Award-winning comedian, writer and actor Chris Parker has been keeping the laughs coming on social media during lockdown. we asked him to get serious about his inspirations, favourite destinations and style icon.
My personal style can be defined by: Well it’s very clear when I compare it to my boyfriend’s wardrobe that my style is very colourful. I also love clean lines, crisp silhouettes and bold colour blocking.
The last thing I bought and loved was: Maybe a pair of green bed socks from General Sleep. They are very soft and warm. I know it’s a bit silly to say socks here. But I’m spending a lot of time in them at the moment.
An unforgettable place I visited was: My boyfriend and I travelled to Lecce in the south of Italy after the Edinburgh Fringe last year. A gay haven, filled with old stone buildings, kind people and great food. So much cheaper than the rest of Italy. I definitely recommend… when we can travel safely again.
Next place I’d like to go: I’m turning 30 this year and would love to travel to Southland with some friends. I have always had an affinity with the lower part of our country as my mother was raised in Mataura. I’m thinking Arrowtown for beauty, Wanaka and Queenstown to spend all our money, hell maybe even Milford Sounds, which is the most beautiful place in the world.
An object I would never part with is: My phone. Literally addicted to it.
On my wish list is: I do really want a Moccamaster coffee filter machine.
The last thing I added to my wardrobe was: Checks Downtown Orange Hoodie and I have worn it basically every day in lockdown that I’m considering buying a second.
The design that inspires me is: Hate to be revolting here, but honestly my partner Micheal McCabe is a designer and I love everything he makes…. Which is great because it ends up in our house.
My favourite app is: Instagram (cliche).
An indulgence I would never forgo is: Coffee, as my Aunty Sarah would put it “It’s part of the good life.”
If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city it would be: Shibuya, Tokyo .
My style icon is: Sammy Salsa @sammysalsastye.
The best book I’ve read in the last year is: I’m currently reading Swimming In the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski – Like a sadder, Polish Call Me By Your Name, lol.
I can’t miss an episode of: Succession (Neon) but we’ve finished it so currently loving Killing Eve (Ondemand).
In my fridge you’ll always find: Forgotten containers of hummus and half a lemon.
My favourite room in my house is: My Bedroom. Initially I was nervous about the room because it didn’t get a lot of sunlight, but I’ve grown to love my cold, dark room. It’s the perfect hideaway.
I recently discovered: A passion for felting. Deeply weird but you can buy these wool felt kits from Daiso Japan, and probably other great craft shops. Essentially you stab the wool with a needle and create these little craft creatures. It’s been a great way to pass the time in lockdown.
The one artist whose work I would collect is (if price is not an issue): Two way tie – Henrietta Harris and Raukura Turei.
The people I rely on for my well being are: My partner, family and friends. My bubble is doing some great heavy lifting at the moment.
My favourite website is: Honestly, I spend hours of my time on Youtube. I’ve recently lost a lot of time to people reviewing their vintage Barbies… which is maybe a cry for help?
A gadget I can’t do without is: We bought an Alexa which is crazy, because Facebook is already listening to everything I do, and I don’t really need Jeff Bezos listening in too, but it’s great in the kitchen, music, timers, conversions, the news! It does it all.
The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was: Always and forever Peach Pit (K-Rd).
The podcasts I listen to are: Seek Treatment, Boners of the Heart and my own The Male Gayz ( I don’t listen to it, but i’m desperate for a plug).
The best gift I ever received was: A glass heirloom parfum bottle from Curio Noir – it’s the gift that keeps on giving. It’s my most prized position. I weep when I look at it and I fear to touch it in case it breaks.
The last music I downloaded was: My Spotify most played artists at the moment are: Chelsea Jade, Marlon Williams, Aldous Harding and Lontalius.
I have a collection of: Small felt objects I created in the lockdown… I’m trying to get them into a museum, I think they really speak to the time.
The grooming product I can’t live without is: Sean from Colleen Salon put me on to the Davines Sea Salt Spray for my hair. Honestly I adore it. It smells like cheap perfume in the best possible way and makes my hair look like I’ve just come from the beach.
If I wasn’t doing what I am, I would be: Running a strange petting zoo off a highway or something like that.
Image credit: Header Image: Caitlan Mitchell
