In Features by Brian Lipton
For the past 15 years, after having broken into the public consciousness on TV’s “Star Search,” singer-songwriter-pianist Spencer Day has been entertaining audiences around the world with his smooth, jazz-oriented vocals. This Friday, Day launches his 2018 tour at New York City’s Green Room 42 – where he will perform four times this summer –in support of his newest album “Angel City.” MR recently spoke with the 39-year-old musician about developing his fashion style, his favorite stores, and his tips on feeling and looking great.
Q: What got you originally interested in fashion?
A: I came to fashion a little late in my life. I was raised on farm country in Utah and Arizona, so I wasn’t fashion-forward back then. And when I first got to California in 1997, I think I would have been better off just sticking with my JC Penney looks, because in my attempts to be fashionable, I would rush out of stores with something that was not quite right. I think too often, I went for what was popular rather than what looked good on me. But when I got signed to Universal in 2005, I worked with this amazing woman, Antonia Russo, who is a stylist and personal shopper, and she really taught me about fashion, from the different hues in the color red (which is my favorite color) to the fact that onstage you have to look a bit larger than life or you might as well go home. I still try follow that advice; though for me, it’s important not to look too gimmicky. I can’t be David Bowie.
Q: How would you describe your own personal style?
A: Because my music has a mid-century feel, even off-stage, I like to wear clothes from that period. So I love to find 1950s pants or polos, but I prefer them to look a bit tailored or sleek looking. I like the idea of dressing like Rock Hudson or Chet Baker might have at a casual Hollywood party.
Q: Is that easy for you to achieve?
A: Not really. I am weirdly proportioned. I am 6’ 1’’ with a long torso and shorter legs, so that means I can’t always settle for the first things I see. It can really take a while to find what I am looking for. It also helps that I have a really good tailor.
Q: Do you have favorite places to shop?
A: I adore Paul Smith when I am in New York for his combination of tailoring, retro looks and bright colors. His clothes definitely make me stand out from in the audience. In Palm Springs, I love this cool store called Wil Stiles, which specializes in mid-century stuff, and I really love this brand Merc they carry. And there’s nothing wrong with going to thrift shops or off-price stores like Nordstrom Rack if you have the time or patience, since it’s always hit or miss.
Q: What about other favorite designers?
A: I also have this great Hugo Boss suit, but I don’t wear it onstage; it’s for more formal occasions – or in case I have to go court. And I was once sent a John Varvatos tuxedo for some red-carpet appearance and then some rock n’roll clothes from his collection for when I performed at the Hollywood Bowl. It was really special to be able to wear them.
Q: Do you dress differently in San Diego, which is your home base, than you do elsewhere?
A: Absolutely. In California, I take advantage of being able to wear shorts and stuff out, and at home, I am usually in hoodies and jeans. When I am in New York, I try to dress up a bit, but only if it’s appropriate for the weather. And I think really hard about what I have to wear if I am performing in Europe, because it’s such a fashionable place. I even have to think about what I wear in Mexico, since you’re really not supposed to wear shorts out for dinner, and I try to fit in with the local culture. I don’t want to look like some dumb tourist.
Q: What do you do on a daily basis to make yourself feel your best?
A: I do a bunch of things: I meditate, journal and play 30 minutes on piano to keep balanced. But the most important thing I do is say positive affirmations into the mirror because no one is harder on me than me. I’m going to be 40 next month and it’s not always easy accepting that!