To describe Arianne Phillips as a costume designer or stylist alone would do injustice to this visionary’s resume. She’s been recognized for her costume design work with two Oscar nominations (for Madonna’s W.E. as well as Walk the Line) and a BAFTA nod (for Tom Ford’s A Single Man), and styled for magazines like V, Harper’s Bazaar, and Numero. Her relationship with Madonna dates back to 1997, and over the years, the two have collaborated on album covers, magazine editorials, over 20 music videos, as well as costumes for the pop star’s past four world tours: “Drowned World,” “Confessions,” “Reinvention,” and “Sticky and Sweet.”
Now, Arianne is being honored tonight by the Persol Magnificent Obsessions exhibition at The Museum of Moving Image for her outstanding contributions to film and costume design. The exhibition, running from June 14 through August 19 in New York, will feature rarely seen artifacts from some of cinema’s most iconic films, as well as behind-the-scenes notes, sketches and materials used in the development process by some of the world’s greatest filmmakers. Cheers to Arianne!
ELLE: What is your favorite smell?
Arianne Phillips: Fresh flowers, fresh mint, and bread baking.
ELLE: What do you consider the epitome of happiness?
AP: A day with no plans and with people I love in a beautiful place.
ELLE: How do you define luxury?
AP: Quality and craftsmanship.
ELLE: What is the last dream you remember?
AP: Last night. I was problem solving a work logistic. I often come up with solutions in my dreamtime.
ELLE: What’s your favorite childhood memory?
AP: Skinnydipping in the river behind our house when I was a kid.
ELLE: What’s the last book you read and loved?
AP: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
ELLE: Describe your home’s aesthetic.
AP: Comfortable, light and airy, eclectic, inviting.
ELLE: What are your vices?
AP: Food and online shopping.
ELLE: Describe yourself in 5 words or less.
AP: Opinionated, loyal, curious, friendly, distracted.
ELLE: What possession will you never throw away?
AP: My journal from when I was eight years old.