Midwest R&D: Kody Phillips

Midwest R&D by Xhibition — a platform dedicated to developing, creating, and styling that resonates with the cultural trends of the Midwest. Merges local inspiration with innovative fashion, offering a perspective that embodies the spirit and diversity of the region.

I first came across Kody Phillips back in college when his brand was still in its patchwork denim phase. You know, the kind of fit that made you do a double-take on campus and think, “Wait, is this dude ahead of his time, or did he just destroy five pairs of jeans?” Spoiler: He was ahead of his time. Fast forward a few years, and now I’m here watching Kody go from that to the “Pantaloons Champion.”

So, this past summer, I’m prepping for Paris and I figured, why not hit up Kody? Didn’t expect much, but I figured, shoot your shot, right? Next thing I know, I’m staring at my phone, and dude hits me back with a “LET'S DO IT” like we’re about to drop the hottest collab of the season. Fast-forward through a few texts, and suddenly, we’re locked in for a 7:30 meet at La Crème de Paris. I know, sounds fancy, but really, we were just gonna chop it up and maybe throw around some ideas.

I pull up, grab a table, and after about five minutes of looking fly (obviously), I spot this guy walking down the street dressed in all black like he’s the fashion grim reaper—suitcase thrown over one shoulder. It’s gotta be Kody. He slides into the seat, and before I can even ask about the suitcase, we’re diving deep into some high-level convo... and by that, I mean we’re talking about Ohio. Turns out, Kody’s from Cincinnati, and his wife, Ryanna, is from Dayton. Midwest Best. We joked about Skyline Chili. Who knew the Buckeye State had this much motion? 

Eventually, I ask about the suitcase, thinking he’s gotta dip for something more important. But no, he just looks at me like, “Oh yeah, these are for you — samples.” The dude literally brought his pieces in a carry-on. So, right there on the sidewalk, in the middle of Paris, we’re going through his latest pieces like it’s a trunk show, but way cooler, more Ohio.

That’s Kody Phillips for you — low-key, no-nonsense, and always 100% him. Something is grounding about sitting across from a guy you’ve watched build a brand with a cult following, and he’s still the same kid from the Midwest who’s nostalgic for cheap eats. We didn’t need a showroom, just a street corner and some fire pieces.

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