If there’s a cure for our obsession with the Fab Five, we don’t want it.
For five months last summer and fall, the stars of Netflix’s hit reality show, Queer Eye, called Kansas City home. The sultans of style and sass charmed their way into local hearts as they filmed Season 3 and 4 downtown and around the metro.
In this exclusive interview with IN Kansas City while on location in Japan, Tan, Jonathan, Karamo, Bobby, and Antoni opened up about the City of Fountains—what they crushed on, and what advice they would offer if Kansas City were the “hero” of one of their shows.
The new episodes drop March 15 on Netflix.
Tan France, Fashion
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in South Yorkshire in the U.K.
Where is home now?
I have a lovely home in Salt Lake City with my husband.
After filming Season 1 and 2 in hot and humid Atlanta, how did you find the weather in Kansas City?
It was equally hot and humid in Kansas City. I truly did not notice the difference between the two.
Which Kansas City clothing brand or store stole your heart?
I absolutely loved Baldwin. We found some of the fashions for our heroes there and it was great to work with a local company.
What clothing choice do men in Kansas City need to part ways with?
Same as most of the U.S.: Old, tired plaid!
“I actually loved Kansas City. I don’t want to change it. We already have a New York, an L.A., a Chicago, etc. Kansas City should continue to be its unique self.”
—Tan France
If Kansas City as a city were the hero in one of your episodes, how would you make her better?
I actually loved Kansas City. I don’t want to change it. We already have a New York, an L.A., a Chicago, etc. Kansas City should continue to be its unique self.
Jonathan Van Ness, Grooming
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Quincy, Illinois, just a few a hours away from Kansas City.
Where do you live now?
I live in New York City with my precious little kitties.
Did any grooming trends or styles you saw in Kansas City surprise you?
I’m only from a few hours away, so I sorta already knew what I was getting into. Though I will say, after spending months in the city, there are a lot of really talented colorists and stylists here. There is a more skilled beauty industry in Kansas City than I thought there would be before I got here.
What men’s hair style in Kansas City needs to go away?
This is worldwide and for men and women: having so many all-over hair colors that are high maintenance. Like for those people that are like, “ have a few gray hairs,” then have every head on their head colored, it’s just not necessary. Color that takes a lot of maintenance will hurt your pocket book and maybe your hair over time.
What local salon or stylist do you think is rocking it and why?
Major shout-out to the incredible team at Skyline Downtown Salon, especially Tippy Shorter. The entire team was amazing, so professional and awesome.
Beards continue to be popular. Are there some faces that look better clean shaven and how can guys tell?
Any man, regardless of face shape, can carry a full gorgeous beard if that’s what they want. But boys, those beards require some TLC. Make sure you trim and use a beard balm. Keep it looking fresh!
If Kansas City as a city were the hero in one of your episodes, how would you make her better?
Kansas City. Girl, listen. You’re stunning, but you need an upgrade on your airport. You’re major now, so it’s time for a truly international airport to befit the queen that you are.
Karamo Brown, Culture
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Houston, Texas, and moved to Parkland, Florida, after my parents divorced.
Where do you live now?
I live in Los Angeles with my fiancé, Ian, and my sons.
Your show has dealt openly with race. What struck you about African-American culture and social life in Kansas City?
I think that African American and Latino cultures in Kansas City are thriving. There are many diverse cultures in the city and I found that, regardless of where we were around the city, people were universally open and wanting to share parts of their stories with us. I also appreciated that many of them who haven’t spent much time interacting with communities of color were open to learning more about those experiences as well.
“I loved hanging out in the 18th and Vine area. It felt great to experience Kansas City’s black-owned businesses and see how the area is so welcoming to all.”
—Karamo Brown
What hangout spot felt like a warm hug after a long day of shooting?
I loved hanging out in the 18th and Vine area. It felt great to experience Kansas City’s black-owned businesses and see how the area is so welcoming to all.
As a psychotherapist, what differences did you observe in how Midwesterners in Kansas City interact with celebrities and each other compared to your experience in Atlanta?
