Stoi Phillips

One of the things I've learned throughout my journey in fashion is that titles matter. Not because one profession is more important than another, but because every profession requires its own education, experience, creativity, and skill set. As someone who has spent years studying fashion, developing collections, producing runway shows, and building a couture brand, I have found it frustrating at times to showcase my work alongside people who introduce themselves simply as "designers" when...

What Pride Month Means to Me as a Black Lesbian Designer and Entrepreneur Every year when Pride Month arrives, I find myself reflecting on my journey—not just as a designer, but as a person. I am a person of color, an entrepreneur, a couture designer, and a lesbian. Those parts of my identity are not separate from my work. They are woven into every collection I create, every runway show I produce, every model I cast, and every client I serve. They have shaped the designer I am today and the...

After Watching the 2026 Met Gala I’ve been thinking a lot about fashion lately—not just what I create, but what it truly means to me. Watching the 2026 Met Gala and reading what people had to say stirred something deeper than I expected. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to do two things: become a lawyer or become a designer. I chose fashion, and it was never a light decision—it was something that felt natural, something that felt like it was always meant for me. I wake up thinking about...