling it like it is — so it should come as no surprise that he hates ugg boots and can’t think of a nice word to say about tracksuits.
IF THERE’S one thing Fashion Police star George Kotsiopoulos is known for, it’s telling it like it is — so it should come as no surprise that he hates ugg boots and can’t think of a nice word to say about tracksuits.
“I hate to rag on uggs while I’m in Australia but really ... they’re so unnecessary,” he tells news.com.au. “I’m wearing a sneaker right now, but it’s a sneaker morphed with a wing tip, and it’s a nice sneaker! It’s not just a running shoe, I’m not in yoga pants, but am I uncomfortable? No! There’s a way to be elegant and comfortable at the same time and anyone that says otherwise is just being lazy. It’s just an excuse.”
Given the rise of fashion-savvy stores like ASOS, H&M and TopShop, Kotsiopoulos firmly believes that it’s easier now more than ever to look great.
“Fashion is something that has become accessible to everybody, at every price point. You don’t need to be rich to look like a movie star anymore. You can go to chain stores and buy beautiful clothes that look good. Fashion is fun now, and it’s really accessible. Some people might think that that’s a bad thing, I think it’s a great thing.
“My favourite polo in the world is a cotton-silk blend, and it’s from H&M. It’s $25. And I’m sorry, but it looks like Prada or Gucci — you cannot tell the difference. I’m not going to sweat in a $500 polo and ruin it instantly, there’s no reason for it!”
So let me get this straight. Is Kotsiopoulos saying that style and spending a lot of money don’t have to go hand in hand?
“Movie star style is totally accessible on a budget,” Kotsiopoulos confirms. “It’s not about wearing stilettos while you’re shopping. It’s about putting forth that little bit of extra effort when getting ready and having a little more glamour in whatever you’re doing. That could be as simple as a little bit of lipstick or some mascara.
“If you are going to invest in anything, invest in a good coat,” he advises. “Anything you can throw on over something simple is a good investment — whether it’s a coat or a blazer or a jacket, even something like a statement necklace, anything that gives it that extra bit of glamour.
“You shouldn’t be spending all of your money on designer clothes, that’s crazy. Go buy the nail polish or the fragrance or the lipstick if you want to have something designer. All you need is a little taste of the luxury. And confidence. Confidence trumps anything. If you are going to wear fashion, then be confident in it.”
Now it wouldn’t be an interview with a Fashion Police host without a little bit of fashion policing, would it? We got Kotsiopoulos to deconstruct the street style looks of three Aussie celebs:
Jesinta Campbell
“Are those Birkenstocks? I love me a Birkenstock. She looks cute. I’m not so into the label on the tee but I do like the nautical look with the stripe. Love the Birkenstock chic but she should lose the logos. Logos should be on the inside of your clothing.”
Cheyenne Tozzi
“She’s obviously a supermodel isn’t she. I love the mix of the high and the low labels, it looks very effortless. I like the pointy pump with the skinny pant, the messy top knot, it’s a great example of street style. She doesn’t look like she’s trying too hard. But come on, she’s a model. She can wear anything.”
Ricki-Lee Coulter
“I’m over the Isabel Marant high tops, they’ve had their day. I’m not into them. Leopard print is neutral to me. I kind of think the hat’s had its day too. She’s a bit behind. I hate to say that ...”
If you love George Kotsiopoulos, be sure to pick up a copy of his new book, Glamorous by George, available on Amazon.