DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Ernest At Madison Square Park

Q: Ernest! What can you tell us about your Mazda CX9?

A: Sure! So I drive a beautiful, Mazda CX9. I got it June of this year. I found it at the Manhattan Auto Mall. I think that's the name of it. My man Darnell Edwards hooked me up with a great deal on a lease.

Q: Amazing. So tell me, is this a family man car?

A: Oh yeah, this is for the sporty family man, who wants to look like he's driving aggressive. He can still fit three or four kids, a picnic lunch, a baby stroller and three weekend bags in the back.

Q: And I am assuming your wife and kids get loaded up in the car every once in a while?

A: Oh yeah! You should see it. It's like the Big Apple Circus! A traveling road show. I have two kids, a daughter who is three and a baby son who is six months--Charlotte and Wyatt.

Q: And your wife?

A: Olivia.

Q: And what does Olivia think? Is this her ride as well?

A: It's her whip, yes. I like to take control. <Laughing> I'm the only one with keys.

Q: So Olivia can't ditch the kids and the husband for the afternoon and take a trip?

A: Well, she grew up in Manhattan, so she's not a good driver!

Q: What's your least favorite thing about having a car?

A: Costs, for sure. The parking costs more than the lease.

Q: But you must park it in a really desirable neighborhood?

A: Well, I'm spoiled.

Q: What's your favorite thing about having a car?

A: To jet away for the weekend. You don't have to deal with a rental car. You can just get in and go. I like to search for vintage stuff. I like to visit art galleries and museums outside the city. I go to the Dia: Beacon or to Mass MOCA. In the summer we like to go the Williamstown Theatre Festival. I'm always coming back with trunk loads of junk!

Q: What do you do in the city?

A: I'm a fashion designer. I started my own line of menswear and accessories, Ernest Alexander.

Q: Very cool. So are you hauling stuff around the city for your business as well?

A: I'm constantly in the Lincoln Tunnel with boxes of men's bags and jackets.

Q: It's the glamorous life isn't it?

A: <Laughing> If people only knew…

Q: So finally, why are you in the Madison Square Park area today Ernest?

A: Our studio and office is only a few blocks away, on 28th near the Ace Hotel.

Q: Oh! You ever go to Stumptown coffee?

A: You know it!