Behind the Image is an ongoing MODELS.com series taking a more personal look at both established and emerging creative talent.
Polly Philp by Dexter Lander | Image courtesy of The Magnet Agency
Polly Philp, Set Designer
Hometown/country: Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Based: London & New York
Representation: The Magnet Agency
How would you describe your work? What’s your trademark?
Hmm, I like things a little undone! Signs of human error can add a bit of life!
What led you specifically into the world of set design?
I fell into it after art school—first by making sets for music videos for friends’ bands, then later on, and finally, by coming to assist Janina Pedan. Ben Toms was incredibly supportive in giving many of my art school friends opportunities who otherwise wouldn’t have thought to get involved in fashion.
What other jobs have you had?
Art Direction/Production Design for moving images, vintage buyer, and an art-house cinema worker.
As you often set the stage for shoots, what inspires your work?
Anything and everything, but most importantly, collaborating closely with people and enjoying that exchange in the run-up to the shoot.
What considerations do you take into account when designing sets for different types of shoots, such as studio versus location shoots?
Nothing beats creating an environment from scratch, so I’d always rather be in a studio shoot. However, it can be fun to play with a character and tell that story through specific details and props on location.
How do you approach collaborating with creative teams to ensure your set designs complement the artistic vision?
I have worked with many of my clients for a long time—in some cases, as long as 8-10 years. I really value building up trust and synergy over time, and I think most people make their best work that way.
What’s one thing outside of your work that you would like people to know about you?
That it’s not all about fashion – there are so many more important things in life!!
Who do you think is one to watch?
Sam Khoury.
Selected Work
Caitlin Soetendal by Zoe Ghertner | Image courtesy of The Magnet Agency
Miu Miu F/W 2024 Campaign
I love hunting for specific items that are exactly right (sometimes by being a bit wrong). We found this carpet in Manchester, and it was perfect. There was a huge, lovingly made floor underneath the set that was designed to peak out only slightly. It’s all in the details!
Nassia Matsa by Sharna Osborne | Image courtesy of The Magnet Agency
Re-Edition Magazine
This shoot sums up what makes me feel most excited on set — room for spontaneity, resourcefulness, & to play. We wanted a vast feeling landscape, and it was as simple as ripping the colourama. Very satisfying.
Bente Oort by Johnny Dufort | Image courtesy of The Magnet Agency
Dazed Comme Special
I love making things and problem-solving, and this satisfied both. We used chicken wire and grasses—it was like making a big wig!
By Rosie Marks | Image courtesy of The Magnet Agency
Martine Rose x Nike
I love working closely with fabricators, and Paul Simpson did a beautiful job crafting this Subbuteo-style turntable base for the models.
Mamuor Majeng by Carlijn Jacobs | Image courtesy of The Magnet Agency
Prada F/W 2023 Collection
This became a last-minute puppeteering job rather than anything in post-production. The problem-solving involved was wild, but my team did a great job of carefully guiding the flowers across the set using a series of pulleys and fishing wires.
