Phil Gomez is self-made stylist who has turned his craft into an art. His work can be seen in publications such as Contributor magazine, CREEM, Vogue Italia, SPUR Japan, and Hombre magazine, and he has worked with renowned names in fashion like Cory Kennedy, UNIQLO, DOCKERS, Keith Lloyd Couture, Cesar Galindo, Stephen Knoll, Levi’s, and many others. We are thrilled to have him as our new fashion editor and can’t wait to share our upcoming fashion editorials that have been styled by Phil. Get to know the man behind some of fashion’s edgy and beautiful moments.
What was your first job in fashion?
My first gig was for Rodney Outlaw, a Southern-based rap artist, shot in Phoenix, AZ. I collaborated with I Must Be Dead photography, and we shot their promo photos back in 2008.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Everything! Some of my most favorite ideas for projects are the ones that I get when I’m daydreaming. I also don’t really like to pre-plan a lot before shoots. My aesthetic is really organic, so I’m mostly inspired by my surrounding environment––models inspire me, the wardrobe, photographers, the energy that gets created on set. I’m really into music, so music really inspires me, as well as music videos from artist like Fever Rey, Bjork, Tune-Yards and even Lady Gaga. I’m an inspiration whore––I’ll get it from everywhere and anywhere.
What kind of photographers or photography styles compliment your styling? Who are some photographers you enjoy working with?
I feel that because of my ability to get inspired by different environments, my styling compliments all sorts of photography styles. Two of my most favorite photographers that I love to work with are BJ Formento from Formento + Formento and Aysha Banos. If you know both of their work, you would see that they both have very different styles: F+F have more of a fine art photography style while Aysha shoots mostly in film and like to capture more raw and in-the-moment imagery. Some of my most favorite works have come from projects shot by both of them separately.
Are there any underlying themes that connect all your styling projects? Do you leave a signature in your styling for every different shoot that you work on?
No, not intentionally. It’s funny because people—mainly a lot of my friends and people that follow my work––will comment something like “oh that’s so styledbyphil” and that’s so cool that people see that I do have a signature. Am I pushing a certain theme? No, but there’s definitely a lot of thought and emotion involved. Although I have been known to throw in my glasses in the shot every once in a while…. Very a la David LaChapelle.
Can you tell us more about your ongoing art project “Manipulate.”
MAN.NIP.U.LATE is a project that I launch for RAWartist in 2012. They had approached me with an opportunity to feature my styling in one of their showcases in New York. Originally they wanted me to style a fashion show, but I didn’t feel that that would really showcase my artistry. I was like, “Okay not going to style a fashion show because people will only pay attention to the clothes and disregard my styling efforts. So […] give me some time to think about it. I’m going to give you a show, but I don’t know exactly what we’re going to do. But just give me some time to think about it.” So they were like, “Okay cool. This is show date: we need to know music, models, and all details by this date blah blah blah blah.” So as usual, I’m daydreaming getting inspired by everything, thinking of how or what can I do to show my point of view as a fashion stylist––not just as a stylist but also as an artist. So that’s how the concept of styling on stage began. But I wanted to create something that was more thought-provoking than just styling outfits on stage, so again while daydreaming––watching music videos and fashion videos, getting inspired––I noticed how significant a crisp, white button-up shirt can be. A white shirt is so basic and so classic and so timeless that no matter who you are, no matter what you are, you’re always going to have a button up shirt in your closet. Whether you’re a bus boy or you’re a CEO, a white button-up shirt is in your closet. And that’s how MAN.NIP.U.LATE became a fashion art performance––paying tribute to the white shirt while mixing art and commerce. The project is something that I will keep evolving and growing. Recently CREEM magazine featured an exclusive performance of the project on their website, and to date it’s one of their most viewed video.
Tell us your experience in the fashion industry. What do you love about it, and what do you hate about it?
OH man. [long pause] I love what I do, and with every experience comes a lesson learned. I will not say that my experience so far has been easy breezy, but sometimes overcoming the challenges and figuring out the obstacles is what makes the experience that much more rewarding. I will say that one thing I really hate about the industry is the many fake personalities and pretentiousness that exist among the fashion crowd.
What are your plans for Alt Citizen?
Alt Citizen should be the platform for fashion where people come for inspiration. I just want it to be a curator of fashion, culture, and a lifestyle that provokes thought and encourages creativity. I know that’s really vague I mean–that’s basically what I want to work on with AC and as a fashion artist.
Who are some people and publications that you would love to work with?
Well I really love Grace Coddington’s creativity and aesthetic. I would love to learn from her––it would be incredible.
Who was that again?
Grace Coddington. Also Nicola Formichetti––I’m impressed by his take on contemporary fashion. But also would love to collaborate with Prince Homme––I get inspired by his point of view and modern take on fashion especially with menswear. As for publications I would work with all of them, lol. Ideally I would love to contribute to Interview, V, Purple, foreign publications…the sky is the limit. I really enjoy editorials; I love building subtext through fashion.
What advice would you give to young aspiring stylists?
Be true and genuine with your intentions. Know that there is a big difference between being a fashionista and a fashion stylist. Stay grounded. In the beginning, test with anybody and everybody. Build your portfolio. The more you test, the more refined your craft will become. And remember for every door that gets slammed in your face, somewhere there will be an open window. Grow a thick skin and have FUN!
All right, Phil. Thank you so much. We’re super excited to have you collaborate with us on some really badass fashion editorials. We’ll make sure to tell everyone to connect with you on social media. Do you have any last words for our audience?
Just to stay tuned with Alt Citizen––it only gets better.
Interview by Roselyn Sebastian. Follow her at @dinosaurosie
