Best Dressed Male Honourable Mention-Lincoln Phillip

For fashion writer and stylist Lincoln Phillip, “fashion is 24/7.” He styles photo shoots for Mode Models and Avenue magazine, stays au courant writing for Flare and the Calgary Herald, and also works at Louis Vuitton at Holt Renfrew.

Phillip brings a brand of modern, yet preppy fashion that is all about making an original statement — daring and subtle. Black is the dominant shade in his closet, but he also plays up silver accessories, bold colours and pieces from designers such as KaaDiki, Denis Gagnon and Chris Bailey for Burberry.

Influenced by the elegance and confidence of soul musician Lenny Kravitz and the classic cool of Miles Davis, he says, “Fashion is a form of expression, so why not make it bold?”

What do you wear to dress up and dress down?

“Dressing up is usually an all-black ensemble like a black suit, shirt and scarf. I always add a scarf or an ascot to my outfits. Dressing down is dark jeans, deep V-neck T-shirt layered with a cardigan and, again, a scarf.”

Do you have a signature item?

“A silver ring I bought in New York. My other signature is my Gucci silver necklace with a Leo sign and dog tag I’ve worn every day for the past six years.”

What is your favourite item of clothing?

“I have many, but I can’t live without my grey cashmere cardigan by Corpus.”

How long does it take you to get ready?

“Ten minutes. I’m a quick planner. I think this comes from styling — and sleeping in!”

What is the best fashion advice you’ve been given?

“My mama always said, ‘How you dress will always leave an impression on others. Make sure it’s a good one.’”

What outfit would you like to be remembered by?

“A black Yves Saint Laurent suit, Lanvin silk scarf, Louis Vuitton shoes and my silver ring.”

Back To Avenue's Best Dressed Winners 2009

Female grand-prize winner — Yvette Ramos
Ah, the little black dress. For most women, it’s the iconic staple. But for former fashion designer Yvette Ramos, whose personal palette celebrates vibrant tones and patterns, it’s what she feels most awkward wearing.
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Grand-Prize Winner-Ross Johnston
A quick rundown of the contents of Ross Johnston’s closet: 20 suits, more than 100 Eton shirts and hundreds of ties, plus the beat-up jeans and $3 white T-shirts that make up his casual couture. It’s immediately obvious the consultant, second-year Certified Management Accountant student and part-time jeweller ranks clothing high on his list of loves.
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Female Honourable Mention-Kiki McKenna
She might set aside her four-inch heels in favour of a more practical pair of Converse All Stars when she’s chasing around her three-year-old daughter, but Kiki McKenna is also proof-positive that motherhood doesn’t mean style has to suffer.
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Female Honourable Mention-Melyssa Nielsen
Pulling influence from the glamour of the 1920s, the flirtiness of the 1960s and the punk movement in the late 1970s, jewellery designer, writer, photographer and all-around creative force Melyssa Nielsen has developed a style all her own by following her own advice: “Be yourself and you’ll always be in style.”
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Male Honourable Mention-Mark Mullin
Although you’ll often find Mark Mullin in overalls — spattered with oil, paint and charcoal — when the 39-year-old abstract painter and Alberta College of Art and Design instructor isn’t in his studio, his ensembles range from relaxed and understated T-shirt and jeans to outfits such as a pair of True Religion jeans with a tangerine-coloured dress shirt and white Bretoni jacket.
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