Naturally Tan, by Tan France
Planet Books Review:
If you've seen any episodes of the newest iteration of the Queer Eye TV show, then you know Tan France. He's the relatively non-flamboyant style master, whose clipped British accent and South Asian appearance set him a little bit apart from his American co-hosts. This book is a neat way of getting to know him a bit better, and, with it's easy, chatty writing style, you really are drawn into his world. More than anything, Tan seems honest and likeable. And the book really feels like him.
Written in basically chronological, episodic parts, each chapter is focused on an item like clothing, or his Nokia 6210, which then opens into a story about Tan's life. The start is rather confronting, detailing the racism that young Tan and his family faced in the UK. These comments on race are later augmented by references to September 11 and how the way he was treated changed, especially at airports. It's very insightful.
The chapter about the audition for the show was particularly engaging, and the way he speaks about his marriage to and love for Rob is gorgeous and touching. In fact, the way he talks about his life full stop is compelling. Not one for grand gestures and Valentine’s Day, he says that love is in small daily actions. Another of my favourite chapters is when Tan goes to the Emmy Awards with the rest of the Fab Five from Queer Eye: It manages to strike a balance between humble and hugely excited.
There is something so authentic about this book and Tan’s DMs. Interspaced with fashion tips (including a great recipe for a face mask) and dating dos and don'ts, this is part memoir, part self-help book. What comes through loud and clear is his love for fashion, and, most notably, his husband, Rob. It's a lovely, easy to read, book.
Review by Callie Steven
About The Author:
Tan France has been a successful fashion designer behind-the-scenes for over 15 years, and now steps into the spotlight as the star of Emmy-winning makeover hit, and Netflix re-boot, Queer Eye. Surrounded by an all new cast, France is the witty wardrobe wiz leading the charge in the fashion department and is ready to make America fabulous again one makeover at a time. This experience is so much more than just new clothes to the British born fashion advisor however, it's about real-life issues, changes and acceptance on all sides.
The epitome of style and class, Tan is the creative mind behind successful brands including the popular ladies clothing lines Kingdom & State and Rachel Parcell, Inc. Prior to his personal success as a designer, he spent his summers working in his grandfather's denim factory while he secretly enrolled in fashion college in preparation to start a new chapter as a fabulous design star.
Book Details:
ISBN: 9780753553749
Publication Date: 4/6/2019
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Binding: Trade Paperback
Genre: Autobiography