November 24, 2014 |
“An illusionist, a fantasy spinner, a fashion loyalist and character builder, reliable, a good friend
At least that’s what I say on my Twitter profile,” declares Phillips. We’re loving the WLTM profile-style delivery of Phillips words, although more than “like to” we’ve been rather desperate to meet up with the costume designer and stylist for this Los Angeles round-up, as she’s something of a personal hero of ours. How could the woman who is responsible for many of Madonna and Courtney Love’s iconic looks, and the wardrobes in some of the most visually rich films of the past two decades, be anything other than a hero to us? Alas, Phillips is tied up in New York, where she has been busy working on Broadway’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch revival. The outfits created for this spectacular are every inch classic pieces of Phillips’ costuming. She manages to combine Euro-glitz drag with downtown-LA punk, even on hangers far from the stage and their eventual inhabitants, and their obsessive details tell a thousand stories.
When did you move to LA?
“I moved in the 1990s to escape New York City.”
What’s your favourite thing to do in LA?
“Be outside in nature and the city all in the same day. Hiking in Griffith Park or at Will Rogers. Walking on the beach, going to a different farmers’ market every day of the week. Driving and listening to loud music, having access to so many varied cultures and ethnic neighbourhoods. Going to screenings and seeing films in theatres with excellent sound and comfy seats.”
Why did you decide to do what you do?
“I didn’t want to wear a uniform or work nine to five, Monday to Friday, with the same people every day. So now I spend too much money on clothes, and I work seven days a week, 12 hours a day, and am lucky if I’m not working on a holiday. Fucking go figure. Now there is some sense.”
What would you say are the essentials to becoming famous in your profession?
“Have a reality show, show up at store openings, design a line of clothes and take lots of selfies.”
What do you do to relax?
“Hike, exercise, hang with my dogs and cat, play Scrabble and cuddle with my boyfriend, go to the farmers’ markets, cook with and for friends, read, write, go thrifting, take road trips and be in nature.”
What do you do for fun?
“Same as above.”
Is there anything you would like to do but never seem to have the time?
“Plant a garden, read a book in one sitting, take naps, sleep in, rearrange the furniture, clean out my closets, have a garage sale.”
What is the most ridiculous rumour you’ve heard about yourself?
“That I won an Oscar.”
Is it true?
“No, I was – happily – nominated twice.”
Have you “arrived”?
“I hope not.”
Have you been to Disneyland? What was your favourite ride?
Yes – Pirates of the Caribbean, of course! Or the Michael Jackson ride – what is it? Space Mountain, Captain EO? I can’t remember the name.”
Health food or champagne?
“Health food!”
Photographer: Marcelo Krasilcic
By Vincent Levy
