Glenn O’brien: Writer, Director & GQ’s ‘Style Guy’
Glenn O’Brien was a visionary writer, editor, and creative force who left a lasting impact on art, music, and fashion. Known for his long-running GQ column, The Style Guy, Glenn’s influence extended across Interview Magazine, television, advertising, and publishing. In 2014, we had the privilege of speaking with him about his remarkable career.
Glenn passed away in 2017, but his legacy endures. We remember him fondly and are honored to revisit this conversation. Rest in peace, Glenn.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This interview took place in New York City in 2014 for the “Manhattan Fashion Directory” issue by Angelique Carroll. Interview by Lara Antonelli.