Glenn O’Brien’s impact on fashion, art, and media was—and still is—immeasurable. From his early days at Interview magazine alongside Andy Warhol to his iconic GQ column The Style Guy, Glenn brought wit, intellect, and an effortless sense of cool to everything he touched.

I was introduced to Glenn in 2014 by the Polaroid artist Maripol, who had collaborated with him on Downtown 81—the cult classic starring Jean-Michel Basquiat that captured the raw energy of early ’80s Manhattan. At the time, I had just launched Manhattan Fashion Directory, a book created to connect New York’s fashion legends with emerging talent.

This interview, arranged for Manhattan Fashion Directory and conducted by Lara Antonelli, captures Glenn reflecting on music, menswear, TV Party, and the enduring power of personal style.

Glenn passed away in 2017. We revisit this conversation with deep respect and admiration for his extraordinary legacy.

"If you don’t know who you are, clothes might help you find out." — Glenn O’Brien

*Glenn O’Brien and Andy Warhol by Kate Simon.*

You landed your first job at Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine as assistant editor. Describe what your first day was like and how it shaped the rest of your illustrious career.

I was assistant editor in 1970, and in 1971, I became the editor of the magazine. I started writing about music regularly, but I didn’t begin the column Glenn O’Brien’s Beat until later. In 1978, Andy Warhol suggested I write a column about music, and then it turned into a column about everything. The early days of Interview were a great experience for me—I learned a lot more there than I did in college.

*Cover star: Uschi Obermaier, 1973. Interview logo in Glenn O’Brien’s handwriting—an imitation of Andy’s.*

As a producer for the infamous New York City cable access show TV Party (with appearances by Jean-Michel Basquiat, David Byrne, Steven Meisel, Debbie Harry, and more), who was your favourite guest, and what was the craziest thing that ever happened while filming live?
I guess I was most honored to have George Clinton of Parliament-Funkadelic and Iggy Pop as guests. I was most impressed when David Bowie showed up, but I never got him to talk.

As a director, producer, and editor, you’ve worked with phenomenal clients like Nike, Revlon, Armani, Dior, Madonna, and MTV, to name a few. Who have been some of your favorites to work with?
My favorite clients in advertising have been Barneys New York and Calvin Klein because it felt like there were no limits. I’ve also really enjoyed working with Jean-Baptiste Mondino—we’ve done great work for Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, and Armani.

*Copy by Glenn O’Brien for Barneys New York.*

You’ve been named in GQ Magazine’s ‘Top 10 Most Stylish Men in America’ and were dubbed ‘The Style Guy’ at the magazine. What do you love and loathe about men’s fashion today?
We’ve actually gone back to the classics, which I’ve been wearing all along. So basically, I’m dressed like I was when I was seventeen, but I have a little more to spend.

What priceless style advice would you give other New York men?
They have to read my column for that. Basically, my advice is: be yourself. And if you don’t know who you are, clothes might help you find out.

With so many creative talents under your belt—writer, editor, publisher, creative director (the list goes on!)—is there one vocation you wish you had also pursued?
I’m a great screenwriter, but I’ve never found an agent who understood me. I have a great script in the drawer. For some reason, I have not been embraced by The Coast.

*Deborah Harry and Glenn O’Brien on the set of his television show, TV Party.*

What’s next for Glenn O’Brien?
I have a book coming out with Rizzoli next spring called How to Be a Man. It explains everything.

Secret vice?
Reading. On my vacation, I finished Robert Fagles’ translations of The Iliad and The Odyssey.

Favourite key trend for men?
Black tie for its own sake.

Favourite item of clothing on a woman?
Cocktail dress and high heels.

Favourite bar in New York City?
I’m a wino, so I like restaurant bars that pour a nice bottle. But for the occasional cocktail, I still like Odeon.

Most memorable scene from a movie?
I love the post-premiere party scene in All About Eve where Bette Davis says: “Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night.” And in the same movie, the scene where Eve tries to throw Addison DeWitt out of her room, and he says: “You’re too short for that gesture.”

First celebrity crush?
Kim Novak. When I was in the third grade, she patted me on the cheek.

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