Phix meets: Andy biersack of black veil brides

How would you describe your personal style?

I sort of view a lot of aesthetic choices through the prism of comic books and movies that inspired me as a kid. I have always worn leather jackets which in some ways I feel like I can trace back to being enamored with the black leather bat suit and cape in Tim Burton’s Batman ‘89. Apart from that I have always been attracted to the more classic and clean “rock” aesthetic ala Marlon Brando in the Wild Ones. In a broader sense on stage I view fashion as an extension of the show and that’s where proto glam acts like Bowie and early punk icons like Dave Vanian and Stiv Bators have always had a huge influence on me.

What are your 3 style essentials that you think every person needs in their wardrobe?

A leather jacket and jeans of course but I think having a great suit that fits you perfectly is always a must. In my case I have quite a few but I think finding at the very least a great blazer that really works for you is something everyone should have in their closet. 

What do you like most about Phix?

The design elements and choices perfectly align with my interests. You can see how deeply rooted in rock and roll fashion and history the pieces are constructed to be, I love that while there’s certainly a particular sensibility there is still a lot of variation from piece to piece and a lot of ground is covered  from stuff that can be worn on stage to things that can be worn to go out to dinner etc. 

Best gig you've ever been to?

When I was 15 I got to see Alkaline Trio when they were touring the Crimson record which was a life changing record and album cycle for me. After the show I got to meet Matt Skiba and he signed my hoodie. I wore it every day to school for about a year at least haha.

One piece of clothing you can’t live without?

I feel like I’m repeating myself but a leather jacket is always my go to haha.

What's your proudest clothing purchase?

I think that always changes for me. I will say the feeling of when I come up with a stage look in my mind or draw it out and then am able to find the perfect complimentary pieces to fit that idea is always a big deal for me. A lot of time I draw things or come up with something I think would work for stage and then that thing just doesn’t exist or I have to get it made so when I am able to find something ready to wear that looks like what I dreamed up for a tour that’s a big win.

Is there anything you regret wearing? Why?

I think we all have fashion regrets from our youth to a certain extent but I really try to not look at it that way when possible. We all grow in our aesthetic or interests and what we wear represents who we want to be at any given time. Our clothes are our costume that show the rest of the world how we feel and just because I wore something at 19 that I wouldn’t wear now doesn’t mean it wasn’t valid at the time. I think of it as an evolution that occurs throughout your life and is always changing as you change. 

We're really inspired by music history at PHIX. What is a song you can listen to on repeat?

Bruce Springsteen Long Walk Home, Alkaline Trio In my Stomach and Jimmy Eat world Big casino all come to mind as ones I never ever get sick of.

Who has inspired your style the most?/Style icon?

Every band I loved growing up, all of the comic book hero’s I wanted to be, characters like Sweeney Todd and The Crow, the list is pretty endless. On a personal level my partner Lilith is the most endlessly creative and innovative fashion mind that I know and her interest in clothing and design has been extremely influential on me. Above all else though if I see something and think hey that would look cool that’s really what drives my fashion choices.