Let’s Mambo With Ryan Kwanten

Let’s Mambo With Ryan Kwanten

Photo courtesy of http://www.mambo.co When I found out I’d be interviewing HBO’s “True Blood” star Ryan Kwanten, I had to begin Googling to find out more about him. A quick low-down: He plays Jason Stackhouse in the hit TV series “True Blood,” Australian (yes that accent is REAL), is 36 years old, and is as handsome as they come. Actually, just search him and this black and white photo will pop up that will raise your temperature. How does The Fashionista land an interview with this heart throb? He’s a brand ambassador for Australian clothing line “Mambo,” and that’s where…


Photo courtesy of http://www.mambo.co

When I found out I’d be interviewing HBO’s “True Blood” star Ryan Kwanten, I had to begin Googling to find out more about him. A quick low-down: He plays Jason Stackhouse in the hit TV series “True Blood,” Australian (yes that accent is REAL), is 36 years old, and is as handsome as they come. Actually, just search him and this black and white photo will pop up that will raise your temperature. How does The Fashionista land an interview with this heart throb? He’s a brand ambassador for Australian clothing line “Mambo,” and that’s where our paths cross! Our interview was to take place at Brookfield’s Boston Store which carries the Australian line.

Mambo’s clothing is all about the surf and skate lifestyle, complete with humor, a love of music, and making your own fun in unexpected places. Basically, this T-shirt sums it up pretty well.

A wonderful first impression don’t you think? Ryan Kwanten certainly knows how to make an impression, as you’d be surprised how he was discovered!

I thought I’d start this off with an awkward question: I heard a rumor you were discovered while you were wearing a Speedo?
True! Not just a Speedo. I had goggles on too! I was on my way to swimming training and my brother was auditioning at an acting agency and the woman grabbed me and had me come along, too. It was a bizarre twist of fate, and here I am 15 years later.

As the ambassador for Mambo, what do you love about the line? Would you be interested in designing a special Speedo for them (I’m just kidding)!
Hahaha, no I’ve moved on from my Speedo days and more into the board shorts! I love that Mambo, as much as it is a fashion label, it approaches fashion with a sense of humor. There’s far too many fashion lines that take it too seriously. So here’s a brand that’s doing great stuff but isn’t afraid to have a bit of a laugh. That’s sort of the Australian way, we don’t take ourselves too seriously.

Do you have a favorite item that is currently available for purchase?
Yeah, I’ve got my line that I’ve designed a few things, and I quite honestly love the simple tees like the one I’m wearing. I feel like it’s hard to go wrong with a simple thing like this.

Charming! For my male readers, what kind of workout routine do you have?
I love mixing it up and getting outside. Being stuck inside is so uninspiring. Playing tennis, golf, surfing. Mixing it up, variety is the spice of life!

Any favorite beauty products?
Being raised in Australia, skin cancer is a huge thing, so I was taught to always wear sun screen.

My female readers would like to know what you look for in a woman?
I think you can tell so much from two things. Number one the smile, and how the eyes react to the smile. A smile can light up a room, and give a good indication of the type of person they are.

What is your personal style?
Things that I can be mobile in. I don’t like things that don’t allow me to move. I like to feel like myself. I’m naturally sort of a shy person so I need to wear clothes that bring me out of my shell.

You wouldn’t be able to tell you’re shy, that T-shirt is just doing wonders for you! Is it true you were in a bowling league called “Balls Deep,” and were did the inspiration for that name develop?
I can give you my best political answer! We just needed a name for the team! I didn’t actually suggest the name; I had a different one in mine. However, they all had sexual connotations. We didn’t win that year though and it may have been because of the name. That makes me very cool though, being on a bowling league.

Yes! Just as cool as being in chess club! It makes everyone love you more. Last random question: What is your best pick up line?
I’m terrible with that. I’m not one to approach girls. I sort of just hang with my crew in the corner and trying to catch the girl’s eye and hoping we kind of meet somewhere in that room.

Hear that ladies? If Ryan Kwanten is making eyes at you, feel free to walk right on up! As I left the interview I walked past a growing crowd of young women waiting in line, wishing to catch a glimpse of the star. After having the privilege of interviewing him, I knew they wouldn’t be disappointed because he is as genuine as they come.

This post has been updated with additional information. 

Lyneé Ruiz started her career in beauty as a salon hairstylist at Carenza in Brookfield. Seven years later, she signed as a hair and makeup artist for Ford Models in Chicago and Miami. While her job consists of being on sets for advertising, editorial, TV, and backstage at New York Fashion Week, Milwaukee will always be home. Writing about tips and tricks she learns along the way for Milwaukee Magazine is one of her favorite creative outlets.