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March 17, 2009
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Exclusive Interview: Stylista

When you think about established stylists, I am sure the name Rachel Zoe is the name that springs to mind first, right? However, stylist Arianna Phillips is known in the industry as the stylist of choice for both great costume design and personal styling. Not convinced? Just have a look at Phillips' CV, which reads like a who's who of the fashion and entertainment industries. For the past decade, she's worked as Madonna's stylist, designing and styling her last four concert tours, and counts the likes of Courtney Love and Justin Timberlake as fans.

W magazine recently interviewed the woman herself, discussing everything from why she chose that Victoria Beckham dress in the W editorial to what sunglasses Madonna wears in a lot of her shoots.

The black zippered dress is so prominent in the story. What made you choose it and what did its designer (Victoria Beckham) have to do with it, if anything?
I initially chose this dress for the classic 50s-60s slim silhouette, which was what I was after for our story. I was also intrigued since it is from Beckham's debut collection -- I liked the "story" of one pop star to another. And I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of the dress. The fabrication, details and fit are very well thought out.

Tell us about that graphic sequin dress. All the credit says is that it's vintage and from The Way We Wore, the vintage store in LA.
The dress is reminiscent of our initial inspiration for the shoot, the 1963 Jeanne Moreau film The Bay of Angels. It's from the select archives of Doris Raymond, the owner of The Way We Wore. Madonna had specifically requested I include some vintage 50s and early 60s garments to mix with the contemporary designer fashions, and Doris is my "go to" person for vintage. She has an amazing eye and unique sensitivity to vintage.

What are the sunglasses Madonna wears in so many of the shots?
I believe those are D&G. We loved them.

What's with the little lace gloves?
With styling I find it's always about balance -- not over accessorizing, while still being able to create a character. There was a finished, formal quality to the way women dressed in the 50s and 60s. Their outfits were complete with hat, gloves, jewelry and hosiery, and there was a modesty and femininity to the way women dressed. I found that the little lace gloves finished her character perfectly, as they're both demure and provocative.

What's up next for you?
I designed the costumes for Tom Ford's directorial debut, A Single Man, starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore, which is forthcoming this fall. Right now I'm helping refurbish and create some new looks for Madonna's summer tour extension and I'm getting ready to attend the women's collections in Paris.

posted by Anonymous
17/3/09

I love Arianne Phillips. Rachel Zoe is so over rated and really isn't that talented.
Good to hear more about 'real' stylists


posted by Anonymous
17/3/09

Do you think so? I actually really like Rachel Zoe


posted by Anonymous
17/3/09

Me too. After seeing her reality show I found a new love for her


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