“Queer Eye” star Tan France launches genderless Outerwear Line

Tan France is moving beyond the French tuck and coming for your winter wardrobe. The “Queer Eye” fashion expert, 38, launched Was Him, a new genderless outerwear line, on October 19 with a mission to help everyone look their best in colder months.

“Coats are THE thing I buy more than anything else, other than footwear,” says France. “I’d say I have at least 50-70 pieces of outerwear, but over 20-30 of those I’ve had for over five years and still wear each fall and winter,” he said in an interview with Page Six.  The Was Him line — which can be worn by anyone — was inspired by France’s own shopping struggles. “If I wanted chic, well-fitting longer coats, I always had to pop across to women’s departments of the store, as I could rarely find what I was looking for in the boring men’s departments.”

Created in partnership with brand incubator and retail platform Thmbl and shoppable in November, the seven-piece collection includes long wool overcoats and shorter zip-up jackets designed with nods to France’s eclectic background. “Being British, I’ve always loved structured tailoring, especially when it comes to outerwear. I’m now a dual citizen, and married to a Wyoming rancher, so I wanted to bring that duality to this debut collection,” France said in the Page Six interview.

Not only did the style pro take inspiration from his Utah abode — where he lives with artist husband Rob France and their newborn son, Ismail — but he also enlisted his hubby for some help with the design process. “You’ll see details like the ombré green patch pockets and the [color-blocking on the] navy coat, which represent the changing of the shades of grass to hay on my in-laws’ ranch,” he explained.

France’s plaids similarly incorporates colors found on the farm, while Rob created the artwork for a pair of embroidered horses on a forest green coat. Embroidery, too, served as a very special nod to his roots, and hopes to include it in all future collections. “My Pakistani/Indian people specialize in this beautiful craft, and I couldn’t create a brand that represents me without infusing that part of my heritage,” he said.

And while the new dad admitted that he dresses a bit more conservatively when in Utah as compared to London, New York City or Los Angeles, don’t expect him to tone down his impeccable personal style. “Honestly, the only thing [fatherhood’s] done is encouraged me to keep a second shirt with me when I’m out and about, because my son Ismail spits up every now and then,” he said. “Other than that, I haven’t really toned down my style.”

Added the wardrobe whiz, “I want my son to look at me as he grows, and to see that making an effort with your style can really help your self-esteem, so I don’t plan on changing my ways any time soon.”

—
Photo Credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com