Cover Story

Brad Goreski Zoe's his stuff

By Matt Kailey

Brad Goreski, left, and Rodger Berman.

Like the understudy on opening night who waits in the wings until the director points a finger and says, "You - get out there," Brad Goreski is suddenly center stage on the third season of The Rachel Zoe Project, premiering August 3 on Bravo.

The newly appointed Style Director for Rachel Zoe, Inc. had to jump in with both feet when Taylor Jacobson was let go at the last minute, and for a guy who picked up his first copy of Vogue at age 12 and who has followed Zoe's career for years, this stroke of good fortune is more than a dream come true.

"It's actually more than I ever dreamed it could be," says Goreski. "My job is incredible. I have the opportunity to work with some of the most beautiful women in the world, who all have an individual sense of style. I've been lucky because I get to travel all over the world for my job. I was just in Austria, Spain, Rio and Mexico City. It's a lot of work, but we also get to have a lot of fun. Sometimes I just shake my head and go, 'Gosh, I am so grateful!'"

Goreski's new job puts him in charge of all things related to Zoe's studio and styling business. And since Goreski was thrust into his new position right before awards season, he had to put in 14-hour days just to balance all the jobs that were coming in. Things finally calmed down, but even in the most tumultuous times, his admiration for Zoe keeps him going.

"Rachel has been and is a great teacher and friend," he says. "Sometimes, with us, the line between boss and friend gets blurred because we are so close, but she is an incredible teacher, and I have learned so much from her, not only professionally, but just in general. She's a very special person and I hope that people get to see that on the show."

But Zoe is not the only one who keeps Goreski going when the going gets rough.

"There are definitely times when I lose my head," he says. "You have to understand that I have Rachel wanting things from me, the clients wanting things from me, designer PR wanting answers about their dresses - the list goes on and on. I get over 250 e-mails a day, probably, plus phone calls, so it can get a little crazy, and sometimes I just want to scream. I have a really great boyfriend who I have been with for over nine years, and he is just so good at putting things in perspective. I also am obsessed with my two dogs, Jasper, who is 14, and Penelope, who is just over a year old. We rescued her in November, and when I think about coming home to them, I really stop caring so much about other things - cheesy, but true."

Brad Goreski, Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman

Besides the support that he gets, both on and off the set, Goreski loves his clients. In fact, he can't single out a favorite. But he does know who his dream client might be.

"I love Emma Watson," he says. "I think she is so gorgeous and effortless and chic. I also love Carey Mulligan, Cate Blanchett, Michelle Williams. For men, I would love to dress Jake Gyllenhaal."

Most guys would like to undress Jake Gyllenhaal, but then, fashion is what Goreski is all about - that, and a little drama, which he promises plenty of in season three.

"Episode one starts off with major drama and the drama continues all the way through to the last episode," he says. "I think this season, more than any other season, the viewer really gets to see inside our world, especially when it comes to fittings. We have a lot of great celeb guest stars this year, including Demi Moore in episode one, and then some of Rachel's other clients. But I will not say which ones because I don't wanna spoil the surprise - but they are may-jor!"

It might seem a stretch for a small-town Canadian boy to be dressing major stars, but Goreski seemed destined for the part since childhood.

"I would like to say thank you to my mom, dad and sister in Canada," he says. "They always encouraged me to be myself, watched me play with Barbie, wear crazy outfits to grade school, and they never said a thing. They just let me be myself, and I love them so much for that. I totally believe that having that freedom as a kid to express myself helped lead me to where I am today."

Goreski styles a runway model.

Find out exactly where he is today - tune in to The Rachel Zoe Project and see the understudy become a star.

Brad's style do's and a don't

What three things should every man have in his wardrobe?

1. A well-tailored suit. Men often wear jackets that are too big and boxy and pants that are not flattering. Get a suit jacket that fits well with a pant with a slimmer leg. Nothing beats a man in a good suit. They also don't have to be expensive. There are lots of great options out there.

2. Great shoes. I will always fork out the cash for a great pair of shoes. They are great conversation pieces. Stop with the square-toe shoes. I can't handle it anymore. Get a great lace-up driving shoe (like a Tod's). Trust me, you will wear them all the time, they will last a long time and people will notice them

3. Invest in cashmere. Whether it be a sweater or a cardigan, you can always find it on sale. J. Crew has great cashmere. You will never go back to anything else. It's one of life's luxuries, and people will want to touch you. You can look expensive without things having to be expensive.

What is the biggest style mistake that women and men make?

Wearing clothes that don't fit properly. Men often hem their jeans or pants too short. Try not hemming your jeans. They can look great, effortless and sexy.

For more information, go to www.bravotv.com.