Meet the new reality TV star turned designer, Andrew Woods. Photo courtesy of Andrew Woods
The next reality star using his fame to leverage a fashion career may not be one you expect.
Andrew Woods -- the quirky "Real Word: Washington, D.C." cast member whose personal style relies on plastic "flip shades" and a trademark Panda hat -- has launched a T-shirt line and is seeking a contract to endorse sunglasses.
"I'm trying to reach out to Oakley, if they'd go for it," he told StyleList at the Paramount Hotel in New York City on Thursday night, the eve of his 22nd birthday. "I'd like to be 'The Flip Guy.'"
But while Andrew's career as a celebrity pitchman is still in the future, you can buy his T-shirts today through Soulusa Internationale. His latest design, which he spread out on the bar, is a sketch of a battle scene aptly titled "Werewolf vs Raptor." (Andrew said he wasn't sure who would win that confrontation, but admitted he personally identifies with the werewolf.)
Colorado's answer to Karl Lagerfeld described his inspiration as "definitely not Ed Hardy. If anything I want to be the exact opposite -- no Jon Gosselin."
In case you were wondering, the famous panda hat -- which he was wearing at the bar -- is by a company called Rocking Horse, but no longer makes them. However, it was doing its job of attracting women, a steady stream of whom approached for his autograph.
Next week's episode of the "Real World," which was filmed last summer, shows Andrew meeting the woman who is still his girlfriend, former model Andrea Leigh. Andrew said he ditched the cameras the night he went out to meet her, an indiscretion that cost him a $50 fine out of the weekly allowance MTV provides cast members.
"They'll fine you for anything," he said. "If you stand too close to the curb, so the camera guy has to go on the street to get around you, that's a $50 fine. You could do the show and end up owing them money."
Andrew is contactable through his personal Facebook fan page, which he says he reads daily. He's talking to you, Oakley!