My Style: Phillip Salem
Photo: Courtesy of Phillip Salem
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I love 3.1 Phillip Lim and always carry a wide variety of men's pieces here at Owen. I truly admire how he creates pieces that are approachable and easy to wear, yet make such a great statement. Each piece can always be combined with different items to create a new outfit. I also love new designers like Katie Eary and Lou Dalton from London, both of which we sell here at our store.
Please describe your style in three words.
Forward, downtown, street.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Wearing too much makeup (for women) and layering too much! Let the clothes speak for themselves rather than get hidden by so much layering!
Do you believe in role models?
Of course I do. Each person has their reason on why they look up to someone or relate to someone. I think admiring one's work ethic or the way they lived their life is a great way to build your character.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Leather for sure! It's become such a staple here at Owen and in my closet. I live in my leather shorts by PRSVR and my leather sweatshirt by 3.1 Phillip Lim. We sell leather year round, whether it be leather shorts in the summer or full leather dresses in the fall. It just makes any piece much more downtown appropriate and a bit tougher.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I would probably have to say baggy sweatshirts with baggy pants. I never like a sloppy look. I prefer people to be able to embrace their body and have each person wear the clothes, rather the clothes wearing you.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
Definitely, NYC! However, Paris comes in a close second!
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Definitely bold. Conservative looks seem standoffish. Bold looks seem confident and inviting.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
I don't really believe in rules for fashion. Personally, I wear what I feel like wearing but I like to be comfortable and sleek. I prefer wearing pieces that have longevity and character to them.
Celebrities and style...
Is something that seems forced at times.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
A great leather pant!
A man should always look like...
The way they want. I like it when men show a sense of confidence in their wardrobe and not seem to care what others will think of them.
Who taught you what you know about style?
I really taught myself about style. Everyone kind of just evolves into their own when they start to have a sense of awareness for themselves and truly know who they are. Your style is a representation of your personality in a sense.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
The weather and my social calendar! Haha, I always check the weather before getting dressed and see how I can transition pieces from day to night if I have a social event or dinner in the evening.
What is your biggest regret?
I would have to say is having a mushroom haircut somewhere between the third and the fifth grade. What was I thinking?
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
Dress for your size, don't wear baggy clothes (especially shirts), and invest in a leather jacket that fits!
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Oh for sure. I usually go shopping for a specific item, but then I usually realise I should just go with an open mind and buy whatever stands out.
We will never see you wearing...
Dress shoes. I only wear high-top kicks, unless I'm in a wedding.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
I would have to say my client Luisa Espinosa. She is truly the epitome of a style expert, she knows exactly how to wear pieces to create full statement looks.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
Their smell.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
His pants. Pants that don't fit just make the whole outfit bad and make you look uncomfortable.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
All of my Balenciaga high-top sneakers, Ostwald Helgason for Owen men's exclusive alligator sweatshirt, 3.1 Phillip Lim leather sweatshirt, my Band of Outsider sweatpants, and my Marni winter boots!
Is comfort an enemy of style?
I would say yes and no. There are some pieces I absolutely LOVE, but the comfort level is just so low it's not realistic to buy them. I am a total realist and need to know that I am actually going to wear something rather than spend lots of money for it to sit in my closet forever and get no use out of it.
Which fashion house never fails to impress you?
Dior, Marni, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and for shoes Pierre Hardy!
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself and f*ck everyone who doesn't like you. :)
