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Tan FranceAnglo-American fashion designer, entrepreneur and television presenter
Date of Birth: .
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Tan France: Anglo-American Fashion Icon and Television Personality
- Journey in the Fashion Industry
- Kingdom & State and Other Ventures
- Career in Television and Beyond
- Personal Life
- Activism and Advocacy
Tan France: Anglo-American Fashion Icon and Television Personality
Early Life and InspirationTanveer Wasim Safdar, known as Tan France, was born on April 20, 1983, in Doncaster, England, to Pakistani Muslim immigrants. His childhood was marked by feelings of alienation, due to his family's disapproving views of homosexuality, lack of LGBTQ+ Muslim representation in the media, and experiences of racism.
Despite the challenges, France's interest in fashion began at a young age, inspired by the Disney clothing manufactured at his grandparents' denim factory in Bury, Manchester. By the age of 13, he had taught himself to sew and embellish a denim jacket.
Journey in the Fashion Industry
After completing his studies at Hall Cross School and Doncaster College, France moved to Manchester and then London, where he worked as a designer and manager for Zara, Selfridges, and Bershka. He later expanded his knowledge in production by working with various brands.
France specializes in women's clothing but has also designed menswear. While working in retail, he often styled celebrities who visited the stores.
In 2008, France relocated to the United States, initially residing in New York City. He immigrated to the US in 2015.
Kingdom & State and Other Ventures
France launched his bespoke fashion company, Kingdom & State, in 2011. The brand catered to the modest dressing guidelines of the Mormon population prevalent in Utah, where France lived. He later established two smaller clothing brands. France's designs were purchased by retailers such as ModCloth and Forever 21, where they were sold under his label for several years. In 2016, he co-founded and became the designer and CEO of Rachel Parcell Inc, a clothing line sold at Nordstrom.
After selling his businesses, France intended to retire and start a family. However, he was approached by Netflix, which led to his journey as a media personality.
Career in Television and Beyond
France's breakout role as the fashion expert on Queer Eye premiered in February 2018. He has also appeared in Taylor Swift's music video for "You Need to Calm Down," competed and won an episode of The Great British Bake Off for a charity special, and co-hosted the Netflix series Next In Fashion with Alexa Chung.
In 2020, France became a columnist for GQ Middle East and a monthly stylist for Express. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on Queer Eye and became a style instructor for MasterClass.
France's limited-edition collection, Tan France x Etsy, featured home decor and food items designed in collaboration with 13 independent sellers. He presented the BBC Two documentary "Beauty and the Bleach," which addressed colorism.
Personal Life
France resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his husband, Rob France, a pediatric nurse and illustrator. They married in London and New York after same-sex marriage was legalized in the US. In 2021, they welcomed their first son via surrogacy, who was born prematurely and spent three weeks in intensive care. In 2023, France announced the birth of their second son.
France became a naturalized US citizen in 2020, making him a dual citizen of the UK and US. He is an avid home cook and baker, having developed those skills at a young age.
Activism and Advocacy
France has been vocal about his experiences with colorism, racism, and Islamophobia. He has used his platform to raise awareness of these issues and encourage inclusivity.
