Spencer Phipps is a fashion designer with a unique approach. He doesn’t build his collections around nebulous ideas, but rather around real people and characters. He finds inspiration in the lives and stories of individuals often overlooked, those who live off the grid, bikers, and even the quirky old man. As Phipps describes it, he’s drawn to the “fringe characters” of the American Midwest.
This season, Phipps takes his character-driven design philosophy a step further. He not only styles himself in his collection, but he also shoots and directs the lookbook. While this might seem unusual, it’s a pragmatic decision driven by Phipps’s online success. He’s seen significant engagement on social media, particularly with his self-shot Instagram Reels showcasing Phipps’s designs.
Phipps’s designs themselves are rooted in practicality and familiarity. His pieces, like shearling chaps, leather and canvas patchwork, cozy knits, and rugged workwear, feel both stylish and wearable. The standout piece might be the studded chinos, a dressier take on classic Dickies.
What sets Phipps apart, however, is his sense of humor and his knack for cinematic storytelling. In his lookbook, he playfully incorporates props like a Phipps-branded ax, chainsaw, animal crackers, and even a newspaper. These seemingly random objects add a layer of whimsy and character to his work.
Phipps’s approach to fashion aligns perfectly with the current trend of cosplay. In an era where trends like “office siren” and “trad-wife” dominate the fashion landscape, people are increasingly dressing up for the life they aspire to. For Phipps, this means showcasing the authenticity of real people and their stories, not just idealized fantasies. He embraces the everyday, the real characters who make up the tapestry of American life.
