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Queer Eye' turns its gaze on straight girls

By BTL Staff

Ever since the success of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," more than a few straight girls have been waiting for their turn to have their lives changed by a group of lovable, fashion-savvy homos.
The wait is over.
From the creators of Bravo's Emmy Award-winning series, pop culture phenomenon "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," comes a series that turns a tasteful eye toward the ladies – appropriately titled "Queer Eye for the Straight Girl" and premiering this month. Each week, Bravo's new team of make-better mavens – "the Gal Pals" – bring their talents in each of their categories to a new Straight Girl in need.
The all-new cast will feature Robbie Laughlin, Danny Teeson, Damon Pease, and TV's first female 'Queer Eye,' Honey Labrador, who will specialize in The Look, The Life, The Locale, and The Lady, respectively.
"We are thrilled to expand the Queer Eye franchise on Bravo," said Lauren Zalaznick, President of Bravo. "The Queer Eye phenomenon has left an indelible mark on popular culture today, and with the launch of a new series dedicated to 'make-better' straight women, we anticipate the phenomenon to continue."
The Gal Pals prove the whole is greater than the sum of the parts as they work together in unison to help each straight girl achieve her goals. Less interested in the broad strokes and more about the fine-tuning, the straight girls speak up, talk back, and are true participants in their transformations. Each episode centers on a life-affirming event, such as a proposal, 30th birthday, or wedding, and it's up to the Gal Pals to make sure she's fully prepared – on the inside and out.
Robbie Laughlin is the Gal Pal with "The Look," an all-in-one guide who helps straight girls to build a great look from head-to-toe. Born in Oregon, Laughlin received a bachelor of fine arts degree in Theatre from Cornish College of The Arts in Seattle. He works in tangent with the other Gal Pals to ensure each straight girl finds the focus to bring all the components of style – the hair, the nails, and the wardrobe – together with the goal of building a look that's individual and empowering.
Danny Teeson is "The Life" specialist, bringing his talents in everything from cuisine, dance, exercise and entertaining to each straight girl to build a lifestyle. A native of England, Teeson grew up learning about food and wine at his family's restaurant in Paros, Greece. He was a member of the original London cast of "Fame the Musical" and has danced and choreographed for artists such as Kylie Minogue, Geri Halliwell, Diana Ross, Gloria Estefan, Usher, Mya, and Tom Jones. After relocating to Los Angeles, Teeson founded Danny Teeson Productions and has produced, designed, choreographed and directed many LA fashion and trade shows.
Damon Pease is "The Locale" expert and the Gal Pal who is literally in charge of building dreams. He tries to match the perfect aesthetic to any location and occasion and creates, designs, and builds spaces that reflect each girl's personal aesthetic. He recently served as both the set and guest designer on Colin Cowie's "Everyday Elegance," where he oversaw the daily dressing of the show's living room, dining room and kitchen sets for visiting designers on the show. Pease currently owns the international event planning firm Fusion Design, which has an exclusive entertainment industry client list.
But can gay men know everything women really want? Enter Honey Labrador, the first female "Queer Eye." As "The Lady," Labrador ensures that all aspects of each make-better have a female perspective, touching on all categories as they relate to women, from make-up and beauty, to healthy living to sexual confidence. Labrador, the mother of a teenage daughter, began her career as a model at the age of 17 and covered New York, Paris, Milan, and London. She has graced the pages of popular magazines such as Elle, Mademoiselle, Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar, and both British and Italian Vogues. Labrador served as fashion editor for Country Magazine and the head of development at Passion Films, Inc. She also recently produced the feature film, "April's Showers" under her own production banner.
Unlike other reality shows that champion radical surgical procedures and diets, the goal of "Queer Eye for the Straight Girl" isn't to change women, it's to embrace who they are and build on that.
"What we're bringing is a peace of mind really," said Laughlin. "We're taking girls who are not complete train wrecks. They just need guidance. They are a little derailed and need help getting back on track. They are out doing very important things like being fire fighters, and they don't have time to think about things like wardrobe."
It's not just about picking women apart, said Teeson. "It's easy to observe another human being and say, 'Wait, there are so many things you aren't doing.' My favorite thing to ask a straight girl is 'What is your dream that you've never done – that you've always wanted to?'"
"I'm thrilled to be allowed the opportunity to boost these women's comfort and self esteem by helping them create a place perfect for them," said Pease. "It's a joy to watch these women realize their passion for design."
Labrador hopes to bring out the strengths the women already have. "As the eldest daughter of a single working mother, I was always inspired by my mother's strength, determination and independence," said Labrador. "She taught me that there was nothing I couldn't do or be, and she believed in me through all of the choices I made in my life. If I can pass that same philosophy along to the straight girls, I've done my job well."

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