AIMEE PHILLIPS

WHAT DO YOU DO AND HOW DID YOU GET HERE?

It's a long and winding story… I have an oddly diverse background, which includes various stints in PR, fashion, music management, events, nightlife, comedy writing, creative direction, marketing, hospitality, social media (and more!). I have been lucky enough to know and work with some very incredible people and companies... Heatherette, The Limelight, Crowbar NYC, Susan Blond Inc., Scissor Sisters, The Drums, The Maritime Hotel, Mr. Black, The Park, Erich Conrad & Beige at Bowery Bar… and most recently creative consulting for The London Edition Hotel and Lily Allen. I like to have fun, I like to talk to people, I like to dress up, and I work very hard. All of these things have served me well and I've always enjoyed what I do.

WAS HOSPITALITY SOMETHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO DO? WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP?

My dad has worked in radio since I was born so I was always fascinated with music, live shows, festivals, and making records in particular. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to be, but I am not musically inclined so I found creative ways of surrounding myself with music, beginning in NYC nightclubs, notoriously a great intro to all of the best and worst people (and many life lessons.) Live music, nightlife and hospitality have always crossed over in a very interesting way, and some of the best parties I've ever been involved with (or attended) have been in hotels so it's been a very natural progression to end up consulting in hospitality for the London Edition, trying to bring my love for great people and music to an amazing space.

WHAT'S YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION?

The constant pursuit of LOL.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE HOTEL IN THE WORLD AND WHY?

The Faena Hotel And Universe in Buenos Aires was completely magical. Every detail was great.

WHAT'S THE NEXT BIG IDEA? WHAT ARE HOTELS MISSING?

I think NEW hotels are missing the long game a bit, and CLASSIC hotels often have the romance and lore without the excitement and edge. New hotels always seem to have the first 3 months nailed: big flashy opening, celeb guests, gossip columnists skulking the lobby bar…but as the carpets get dirty and flashbulbs fade, the initial excitement often dissipates and it's on to the next thing. Without a concerted effort (and investment) the quality often suffers across the board; the quality of guests, the quality of hotel nightlife and events, the quality of service..etc. The next big idea as far as I'm concerned is consistency. The coolest hotels make their investments in longstanding relationships with great people who can bring something interesting to the table and keep the hotel relevant and fun. I've been lucky enough to be a part of the London Edition's first 6 months and I am proud of everything we've done and more importantly that there's no sign of slowing down. Seb Chew has expertly curated the Basement club to bring the most credible and exciting music not just to "hotel nightlife" but to London nightlife in general. We are giving people diverse, world-class musical entertainment 4 nights a week that you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else in London, and that's the kind of thing that will sustain a hotel and make it an institution rather than a flash in the pan.

IF YOU HAD THE DAY OFF TODAY WHERE WOULD YOU BE?

I love the beach and the sun, but I also love playing video games, which is nearly impossible in bright light because of the screen glare. It would be great if scientists could resolve this problem so I can play video games on the beach on my day off.

DO YOU HAVE A CAREER ANECDOTE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE?

My life is a series of career anecdotes, one after the other. Every day.

IF YOU COULD THROW A DREAM PARTY FOR ANYONE DEAD OR ALIVE WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD THE PARTY LOOK LIKE?

My own birthday party. Not in an egomaniacal, self obsessed sense, I just love surrounding myself with all of my favorite people. Also Lil Kim would be headlining. Actually, the entire lineup from the Puff Daddy "No Way Out Tour" in 97. Look it up.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING 10 YEAR SFROM NOW AND WHERE?

I'd be really happy to further along the same path, as long as I'm having fun.