Q&A: Evan Lysacek talks about ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang and training in Rick Owens cashmeres
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Ralph Lauren celebrated Evan Lysacek’s Olympic gold medal win at the brand’s Robertson flagship Tuesday, following the figure skater’s debut on “Dancing With the Stars†the night before. ‘Dancing’ castmates Buzz Aldrin, Niecy Nash and Bruno Tonioli came to toast Lysacek -- the first American man to win a gold in figure skating in 22 years.
Lysacek, one of the Olympic athletes who partnered with Polo Ralph Lauren in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, wore a Team USA polo shirt and also autographed customers’ Team USA shirts.
Lysacek chatted with All the Rage enthusiastically about ‘Dancing With the Stars’ and fashion.
You’re a big fan of Ralph Lauren?
I’ve always loved Polo since I was little. I’ve worn Ralph’s clothes always.
Team USA was extremely honored to wear his designs in Vancouver. Without a doubt the best outfit there, so props to him and his entire company for coming up with an incredible look.
It truly has been an honor to be aligned with this brand for the past year. I hope I can continue to work with them. Ralph Lauren is an American icon as far as fashion is concerned. How’s “Dancing with the Stars’?
‘Dancing with the Stars’ was really fun, we [he and partner Anna Trebunskaya] came in second last night. We had great constructive feedback from the judges. It’s back to the drawing board today.
You look really tan -- did you take a break after the Olympics?
I went straight from the airport in Vancouver to train for “Dancing With the Stars.†I live here in L.A.
Vera Wang told me your Olympic skating costume was her idea.
It was, literally. She was so helpful. For the free skate, we were having trouble conceptualizing a story line to hold it together for such a short performance of 4 minutes, 40 seconds of music. Wang said it was a story of good versus evil -- the evil king versus the good slave for the love of Scheherazade. She was like, ‘One snake is good and one is evil and they meet at your heart’ and all this stuff. I was like, ‘Perfect.’
How long have you known Vera Wang?
I’ve known her for about five years. She used to skate. We worked on a charity together in New York in Harlem.
Her family is like my family. I always stay with them when I’m in New York -- they’re, literally, like, such an incredible support system. I’m so excited by her store here -- it’s beautiful.
Are you into any designers?
I love Rick Owens.
You like more goth-y stuff?
But not in that style. Rick Owens is what I wear to train in. The really thin cashmere sweaters are great to layer.
But I love Ralph’s clothing, I always feel the best and most confident when I’m in a nicely tailored suit with shirt and tie.
Shoes?
I just got these incredible Dior high-tops that zip up the back -- brand new for the season. I bought them because I was going on Leno.
Any surprise outfits on “Dancing With the Stars�
We are working so hard on on the technique, the dancing should speak for itself. Packaging is important, of course, but we definitely don’t want to subtract attention from the dance.
Vera Wang will be on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ next week.
Who do you feel is your greatest competition on ‘Dancing’?
Everyone. I thought Pamela [Anderson] was out of control, so incredible, such a star, brought the house down. Shannen Doherty looked really good and really emotional. Chad is very athletic. Erin Andrews is an awesome dancer.
Who cracks you up backstage?
Erin Andrews and Maksim. Mark [Ballas] is awesome, I love Mark. And I love, love Pam.
-- Max Padilla
More on the fashions at the Vancouver Olympic Games
Television blog: More on ‘Dancing With the Stars’
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Top photo: Evan Lysacek. Bottom photo, from left: Mark Ballas, Evan Lysacek and Buzz Aldrin. Credit: J. Strauss / WireImage