Whether it's producing the ambitiously eccentric Los Angeles Art Weekend or staging a Band of Outsiders fashion show in a New York loft, publicist Brian Phillips is a master of blending elements that have no business working with each other -- and yet, miraculously, do.
He'll schedule a discourse on Soviet architecture at a sunny L.A. art fest, mix preppy and punk at the Outsiders show or throw a party in an abandoned New York City bar and invite Karl Lagerfeld -- a Phillips event always feels on the edge of going awry but comes off with stylish aplomb. Much like the man himself.
On a recent Sunday, the lanky 27-year-old was in town from New York, putting the finishing touches on the art weekend, which ends today (his company Black Frame co-produced it). He settled into a table outside the Opening Ceremony store on La Cienega Boulevard (a client) to talk about his personal style and taking fashion risks.
He's wearing a lavender button-front shirt, sleeves rolled up past the elbow, a pair of slim-cut, dark wash jeans and a pair of brown, thick-soled work boots. On most people, a ridiculous combination. On Phillips, comfortable and chic.
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Who are you wearing today?
The shirt is Acne, the jeans are Dior and the boots are Redwing for Opening Ceremony.
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You represent two of those and used to rep the third. Do you feel compelled to wear clothes from your clients?
My company reflects my own tastes, so that's a natural for me, but I don't ever do a complete head-to-toe look. I like to mix in something that's a little idiosyncratic.
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Like those chunky work boots?
Shoes are super important; they hold everything together. If I wear a Dior suit, I'll put on a pair of Converse sneakers, or I'll wear a pair of corduroys, a dinner jacket, an Alexis Mabille jacquard tie and white boat shoes.
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So are shoes the secret to a goof-proof outfit?
If you have the right shoes and jacket, you can't really go wrong.
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What advice would you give a man who wants to mix up his wardrobe but isn't sure he can pull it off?
You shouldn't be afraid to try different things. I think you can try something you don't feel comfortable with, but people will respond to it.
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Give me a personal example.
When you're from California, you have a little bit of fear of formal wear, and I remember when I started wearing more dressy clothes, I wasn't about French cuffs and cuff links.
