Behind the Scenes #1

THE STAR IS REBORN FEAT. PHOEBE L. THOMPSON

A loopvideo showing sneak peaks of the behind the scenes of the Mercedes-AMG SL campaign

Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 13.2 - 12.8 l/100 km | CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 300 - 290 g/km | Emissionsangabe [1,2]

A loopvideo showing sneak peaks of the behind the scenes of the Mercedes-AMG SL campaign

Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 13.2 - 12.8 l/100 km | CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 300 - 290 g/km | Emissionsangabe [1,2]

Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 13.2 - 12.8 l/100 km | CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 300 - 290 g/km | Emissionsangabe [1,2]

In this series of interviews exploring the all-new Mercedes-AMG SL ‘The Star is Reborn’ campaign, a range of key figures behind the reimagining of the SL give insight on how AMG breathed new life into the global adored vehicle.

In this series of interviews exploring the all-new SL ‘The Star is Reborn’ campaign, a range of key figures behind the reimagining of SL give insight on how AMG breathed new life into the global adored vehicle.For stylist Phoebe L Thompson, the ultimate feeling of electrification comes when she’s in a fast car, the wind rushing through her hair, and music booming from the radio. That sensation, to all of us, is a moment of pure exhilaration, of freedom, and of being intimately connected to a tangible sense of life. Taking hold of that ultimate thrill, Thompson brought those unforgettable sensations as inspirations for Mercedes-AMG’s SL The Star Is Reborn campaign.

Beyond motoring, Thompson’s passions lie in her day job: fashion and styling. And her career so far has been illustrious, to say the least. Phoebe has styled everyone from Hailey Bieber and Zara Larsson to Anne-Marie, as well as bands such as FOALS, to name a few.  

As part of the AMG SL The Star is Reborn campaign, we sat down with Phoebe L Thompson for a quickfire interview to find out more about how she works and why she does what she does. And, as if the stars have aligned, even Thompson’s grandfather used to work for Mercedes…

A model walking along the runway
A model walking along the runway
A model at the shooting of the Mercedes-AMG SL campaign

Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 9.4 - 8.9 l/100 km | CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 214 - 201 g/km | Emissionsangabe [1,2]

In the early days of your career, what inspired you the most?

Print magazines are where I discovered my love of fashion and photography. They inspired me the most from early on in my life.
 
What was the importance of determination and drive when you were just starting out?

The fashion industry can be very brutal, so drive and determination are key when starting out.

How do you retain that ‘drive’ in order to stay on the top of your game in the industry?

It is important to take breaks when you can, get reinspired, and get excited.

A model sitting in a Mercedes-AMG vehicle
A model sitting in a Mercedes-AMG vehicle

How did you go about capturing the spirit of AMG through fashion for The Star is Reborn film?

I tried to capture the real spirit of AMG by using innovative up-and-coming brands and designers that embody the same ethos as AMG.
 
What can you say about the similarities between fashion and cars?

There are a lot of similarities. The obvious ones are beauty, sex appeal, desire, status, attention to detail, design, elegance, and so much more…

A model sitting relaxed in a Mercedes-AMG vehicle
A model sitting relaxed in a Mercedes-AMG vehicle

Are you a big car fanatic? If not, how did you combine your other interests and passions in order to do justice to the Mercedes-AMG SL campaign?

Yes, I am! My interest started at an early age as my grandfather used to work for Mercedes. I loved looking at the photographs of him in that era with the (now) vintage convertibles and glamourous friends. I thought it was incredibly elegant and aspirational.
 
How did you adapt your eye for styling fashion shoots for the Mercedes-AMG SL campaign?

I work a lot with musicians, predominantly powerful female artists, and the brief encouraged the styling to embody that superstar element into it, so I leaned into that.

A model posing next to an oldtimer version of the Mercedes-AMG SL
A model posing next to an oldtimer version of the Mercedes-AMG SL

How did you ensure that the styling for the campaign reflected the heritage and timelessness of the designs?

I think to do this, it was important to avoid anything that felt ‘too much’, like a costume, and to focus on stylish, timeless looks with a nod to the history of the car.
 
What does performance mean to you?

A show, in any form.  
 
Do you often find yourself working outside of your comfort zone? How do you channel that potential nervousness or fear into creativity?

I don’t find that very often. I want to go outside my comfort zone a lot more this year.

A model posing next to a Mercedes-AMG vehicle
A model posing next to a Mercedes-AMG vehicle

How do you keep innovation at the heart of your profession?

By getting inspired and learning.
 
How do you bring your own touch and personality to your work?

I’m not entirely sure, but I have certain styles, designers, accessories, and elements that I am drawn to that would bring my own personality to my work.  
 
What advice would you give to aspiring stylists?

Don't believe what you see online! Styling isn't as glamorous as it looks but if you love it, it's worth it.

When do you feel most electrified?

Driving in a convertible with really loud music on.

A model posing next to an oldtimer
A model posing next to an oldtimer

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The Mercedes-AMG SL 55 and 63 Roadster on a runway

Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 13.2 - 12.6 l/100 km | CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 300 - 286 g/km | Emissionsangabe [1,2]

Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 13.2 - 12.6 l/100 km | CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 300 - 286 g/km | Emissionsangabe [1,2]


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