| Full Name | Tanveer Wasim Safdar |
| Birthday | April 20, 1983 (Age 40) |
| Birthplace | Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England |
| Height | 5‘ 9" (175 cm) |
| Spouse | Illustrator Rob France |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Social Media | Twitter, Instagram |
With his signature French tucks, tailored suits, and charming charisma, Tan France has become one of the most recognizable faces in fashion today. As the style expert on Netflix‘s hit makeover show Queer Eye, Tan has brought his impeccable taste and passion for self-expression into living rooms around the world.
Early Life in England
Tan France was born Tanveer Wasim Safdar on April 20, 1983 in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. His parents had immigrated from Pakistan. From a young age, Tan was fascinated by fashion, often sketching gowns and making clothes for his Barbies. His immigrant background made him feel like an outsider at times, but also instilled in him a drive to succeed and a compassion for those marginalized by society.
Early Passion for Fashion
Tan‘s passion for fashion only grew stronger through his teenage years. He spent hours reading fashion magazines and watching runway shows, admiring the glamour and artistry. After high school, Tan attended Doncaster College to study fashion design. He finally felt at home being surrounded by fellow artists and creatives. Tan spent late nights perfecting his illustrations and draping techniques, building the foundation for a career in the industry.
Breakout Design Career
After working retail jobs at Selfridges, Zara, and other brands, Tan decided to launch his own women‘s clothing line in 2011 called Kingdom & State. The collection was marked by Tan‘s signature tailored silhouettes, luxe fabrics, and subtle South Asian influences. Kingdom & State earned praise in the fashion press for its modern elegance and quickly built a devoted following, cementing Tan‘s reputation as an up-and-coming designer. Tan ran the company successfully for 5 years before embarking on a new venture.
Big Break with Queer Eye
In 2016, Tan took a chance and submitted an audition video for a reboot of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Impressed by Tan‘s fashion expertise and magnetic personality, the producers cast him as the new fashion expert. He headed to Atlanta to join food expert Antoni Porowski, culture expert Karamo Brown, design expert Bobby Berk, and grooming expert Jonathan Van Ness in revamping the show. After bonding during filming, the Fab Five‘s natural chemistry shone through, and Queer Eye became a runaway hit when it premiered on Netflix in 2018.
Fab Five Chemistry
Part of what makes Queer Eye such a success is the Fab Five‘s genuine friendship. Tan often describes them as "brothers" who balance each other out perfectly. Where Karamo provides the compassion, Tan brings the tough love. Antoni and Bobby lean into their creative passions, while Tan keeps them on schedule. And Jonathan never fails to make them all laugh hysterically. Their tight bond translates charmingly on-screen.
Making Style Accessible
As the fashion expert on Queer Eye, Tan provides fashion makeovers and styling advice to men looking to revamp their wardrobes. He‘s become known for his signature "French tuck" styling trick, along with mixing high-end pieces with affordable basics from stores like Zara and H&M. Tan believes style should be accessible, stating "If I‘m not going to give men accessible fashion tips, then I‘m failing them." His ability to balance trendiness with wearability has resonated with audiences worldwide.
Breaking Barriers
Beyond his style savvy, Tan stands out as one of the first openly gay South Asian men to hold a major role on television. His presence on Queer Eye has helped increase diversity and representation for LGBTQ+ communities and people of color in media. According to GLAAD, the show reached over 230 million Netflix subscribers in its first year alone. Tan embraces his unique background, stating: "I‘m a gay, South Asian immigrant, and I want people like me to feel represented. I didn‘t have that growing up."
Advocacy and Activism
Off-screen, Tan uses his platform to advocate for diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. He has partnered with organizations like the Trevor Project, ACLU, and GLSEN to bring visibility to LGBTQ+ issues. Tan also works to support immigrant communities, drawing from his own family‘s experience. In 2020, he worked with the Biden campaign to mobilize voters and spread messages of unity. Through his voice and visibility, he continues pushing for positive social change.
Pop Culture Stardom
With his relatable charm and confessional humor, Tan has become a beloved pop culture figure and internet style icon. He has over 3 million followers on Instagram where fans obsess over his fashionable outfits and behind-the-scenes antics with the Fab Five. Tan‘s hilarious and honest Twitter feed has earned him praise, with Buzzfeed calling him a "certified Twitter legend." He often trends for his candid quips and DIY fashion tips. Tan expanded his TV presence as a judge on Next in Fashion and guest on Dressing Funny. He also released the bestselling memoir Naturally Tan in 2019.
The Quintessential Style Guru
From an immigrant child sketching fashions to a trailblazing icon, Tan France represents the best of the fashion world today. With expertise, humor, and compassion, he uses style as a vehicle for empowerment and self-expression. Tan once said "Clothes play such an important role in defining who we are." By inspiring people globally to embrace their true selves, he has undoubtedly left his mark on fashion and culture.