April Francis of Reality Show 3 on CBS, Dishes on Men, Lucky Numbers and Manrepelling

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In the first of a three-part series, our Rick Owens-clad defender of justice and finder of the impossible, Samm Mackin scrolls half way through his phonebook to speak with April Francis about what's new in the world of love and style.

Chicago stylist and mini mogul du jour April Francis has made a name for herself as one of the city’s top tastemakers. April seamlessly moves between being in the spotlight and working behind the scenes as she maximizes on the roles of model, stylist, professor, and now reality TV star. We lost no time in locking April down for a series of interviews to catch up on her latest projects and get a little personal by asking her about everything from her ideal man to her favorite sport. We even discovered her secret to looking so dewy fresh while on the run (La Mer and a great hair and makeup artist in case you were wondering) and that the perfect first date outfit might be a fig leaf.

Racked: First off--congratulations! It seems like in between the time we last saw you out and recovered from the night’s festivities that you have launched 5 new projects!
April Francis: Thank you! It’s been an interesting couple of months.

R: Can you tell us the premise of your new show 3 on CBS?
AF: Yes! Three girls, picked to live in a house and have their dates taped ?

R: This show revolves around the magic number “3” do you have a lucky number? 3 is a magic number isn’t it?
AF: Numbers 1, 4, 11 and 18 are favorites. Really, though, I love them all. Especially the primes.

R: Since you're on a dating show reality show we have to ask: Who is your ideal guy?
AF: He’s the guy I can stand behind 100% and absolutely loves me with every molecule of his being.

R: Would you date a man in the fashion industry?
AF: Mmmm ? always up for a surprise!

R: Do you think a man has to be interested in fashion to understand you?
AF: I think, yes, I need him to be, to a certain extent. I love to get dressed for him, specifically. That, I would like him to understand.

R: What is your favorite quality in a man?
AF: Integrity.

R: Do you have a motto when it comes to dating?
AF: Love thyself.

R: What is the perfect first date and first date outfit?
AF: Perfect first date ? when all the energy gets sucked out of the room and it feels like the sky has opened up and G-d is looking down going, “Yes, yes, proceed.” I mean, what do you wear to that? A fig leaf.

R: Do you ever find yourself “Manrepelling” with the fabulous fashion ensembles we always see you in?
AF: Thank you for the compliment! Just want to give a shout-out to her sexy web developer – hi Mick! Manrepeller is very successful and very seductive.