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If you’re not already following Evan Ross Katz on Instagram, what are you even doing with your life? His memes and stories make opening that app worth it every time. Evan is much more than a meme maker though, he’s a journalist, published author, stellar celebrity interviewer, podcaster, and one of the most popular (for good reason) culture critics of our time.

He’s also incredibly kind and generous, I have the fortune of getting to work with Evan on his Substack, and from our first call, I was immediately struck by how down-to-earth and fun he is to talk to. He has an infectious energy, very similar to his writing, he’ll have you laughing and nodding your head along in agreement. If you don’t already subscribe to Shut Up Evan, again what are you doing with your life? Seriously though, his analysis of very important pop culture moments is my favorite to read, he offers hilarious and thoughtful insights on everything from why we changed our mind about that Barbie monologue, essential And Just Like That character ranking, to my favorite, the cultural phenomenon of Nicole Kidman’s AMC ads.

When I decided to do interviews for the Dry Down Diaries Evan was at the top of my list, and he was kind enough to agree and answer my silly questions.

I think what makes you so good at what you do is that you grew up a fan, and you have a deep genuine admiration and respect for the people you interview and write about. As you have established your career you have gained a ton of fans yourself, how has that felt, to be on the other side?

What if I was like "It feels like shit"? No, it's incredible and surreal and unexpected and it fills me with gratitude. Mostly, I'm incredibly flattered by those who seek me out to engage, push back, or just go back and forth about things I've written or ideas I've put out in the world. I'm a deeply curious person, so it's been both affirming and exhilarating to meet others with similar modes of being.

What's your signature scent?

Probably Amouage Meander or Loewe Solo Ella Eau.

Were you a fragrance person growing up? If so, what was your teenage fragrance of choice?

Not in the least. I was an Axe kid, regrettably but also... proudly? Like, it's objectively awful, but it was my baseline and is so ensconced in nostalgia for me that it's been inverted in my head to somehow be iconic. But don't spray that shit around me.

If I could find the perfect scent for you, what would it smell like? 

I interviewed Paul Mescal a few months ago. If I could bottle up any smell it would be his. I'd like to wear Paul Mescal smell. In fact, many of us would. But I want to be the first.

Your house is on fire and you can grab one outfit - what is it? 

First of all, bummer about the house. I hope everyone inside got out safe. I'd grab my wedding tuxedo, custom Loewe designed by the incomparable Jonathan Anderson, as it's the only thing that I own (I think) that can't be easily replaced.

What's the best lesson you learned from your career so far? 

Best lesson: Ask for more money.

Which fashion label do you think is creating the most wearable and interesting clothing right now? 

Oh, I love this question! Wearable: Uniqlo is the correct answer. Interesting: Diotimia.

Who is your fashion icon? 
I'm most fascinated by what designers wear, TBH. That, or Chloe King.

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Thank you, Evan! We’re so lucky we get to read your words and I’m so lucky I get to work with you.

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