Phillip Bloch

Widely considered Hollywood’s premier fashion stylist, Phillip Bloch is one of the world’s best-known fashion figures. Bloch’s work in front of the camera includes co-starring on the hit reality series “Glam God With Vivica A. Fox” and “Style Me With Rachel Hunter.” He has been featured on “Extreme Makeover,” “The Tyra Show” and “America’s Next Top Model,” as well its international counterparts, “Canada’s Next Top Model” and “Britain’s Next Top Model.”

Bloch can be seen on the big screen in the films “Bruno,” “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps,” “The Unseen,” “Gospel Hill” and “The Eyes of Tammy Faye.” In addition to his styling and acting career, Bloch is an accomplished writer. He is a contributing writer for ABC World News, with a weekly opinion column focusing on current events and pop culture. He also writes for Elle, Fashion Quarterly, Detour and InStyle. His books include Elements of Style and The Shopping Diet.

ROBIN BRONK: If you had five minutes in the Oval Office with President Obama, what would you discuss with him? What issue would you like him to know about?

PHILLIP BLOCH: I may appear to be living the American Dream of success as a true Renaissance Man. Most would think I have it all … and I suppose I do in many ways. But the reality is that at the end of the day, I am a freelancer. And the life of a freelancer has gotten increasingly harder during these tough economic times. So don’t be too overly impressed by all the apparent glitz and glamour. Yes, I may be on television, but those seemingly frequent appearances are only a publicity advantage, but in most of these situations, “experts” like myself aren’t even paid. There is a tenuous line between freelance and free-talent issues and situations like these have become increasingly frustrating.

Sometimes it’s all too much and at the absolute worst time. For example, Exhibit A: I, like a large percentage of my fellow Americans, was, and continue to be, devastated by the real estate debacle. Needless to say, the uncertainty of it all is very overwhelming. I own four properties ... and two with mortgages. And because I have not been able to sell these properties for the last three years, I have accrued a lot more than the average credit card debt. Though I always try to live within my means, I (like most) was sideswiped by the unexpected. Like a tsunami, it crashed in unexpectedly in the midst of me attempting to grow my business. I had made a move from Los Angeles to New York City in order to concentrate on building the commercial element of my brand — it was the right decision at what ended up being the very wrong time.

I have been operating in the freelance employment sector for more than 20 years with the help and talent of several high-powered agents at agencies such as The Cloutier Agency, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment and Abrams Artists Agency, navigating through clients in this troubled marketplace for jobs and payments (but of course with no long-term healthcare plan, or retirement programs or benefits, etc). Such is the life of a freelancer. And, as a result, I am getting beat up and bruised daily by bill collectors and taxes. Oh, Lord! We have heard so much complaining from banks, the automobile industry and the real estate industry about jobs being lost as well as funds and stocks being low and expenses being high, thereby causing massive losses and layoffs. But how many jobs have been lost in the fashion and entertainment industry? So many are small artisan businesses that have relatively no voice, and clearly it’s the squeaky wheel that gets the oil … or the government aid. 

RB: If you could give President Obama one piece of advice, what would that be?

PB: We all keep the faith and hope alive because we believe in you, Mr. President, and we all believe as a country and as individuals that we can and must forge ahead. I beg you, Mr. President: Please don’t give up on us … because we’re not giving up on you! I personally believe we can make a change for a better economy in this country. Just tell me how …

RB: If you could ask President Obama one question, what would that be?

 PB: So please riddle me this, Mr. President: How can I help? And how can I empower you to help us all? And how can I empower myself and the countless other freelancers and independent contractors out there who need the guidance, solutions and results they so desperately seek? How can we help ourselves so that we can do and be our best for our employers, our families and for our country? 

 RB: Would you ever consider a political career?

PB: Absolutely. I think I would be a great ambassador (that’s one of my dream jobs) ... perhaps working with children with AIDS … I have done a lot of charity work in Africa and I love to travel. I would also love to meet Michelle Obama — not that she needs any help from me … she has a great sense of style.