Tess Bruns: Creative Consultant
Playing with proportions, tapping into locals, and drawing inspiration from Gaudí
Tess Bruns has ESP: ‘Extra Styling Perception.’ She communicates through color, proportion, texture, contrast, and brilliant off-kilter layering, and just always seems to get it right.
The styling savant and Texas-based creative consultant started the Instagram account @phoebephilofan as an homage to the fashion designer’s 2008-2017 tenure at Celine, which Tess herself fell in love with circa 2012. “That collection impacted me,” she told Harper’s Bazaar. “I didn’t start collecting Celine until a few years later, and was officially obsessed.”
As for me, I was already a big fan of Phoebe Philo (and I covet my pieces from her 17 runway collections), but Tess’s devotion solidified my appreciation. What inspires me most is when Tess presents her favorite emerging designers, which she wears with legacy brands, her favorite vintage scores, and her street style looks.
It’s not an easy feat (or ’fit, as it were) to achieve, but she does it so instinctively, and I’m honored to feature her here.
Your color, texture, proportion, and layering sense is off-the-charts sublime! Have you always had that sixth sense, or is it something you developed over time?
I’ve always found balance to be somewhat intuitive, but I’m now beginning to develop the vocabulary to describe it. Early on, I was drawn to things that looked “right.” Now I recognize that an outfit has good balance if there’s contrast or tension, such as mixing feminine with masculine elements, contrasting fabrics and textures, or playing with proportions.
What advice would you give others for styling eclectic yet put-together looks?
Start with a single piece, then build the look around it. It’s all about having fun, experimenting with trends, and learning through trial and error.
Such as?
Recently, I purchased an asymmetric slip dress and styled it for everyday casual wear by layering it over jeans and a tank top. I paired the look with a straw bag and black flip-flops. To me, it’s the unexpected layering and juxtaposition that make the outfit intriguing. If I had worn it with heels and an evening bag, it wouldn’t have felt as interesting.
What’s the best mistake you ever made, and why did it work in your favor?
Starting @phoebephilofan as a way to document my old Celine collection without having a strategy or agenda. It’s grown organically, found the right audience, and led to better connections than I could have ever planned.
How have elements of art, design, or architecture informed your style, and are there any creatives in those arenas that particularly inspire you?
I find inspiration everywhere, primarily through the use of color, shapes, and textures. Last month, I visited Barcelona and was captivated by Antoni Gaudí’s innovative use of curved, sculptural lines and colorful mosaics. In contrast, I also admire the stark minimalism of Donald Judd’s work in Marfa, Texas, which highlights simplicity and clean lines. You see work from these artists and can immediately recognize it as theirs. And through their numerous works, you can see the path they’ve taken to find their signature design. These diverse approaches inspire me in my journey to developing my sense of style.
I love where you’ve taken your account, @phoebephilofan, and how you incorporate some of your favorite designers who are more accessible to your readers. Who else consistently gets it right?
Esha Soni designs the most beautiful sculptural bags that are the definition of wearable art. Valeria Krasavina makes playful, mostly tulle looks that are so whimsical and fun. I am forever a fan of Katie Caplener of Vada, who designed my wedding ring. I also have my son’s name in her gold and diamond initial letters. In addition to fine jewelry, she also designs small-batch Japanese-made sunglasses that are the epitome of cool. Each of these designers has a distinct point of view and creates pieces that women actually want to wear.
Paid subscribers gain access to the full interview, featuring the artists and creatives who inspire Tess right now. I hope you’ll consider becoming a paid subscriber to support our work — and a huge thank you to those who already do!