Fashionable Kit
EastSiders Star Sets The Style In Show’s Second Season
By William Cooke
The critically acclaimed dark comedy starring Kit Williamson and Van Hansis as Cal and Thom, an adorable couple trying to stay together in the aftermath of infidelity, returns for its second season this fall, exclusively on Vimeo On Demand.
The first season of EastSiders was named Best Web Drama from LA Weekly and brought home the Indie Series Award for Best Ensemble. It also received a Satellite Award nomination from the International Press Academy.
Critics and fans couldn’t get enough of the drunken outbursts and double standards of the twenty-somethings living and loving in Silverlake, CA.
Well, hold tight! Things heat up even more in season two, especially in Cal and Thom’s relationship, as they explore opening things up sexually. The season tackles some pretty intense topics, from heartbreak to faithlessness to STDS… but in a stylish never-trashy-always-classy way.
Creator and star Kit Williamson explains more.
Do you consider yourself a stylish guy?
I like to have fun with clothes, but I don’t take myself too seriously. There’s a photo of me out there at ten years old with a mullet, wearing oversized glasses, a tie-dye t-shirt and umbros, reading a fantasy novel and holding a personal fan. From there I went through a lot of fashion phases, particularly in the Myspace Era, where I had bangs down to my chin. I’m sure I’ll look back on myself in a couple of years and think I look ridiculous.
How would you describe your style?
Lately I’m gearing towards a classic, retro look. I wear glasses and like looking a little nerdy. I’m very into suspenders but I constantly worry I can’t pull them off. I feel most comfortable in a suit, which is a shame because I rarely get to wear one. My whole family is in law, so I really messed up my life choices!
What influences your style?
My biggest influence has always been the desire to feel like a grown up. What you wear can have a profound impact on how you see yourself.
Fashion played a huge role in Mad Men, where you played Ed. How did you feel about Ed’s style?
Ed definitely had his moments. Those blue pants! But largely he was a bit of a square. His shirts were way too large and he never got to wear cool prints or tie-clips like Mathis. I’d go into the costume fittings and try on amazing vintage plaid suit after amazing plaid suit, but they never made the cut. I love how he was a little fashion clueless on such a fashionable show.
What can modern men learn from the men of the 60s?
It’s not a bad thing to take care of your appearance. It’s great to be comfortable, too, but there’s a balance.
How important is fashion to the Silverlake hipsters in EastSiders?
I think they’re the genuine sort that wear things because they like them, not because they’re obsessed with projecting an image of coolness. It’s pretty easy to sniff out people that are trying to hard.
What do you think of Cal’s style?
Cal’s style is pretty much my style.
So you would wear what he wears?
(Laughing) I actually do wear what he wears because those are all my clothes! For the most part, the actors all supplied their own wardrobe. That’s indie filmmaking!
Does his dress change in season 2 to reflect his relationship status?
Yes, Cal is trying to reinvent himself; the way people often do after a breakup. He’s shaved off a bunch of his hair and hit the gym and is maybe subconsciously trying to send Thom a message that he’s an independent woman.
Where are Cal and Thom in season 2?
They’re brokeback, they don’t know how to quit each other. Cal’s moved out of their apartment, but they’ve started dating again. They’re sharing custody of the cat, but they’re not sure where things stand.
Are things any better for Ian and Kathy’s relationship?
Kathy’s still Kathy and Ian’s still Ian, so things are still on a pendulum swing.
Kathy lying to Ian about getting an abortion was a big deal for them in season 1.
Yes but not because Ian wouldn’t have been supportive, but because he didn’t get the chance to be. There’s still a lot of tension between them, and Kathy has a hard time not pushing him away.
Ian, of course, is played by your real life stylish fiancé, John Halbach. Do you have any style advice for John?
Never wear the same shirt that I’m wearing. We don’t want to end up on that Tumblr that features boyfriends that look like twins.
The second season of EastSiders begins in September exclusively on Vimeo On Demand. Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram at @EastSidersTV and “Like” the show on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/EastSidersTheSeries.
