10 Questions for "Fashion Hunter" Wilson Payamps

Fashion Hunters, one of Bravo’s newest fashion-oriented shows, follows the colorful personalities of the staff of Second Time Around—an upscale consignment shop in New York—as they search for their newest “get.” It can be anything from a gown worn by Jennifer Lopez to the contents of a socialite’s enormous closet. Wilson Paymps joined the staff in the premiere episode, which aired earlier this month. A student at the New York School of Interior Design, Payamps currently lives in New York. He spoke to us on his 24th birthday.

AfterElton: First off, Happy Birthday! You’re originally from the Dominican Republic. Did you grow up there?
Wilson Payamps: Thank you! I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic until I was 12, so it’s kind of half and half. The other half was here in New York.

AE: Were you always into fashion?
WP: I was always into fashion, but I transitioned, you know. My style wasn’t always the best. But I was always into fashion, yes.

AE: How was it joining the staff of Second Time Around, knowing you’d be the only male staff member there?
WP: I love that. Being the only male makes me stand out on my own. And getting to know the girls in the beginning [was] always a bit nerve-racking and different, wondering what they think about you and things like that, but … we connected very well, and we have great chemistry now.

AE: Do you regret criticizing the store’s men’s section when you first arrived? It seemed like you ruffled Ambria [Miscia]’s feathers right away.
WP: No, I have no regrets whatsoever. That’s kind of my personality, that’s the way I am. I’m very real, I like to keep it that way. It was pretty obvious that the men’s section was not the best. It was hideous and, and I mean somebody needed to say it. And I guess it was me.

AE: From your blog post on bravotv.com, it sounds like you were happy with your first consignment experience. What was that like?
WP: Yeah, I mean overall I’m pretty pleased with my first consignment. It was very different to actually do it on camera but I had Tara behind me to back me up all the time in case I had any questions. But overall I have an eye for fashion and I know what things sell for, so although I’ve never worked for a consignment shop before, I know how to come up with prices and I know fabrics, so I know the essentials, the things I’m supposed to know when I’m doing a consignment. So I think it went pretty well.

AE: Have you interacted with frequent store guest Simon Doonan of Barney’s New York, who has been in a couple of episodes already?
WP: Yeah, I’ve interacted with him off camera … not on camera yet. But yeah, he was great, I loved him. I mean, come on, you can never go wrong with [Simon]. He can authenticate anything close to him. You have to take his word and believe him.

AE: Is there one item of clothing you absolutely would never wear?
WP: I think sneakers. I’m not a sneaker person. I tried, but just like in general. Only for the gym, but I would never be caught in the street wearing sneakers. I know, it’s weird, but that’s just me. … like I can’t, I tried and I’m like they’re so comfortable but I don’t know, it feels weird. I've felt like that since I was [young].

AE: What’s your dream consignment item?
WP: There are so many. Probably something like a beautiful fur jacket for men — mink or something. I would also like an Alexander Wang leather trench coat. I just saw one earlier and I’m falling in love with it.

AE: You have a very good sense of humor about what you call your “Sofia Vergara accent.” Do you get compliments on it?
WP: Sometimes I do, sometimes I think people compliment me because –what else can they say—people sometimes do not understand what I’m saying. Overall, I guess I do get compliments.

AE: Are you single? Looking? What’s your story?
WP: My story … what’s my story? I’m not single, I’ve been in a relationship for 6 years. I’m happy with the person I am, and I came out of the closet when I was 17. I live with my boyfriend. We’ve lived together for the past 5 years. We’re both the same age. We’re young and going strong!

Fashion Hunters airs Tuesday nights at 10:30 Eastern on Bravo.