When we filmed in Atlanta the show hadn’t debuted, so we moved about the city pretty unnoticed. Filming now in Kansas City, people have seen the show and gotten to know the Fab Five, so I absolutely think there’s a difference in how often people approach us. Unrelated to celebrities, one thing I did observe about people in KC is that the heroes we worked with were fully open to grow and learn about their mental health. When you create a space that allows people to know that they can focus on their mental health, they jump at the opportunity.
In Season 3, you added more women to the mix. What are the issues that you see frequently weighing on women, holding them back?
The definition of what femininity is was a big issue for women. The pressure that comes with being defined as either too strong or too soft, mixed with just trying to live your authentic self and feel seen, was also an issue. I hope and believe we helped our heroes gain perspective on how they can be their own “Prince Charming” and sometimes a “damsel in distress” and that doesn’t make them any less feminine.
What about men—what is frequently the source of their inner struggle?
For the majority of the men that we encountered, it was a fear of being able to express their emotions. Men aren’t given the space to talk about their emotions and what they’re going through.
Bobby Berk, Design
You grew up in rural Missouri. Where exactly, and what kind of place was it?
I grew up in Mount Vernon, Missouri. It was a difficult place to live. It was a very small community and everyone knew each other’s business. So growing up and knowing I was gay felt very isolating.
Where do you live now?
I live in Los Angeles with my husband.
Had you been to Kansas City before filming Season 3? If so, what were your strongest memories of the city?
Yes. To me, as a kid from Mount Vernon, Kansas City was “The Big City.” My strongest memories of Kansas City growing up were fear-based. Everyone in my hometown would say to stay away unless you wanted to get robbed or killed. Kansas City 25 years ago was fundamentally a different city than it is now. Now it’s an amazing, thriving, cultural center and city with pride.
What was your favorite place in Kansas City for an elegant meal?
Novel was always a solid choice. We ate there many times.
What was your favorite dive-y or casual food?
Vietnam Cafe near the River Market area was both casual and excellent!
A local social media post showed you with a fan in the deodorant area of Target. Where else did you like to go shopping in Kansas City?
Yes, I remember that. How embarrassing! I also shopped at the Plaza, River Market, and the Farmer’s Market … Not nearly as exciting as deodorant shopping at Target, I suppose.
What are a couple of inexpensive things people can do to make their homes much more pleasing?
Simply organizing your home—making sure everything from napkins to newspapers and odds and ends have a place and function—can all go a long way in making your home feel more pleasing. And plants. Add living, colorful plants to make you home feel more alive and vibrant. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way as well.
Antoni Porowski, Food & Wine
Where did you grow up?
I was raised in Montreal, Canada, through elementary, then I moved and split time between Canada and West Virginia.
Where do you live now?
Now I live in New York City.
How is Kansas City different from those places?
Montreal is known to be a very diverse, multicultural city with a lot of immigrants. I would say that living in West Virginia reminded me more of our time in Kansas City. We had a lot of rural locations that we filmed in that reminded me of West Virginia.
“A perfect date night would be an evening walk to see the Wendell Castle pieces outside of the Nelson-Atkins Museum and maybe end it with a dinner at Novel.”
—Antoni Porowski
What would be your version of a perfect date night in Kansas City?
A perfect date night would be an evening walk to see the Wendell Castle pieces outside of the Nelson-Atkins Museum and maybe end it with a dinner at Novel.
What did you think of Kansas City barbecue? Did it live up to the hype?
One hundred percent. We had some incredible barbecue in KC, including Jones BBQ, which is owned by pitmasters Mary and Deborah Jones. We feature them in this season of Queer Eye and I have to say, “Kansas City, do yourself a favor and try the Jones sisters’ sauce. It will blow you away.”
What are a couple of simple things people who don’t have much time to cook can do to upgrade their meal routine?
A simple risotto or a tomahawk steak. Both are really simple to make but are really impressive for first date.
What were your favorite local food finds?
More barbecue! I really enjoyed Joe’s Kansas City barbecue too. It was a struggle not to pack on the pounds with the abundance of great food in the city.
If Kansas City as a city were the hero in one of your episodes, how would you make her better?
More fresh, locally sourced produce.