About us
‘The American Dream can no more remain static than can the American nation.... We can no longer take an old approach to world problems…They aren't the same problems. It isn't the same world. We must not adopt the methods of our ancestors; instead, we must emulate that pioneering quality that made them attempt new methods for a New World,’
— ELEANOR ROOSEVELT, Autobiography
In a world torn between old-world habits and the call for social and ecological consciousness, we are pressed to ask ourselves some essential questions: what is the impact of fashion today? Is fashion even part of the conversation? If so, what choices can we make to ensure its sustainability?
Like any burgeoning project, the inception of Phipps International was concerned with core interrogations: What are we trying to achieve? Can we really make a difference? What is the purpose of a garment beyond short term trends?
Forging a community driven by common values is the cornerstone of our operation. Since 2018, we have been building a tight network of certified producers that have helped us reach our strict sustainability objectives. Our strong ethos and commitment to the environment in the context of luxury men’s fashion lead to a strong start and rapid international growth, including being named a finalist in the 2019 edition of the LVMH prize, and being accepted by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode into the official calendar for Paris Fashion Week: Menswear swiftly after our 2nd collection.
Through a meticulous process of trial and error, we have sourced the best eco-materials available and refined the narrative of the Phipps silhouette. By blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation, we have brought high-end standards to our interpretation of classic American style. Within each of our collaborations - from leading astrophysicists to century-old heritage alpinist brands - we explore circularity as a way of pushing a spirit of adventure. We look at a brand’s unique history in a new way, while learning from their specific and rooted expertise.
These structural foundations laid the ground for a new purpose. As symbols of different times and lifestyles, garments connect us to history and to each other. At PHIPPS we encourage compassion and mindfulness in all aspects of life - diffusing educated messages that expand our knowledge of the environment, and uniting communities around the celebration of nature. We believe in fashion’s ability to restore a sense of
function to any and every lifestyle… global consciousness goes far beyond the way a piece of clothing is made. We try to create garments that have a direct and positive impact on the wearer’s life- enhancing and adapting commonplace objects while keeping them beautiful.
Each collection highlights a different character of the world decorum - from the elusive power of minerals to the far reaches of the universe, through the endangered lands and species of our past, we give a voice to Nature’s unspoken heroes. Their united stories weave the fabric of a new American Dream, a redefined horizon, fit for its growing cause.
We are all in this together, we are just trying to play our part.
The spirit of Northern California - a cultural crossroads of naturalistic beliefs and tech innovation, tinged with the alluring lights of Hollywood - guides our heroes on their next quest…
TO BE CONTINUED
Phipps International was founded by Spencer Phipps in 2018. A San Francisco native, born in the mid-80’s, Spencer was raised in its kaleidoscopic environment. The natural beauty of the Bay Area met the emergence of High-tech gadgets, sports gods, and blockbuster movies, feeding his curious nature. Fresh out of Parsons School of Design - where he was named Designer of the Year of the 2008 graduating class - Spencer got hired at Marc Jacobs, where he worked for seven years, before departing to Antwerp to work as the first American on Dries Van Noten’s design team. His experience working alongside these fashion heavyweights built his expertise on fine craftsmanship and large-scale manufacturing, while sparking his desire to bring his own vision to life. Going back to his nature-bound roots, he launched his namesake brand in 2018 defining his balance between creating purposeful garments and expanding on the cinematic quality of clothing- creating a parallel universe you want to disappear in.