"Fabulosity" with Corbin Chamberlin- The latest on Scottsdale and Phoenix arts, culture and fashion from the most glamorous guy we know.
Fashion Week, encounters with Karl Lagerfeld at Cafe de Flore in Paris and excursions to the Hamptons; all in a days work for Peter Davis. My fabulous friend Peter is the definition of a chic New York socialite. I love to hear his divine stories- “Corbin, this week I am going to be attending the Vogue India Party”. Besides being a handsome devil, Peter very well could be one of the best-dressed men ever. With his Margiela smoking jackets and tortoiseshell Lanvin shades Mr. Davis looks like he was pulled right from an episode of Mad Men, but much more glamorous. What I love most about Peter is he does not just sit there and look pretty. He is out bring attention to causes. He is a activist in the LGBT community, And while protesting the prop 8 his combat outfit of choice is a dashing suit and bow-tie. Here is a glimpse into the life and times of Peter Davis.
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You are so classy, what is one thing that you can not attend a party without?
Some dough. You always need cab fare in NYC. And my rule is always be over-dressed because you never know where you'll end up.
Who are your favorite artist?
So many - I love photojournalism: Larry Clark, Bruce Davidson, Garry Winogrand, Diane Arbus, Bruce Gilden, Nan Goldin, William Klein, Martin Parr. I also adore Max Beckmann, Hieronymus Bosch, Andy Warhol, The Chapman Brothers, Cindy Sherman, Neckface, Edward Gorey, Cindy Sherman. The list goes on and on.
Favorite designers?
To wear (I've never done drag. I wouldn't make a fun-looking woman). I covet Martin Margiela, Michael Bastian, Thom Browne (for shirts), some of the mod stuff Frida Giannini does for Gucci, Fred Perry, John Lobb shoes and the skateboard label Supreme - I collect all their limited edition decks, hats, knives - whatever they dream up. My best duds are all from my tailor though - Timothy Everest, in London. He's the man.
Your Favorite City?
My hometown, New York. (runner ups: London, Paris, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Rio...)
Any new talent that is up-and-coming that we should know about?
Bess on Lafayette Street put punk rock studding back on the style map. Prada totally copied Bess, ditto DSquared, Burberry, Gucci and many other labels. I have Bess studded combat boots and black Converse high tops that i crave daily.
Talk to me about your divine dog Dexter.
I'm Dexter's godfather. His dad is my best friend Thomas Whiteside, a hot young photographer who works for Elle, Details, InStyle, WWD and is always shooting huge stars which is fun. Dexter is a rescue dog (everyone should ONLY rescue pets) and he thinks I'm canine so he nibbles and rough-houses me all the time. He hates skateboards and shopping carts and LA valets. He freaks out when a valet comes near.
Favorite restaurant in the world?
The Lobster Inn, in Southampton. I grew up going there. It has a salad bar and lobsters - what more do you want?
Who are your icons and heros?
I'm not going to say Madonna (though I love her) or Obama (also love) - I think anyone who helps people out is a hero. You get what you give. It's all about karma!
Your sister Minnie Mortimer, she absolutely marvelous. What was she like growing up?
Minnie is my best friend. She has always been the smartest and best looking of the three kids.
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What are you listening to these days?
Old-school Blondie. Gossip's new CD "Music for Men", which is ah-mazing. I'm seeing them when they play in New York. Also, The Clash, The Horrors and Bob Marley.
How and where do you relax?
I just totally chill-axed at this great hotel called Capella in Ixtapa. I body surfed with my brother, swam for hours and didn't look at my iPhone at all. It was heaven. I had just come back from reviewing 23 designers at Lakme fashion Week in Mumbai and my one day in Mexico right afterwards made it all OK.
In general, what is your pet peeve?
People with no manners. Bad manners is the epitome of tacky.
Peter, when I think of leaders in the LGBT activism community you are first to come to mind. Who else is making steps to better the rights of the LGBT community?
Anyone who stays vocal for gay rights is A-OK with me. People are too passive. I think the gay community needs a new Harvey Milk, someone to give the movement some vital, positive PR. The media always marginalizes gays by focusing on drag queens in thongs which is fine and fabulous, but to make serious changes in our backward government, we need more than a feathered g-string. We need leaders. Milk screenwriter Dustin Lance Black is great and celebrities like Neil Patrick Harris, Drew Barrymore, Kelly Osbourne, Brad Pitt and Anjelina Jolie and Ellen DeGeneres have all been gangbusters. But when Proposition 8 was passed in California and I marched and marched, I was shocked that there weren't more high profile people speaking up. I hope the equality march in DC makes big waves. I'll be there, in black tie, which I find great for marching in.
Until next time, Keep it chic.
Corbin Chamberlin
