'CNN Style's' Derek Blasberg hobnobs with celebs for a living #jealous

From sitting on Coco Chanel's sofa to boogieing with Reese Witherspoon, TV host Derek Blasberg has had a fantastic 2017. He tells us more

26 November 2017 - 00:00 By Nothemba Mkhondo

Tell us a bit about CNN Style?
Growing up, I was a huge fan of Elsa Klensch, who was the host of CNN Style in the '80s and '90s. She not only pioneered this show, but the entire genre of style journalism in the television age. Back then, there were only a few cameras backstage at fashion shows - now it's a zoo! This is an obvious homage to that, but repackaged for our digital age.
CNN Style is all about peeling back the layers of the worlds of art, architecture and design, and taking a hard look at the fashion, luxury and automotive industries to show how they affect the world at large. I've been fortunate to work with people and brands I've long admired. To be a part of a show that speaks to a world I find inspiring is a dream come true.
What's your earliest style memory?
As a kid I once went as King Tut for Halloween. I loved that costume so much. I guess I always had a thing for gild!
Have you travelled in Africa?
I've done a few safaris in Central Africa, but nothing in the big cities. It's on the top of CNN Style's bucket list to explore how African culture has influenced the international style conversation.
Your favourite moments of 2017 so far?
Let's see: I cruised LA in a Mustang convertible with Kendall Jenner. I went through Elton John's photography collection with him at his house outside London. Reese Witherspoon taught me how to do the "boot, scoot and boogie" in Nashville. Karl Lagerfeld let me sit on Coco Chanel's couch in her apartment in Paris. It's hard to pick a favourite!What's your opinion on the state of fashion writing in the digital era?
The digital age has given everyone a platform to discuss their thoughts on fashion, art, style and everything else. I think it's fascinating to have all these voices in the conversation.
Who is your true style icon?
It'll never get better than Humphrey Bogart's white tuxedo jacket in Casablanca...

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