Phil’s Flashbacks

THE MUSIC VIDEO: “I Wish it Would Rain Down,” Phil Collins, Atlantic Records.

THE LOOK: Fashion flashbacks from the ‘40s, starting when Collins reluctantly emerges to audition a big song for a cantankerous Broadway producer. Eric (as in Clapton, the pre-eminent rock guitarist who has a hand in this scenario) has told the producer that our hero has pretty good pipes. As the ditty plays on, Phil daydreams his way into becoming Pop Star Bill Collins, circa 1940. While he dreams, his dress style dissolves from one retro look to another. There is the Rhett Butler look-alike, highlighted by a wool frock coat and Western-style string bow tie; the Nick Charles, a.k.a. “The Thin Man” ideal where Phil/Bill hops into vintage tux after tux; the Henry Higgins type, complete with satin smoking jacket and ascot and the Davy Crockett imitation, with Collins clothed in a silly coonskin cap and tan suede coat with frenetic fringe. Costume designer Judy B Swartz elaborates: “The Davy Crockett thing was Phil’s idea. He’s always wanted to play Davy Crockett.”

THE GAME PLAN: Swartz, veteran outfitter of about 80 music video clips and several Movies of the Week, has already worked her magic on Michael Jackson and Bruce Willis. For Collins, she comes up with more than 15 costume changes. The outfits cover so many fashion eras and dress styles, the poor girl had her sewing box full.

THE STORES: Most of the clothes come from Motion Picture Costumes, a rental shop in the San Fernando Valley. Collins’ primary outfit, with tweed driving cap and dark rayon shirt, was pieced together by Swartz after she haunted the thrift store circuit. LaRue Vintage Clothing Store in North Hollywood provided one sweater-vest and a pair of wool slacks Collins wears, for a bargain basement $25 and $40 respectively. That same establishment specializes in period duds from the ‘20s through the ‘60s.

THE PAYOFF: Because of his clout, Phil Collins can produce a video nearly nine minutes in duration (that’s more than twice the typical) and rest assured it will receive copious airplay. But every minute is well executed. The visuals and concept are in perfect harmony.