L.A.'s 30 Under 30: The City's Rising Stars
The Fashion Publicist: Chase Weideman
Whoever said “it’s PR, not ER” clearly didn’t have the Account Executive at Bismarck Phillips Communications & Media, Chase Weideman, in mind. After all, he risked his life so that SJP could escape to her car while handling Alexander Wang’s fashion show in '09. The 27-year-old explains, “I took it upon myself to single-handedly redirect traffic in Times Square. What was I thinking? I then proceeded to casually call her ‘girl’ like we were old friends while shaking her hand!” In all seriousness though, you have to bring way more than charm to a role like his, where celeb dressing and editorial placement can make or break a brand (also, consider everyone and their mother is ready to swipe your job right from under the Missoni rug).
Although the Omaha native grew up far from the glitz of Hollywood, Weideman made a firm resolution to build a life here and put in a minimum of 60-hour work weeks with a (very handsome) smile planted on his face. “It’s a career that universally includes grueling schedules and can be emotionally draining and very demanding of your time without any care for your personal life. I took notes, did research, learned fast, and charged at it like a bull. My skin became real thick, real quick and that saved me. Plus, I learned immediately not to take this shit personally. It’s work.”
That’s not to say that the gig doesn’t grant its perks. If you took a gander at Weideman’s cavernous closet, you’ll find he’s a classified Current/Elliott hoarder, Lanvin lover, and he’s quick to point out that if his house ever caught fire, he’d “probably save the dog and my cashmere-collared Burberry trench. We’ve traveled the world together and it’s aged like a fine wine.” We have a feeling his resume will do the same.
—Brenna Egan
Hair by Jacquie Fetch, makeup by Mayera Abeita and Ali Magee.
in NYC