Andrew Christian: The Patron Saint of Underwear

By Alexander Rodriguez

Even Helen Keller knows that Andrew Christian is the patron saint of gay underwear.  Wait, can underwear be gay?  The answer is yes, very gay. Andrew Christian, named after its founder/designer Andrew Christian, has been making us drool since 1997 (for those born that far back) and has earned a spot in Inc Magazine as one of the fastest-growing companies in America for multiple consecutive years.  The line features overtly sexual (yet comfortable) fits and designs that are as (in)famous as its models.  Andrew started designing at a young age as a necessity.  Growing up in a household with meager means, his way to compete with other kids’ fashion was to create his own.  He figured out ways to set trends, showcase his style and offer a unique take on clothing on an extreme budget.  

This season, he launched the new Andrew Christian Skincare Group complete with eye repair serum, moisturizer, face scrub, face mask and of course, body glitter.  As we have all been quarantined at home, our skincare routine is the first to go (along with showers), and it will be interesting to see how some faces emerge from the dust.  Having tried the skincare line, I can attest that it does indeed add a refreshing option out there in the multitude of products.  It will not break the bank, feels great, and is sexy and sleek at the same time.  Now if I only had a place to wear that body glitter other than to the mailbox, I would be set.  I was able to sit down with Andrew over a tipsy Zoom to find out the latest scoop about his models, his quarantine tips, and his skincare line.  

Ok, spill the tea…is there any behind the scenes drama with your models that you can share?

I was thinking about this the other day. I have a good group of boys now and things are pretty calm on set. It has been quite a few years since things have been this good. I genuinely love working with the group of models I have now.

What do you look for most in your models?

Personality goes a long way. Also, Andrew Christian models are ambassadors for my brand, so they need to be super nice and personable and able to connect with the fans.

What do your fans tell you the most?

Fans tell me how much my underwear has changed their lives and has given them the confidence to be themselves or come out of the closet. I love that my designs can have a positive and significant impact on someone’s life.

What are your best self-quarantine survival tips?

My self-quarantine tip would be to keep yourself on a schedule. I wake up every morning, have coffee and breakfast and then get ready as if I am going into the design studio. I also make time in the afternoon for Zoom quarantine happy hour with friends. I love making cocktails and being creative inventing new ones. It’s good to share that and catch up with your friends you have not seen in a while.

What inspired the idea to expand your brand to skincare?

I have been into skincare since my teens and it’s always been a dream of mine to create a skincare collection incorporating the ingredients that I personally look for and think are effective.

How did you create your products?

It was a long process to create my skincare collection and was much harder than I initially thought. It took me a year and a half to develop my collection with my lab. I am a perfectionist and wanted my products not only to be affordable but also to be the best on the market.

What sets your skincare line apart from other products on the market?

My skincare products you can actually see working. “Liquify” moisturize has microencapsulated hyaluronic acid and other ingredients, so when you rub the moisturizer on your face slowly you can see beads of water and hyaluronic acid on the surface of your skin as they come out of their microencapsulation. “Rapid Skin Regeneration” visibly peels off the dead skin layer as you use it. “Rapid Eye Detox” eye serum has a tri stainless steel ball applicator, so you do not have to use your fingers which makes it very hygienic.  The applicator also helps massage away puffiness and dark circles.  “Strawberry Unicorn Ice Cream Face Scrub” smells just like strawberry ice cream and is super fun to use and highly effective.

What are the biggest mistakes boys are making when it comes to their skin routine?

A big mistake is not exfoliating. Exfoliating is so important as it gets rid of the dead layer of skin and allowing the moisturizer to fully absorb into your skin. The other big mistake is overpaying for products just because it has a big brand name behind it.  I believe my products have better ingredients, are more effective and cost less than most on the market. Visit AndrewChristian.com. 

Rapid Fire

Celebrity crush? Ryan Reynolds (still).

Your go-to pair of AC underwear? Red Almost Naked briefs.

Biggest pet peeve when dealing with your models? Models showing up to set not being prepared. Most of our shoots are all-day events and involve multiple photo and video shoots during the day so models need to be ready to shoot when they arrive, so they don’t waste time.  

Craziest Pride memory? Speaking at Hong Kong Gay Pride. Most gay prides are just big parties and celebrations; however, Hong Kong pride is still an active political protest as the LGBTQ community is currently still fighting for their rights in Hong Kong. I was proud to be able to speak at the protest and walk in the pride parade and be on the front lines of the LGBTQ movement. It really made me feel like I was making a difference.

TV show that you love to hate? Cupcake Wars. I have no idea why I love watching this show, each episode is pretty much the same, but I can’t stop.