If you were on the Internet this week, you likely stumbled upon those images of The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White. The actor stars in Calvin Klein’s new underwear campaign, and the images that came out of it immediately sent the World Wide Web into a tizzy. “I think it did the job we wanted it to do—whatever that job is,” White tells Vogue. The star recalls the moment he first saw the campaign images out in public. “I was in New York when it all came out,” he says. “I woke up early and went to Houston [Street] with a bunch of friends, and I saw the big billboard.”
But being the Internet’s collective boyfriend wasn’t the only thing on White’s schedule this week. On Sunday evening, the actor also attended the Golden Globes ceremony in Los Angeles, and invited Vogue in on his getting-ready process for a new video. And we’re glad we stopped by: The star ended up picking up a trophy for his work on The Bear, which he was nominated for in the Best Television Male Actor in a Musical or Comedy category. “In a few months, we’ll be back shooting the third season,” White says of the hit Hulu series. “That’s what I’m excited for.”
How does an A-list actor like White get ready for an event like the Globes? It began with hair and makeup, where groomer KC Fee got him photo-ready. Then, stylists Jamie Mizrahi and EVP, Global Head Of Design for Calvin Klein, Jessica Lomax helped the star slip into his sleek, all-black Calvin Klein suit. “We wanted a really minimal, modern tux—but we also wanted grace and understatement,” says Lomax. “The sheer shirt really brings in that sensuality; for the pant, we cut it to be really high-waisted.” White explains he was drawn to the look’s quietly elegant feel. “There’s a simplicity and relaxedness to it,” he says. “A suit looks best to me when someone looks relaxed in it—they look comfortable in it.”
The most unexpected detail of his sophisticated tailoring? The elevated undergarments to go with it—including a pair of black formal Calvin Klein briefs. “They gave me formal underwear,” White laughs. “I wasn’t aware of formal underwear—I thought underwear was underwear.” Once suited up in the final look, it was then time for White to practice a few of his go-to red carpet poses before heading out for his big night. “Maybe I’ll do the hand in pocket,” says White in front of the mirror. “I feel comfortable. I feel confident. I feel ready.”