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Ryan Gosling may be thrust into space in his latest film but on the ground, the actor has been leaning into a distinctly rugged, Western-tinged wardrobe for the “Project Hail Mary” press tour. His recent run of looks — trucker hats, worn-in denim and workwear jackets—owes in large part to stylist Mark Avery, whose new collection with CAT Apparel has become a go-to for Gosling’s appearances this month.
“Lucky for me, Ryan loves the collection and was kind enough to wear it during this press tour quite a few times,” Avery, who has worked with the Oscar-nominated actor for over a decade, tells Variety. “I can honestly say he wore it because he loves it and not because of any sense of obligation. Ryan’s style starts and ends with Ryan — I’m just a part of the process. So it might seem silly, but having him embrace it was so touching.”
Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
Because it isn’t a splashy fashion label, Gosling’s adherence to the brand has been relatively subtle. But if you look closely, you’ll realize the workwear brand has been a staple of his biggest press moments ahead of the release of “Project Hail Mary.” He wore the Canvas Pant and matching trucker jacket in a washed “Overcast” tone for a cheeky “La La Land” poster recreation and then again in a campaign for the luxury watch brand TAG Heuer. The brand’s signature bright yellow five-panel cap has also made repeat appearances, popping up during a Comic Con panel last year and a now-viral clip of him lobbing a football clean through the Randy’s Donuts sign. Meanwhile, he reached for a black version of his trusty trucker jacket for “Saturday Night Live” promos.
The white canvas set is Avery’s favorite. “I’m a huge fan of a set, color blocking, and the feeling of a suit, without the pretense,” he says. “That look just makes anyone say like, ‘Who’s that guy??’”
Below, Avery talks to Variety styling Gosling for his biggest blockbuster moments, his own love of vintage fashion and his new Avery Ranch collection for CAT Apparel.
How would you describe Ryan Gosling’s style?
First and foremost I would describe his style as distinctly his own, which in my book is a core tenet of style. If I had to boil it down to a short description I’d say: effortless, unique without feeling performative, and rugged without being clique or stale.
How has it changed over the years, and how would you compare it to his “Barbie” press run?
I think his street style has stayed consistent as his style is connected to who he is and not what trends are unfolding at any given moment. The “Barbie” press tour, like any press tour, is themed by the nature of its purpose. Those pastels were the equivalent of fans wearing a jersey or team colors to a game. Obviously Ryan wears color well and has, for years, embraced interesting colors paired with great tailoring. But, that specific time in history is more about the love and support for a great film.
Will you get him in a cowboy hat?
Are you kidding?? I sourced and shaped that in “Barbie,” and I’d argue that’s now one of the most iconic Stetsons. Also, I wanna take this question as an opportunity to say again that Ryan’s style is all his own, and so many of these great style moments are his inspiration. So if he asks, then of course, and it will be (another) Stetson.
You have a love of vintage. How does this collection pay homage to that?
Everything I do is informed by my love of vintage and classic design. My journey with vintage started out of necessity because I just wasn’t seeing what I wanted in stores and this line is just that: What I wanted to be available from a brand I respect and an iconic logo I grew up around.
In general, red carpet dressing for men has gotten a bit more experiential in recent years. What is a current trend you’re loving right now? Who do you think is an underrated dresser?
I will let you in on a secret here: red carpet dressing interests me so very little because by nature it’s so performative and calculated. But that being said, this more breaking down of the rules has made it more interesting. I wanna see who the person is in that context and not how that person deals with trends and expectations of the red carpet. Big fan of Lewis Pullman and Jesse Plemons’ recent style.
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