Don't call Phillip Bloch a celebrity stylist.

Sure, he's styled Halle Berry, Julia Roberts and Oprah, and his outfits have graced red carpets at the Emmys, Oscars and Golden Globes.

If it's all the same, Bloch, who lives bi-coastal in New York and Los Angeles, would prefer to be called a fashion guru, or maybe even a renaissance man.

In addition to being a stylist, he's also a designer and author.

Bloch will be in Charlotte Aug. 25 as featured speaker for the International Conference of Fashion Stylists (ICFS), a professional association based in New York. Charlotte is the first stop on the newly formed organization's "Redesigning the Standard” tour."

In his new book, "The Shopping Diet," released Aug. 17 by Simon & Shuster ($10), Bloch encourages readers to shop in their own closets and live with what they already have.

"I've had a 20-year career in fashion," he said. "I wanted to put together all the information I learned over the the years from all the people I've come in contact with. You learn a lot of lessons along the way."

Qcitymetro.com caught up with Bloch by phone while on his way to a New York airport Tuesday. He chatted about his book, the fashion industry and what it was like to work with the King of Pop.

In the Q&A below, answers were edited for brevity and clarity.

Q. I'm dying to ask: What was it like working with Michael Jackson?
Wow! That was one of the most important moments in my career. It makes me emotional. He was a great person. He let creative people do their jobs. He was so good at what he did because he knew what was right and he knew what was wrong. If he didn't know something and he knew you knew it, he would let you do it.

Q. So, he was personable and down to earth?
The candle burned out long before the legend ever will. There are only a few people you can say that about.

Q. What inspired you to write your book, "The Shopping Diet?"
My mother was quite a hoarder at the end of her life, and that definitely had an impact on me. When I see the opulence and everyday extravagant spending in Hollywood, and not wanting to spend on some things but spending on others, I felt a little responsible promoting this opulent lifestyle. I just wanted to do something responsible in fashion.

Q. Your book is geared toward the average shopper. Do you ever suggest any of the tips to celebrity clients?
I tell clients don't buy the logo shirt. You're going to be sick of it in three months and you're going to have to put it away for 10 years until it becomes vintage. That was from Cindy Crawford; we learned that one together.

Q. Why are organizations such as The International Conference of Fashion Stylists important?
It's my responsibility to give back and make sure this industry functions well. We're being clobbered right now. There are no regulations on our rates. Everyone and their mother say they are a celebrity stylist. What does that mean?

Q. What is a celebrity stylist?
Here are the stylists who are celebrities: June Ambrose, Robert Verdi, Rachel Zoe and myself. There's a handful. And then there are stylists who do celebrities, and that is a growing number. It's a redundant term at this point; it's lost its luster. I think I was the stylist for the stars, and the rest of them are celebrity stylists or just stylists.

Q. What would you call yourself then?
I do like fashion guru, but I'm a renaissance man. I've written two books. I've been in twelve movies. I've done designing. I have (designed) a collection of eyeglasses for Hush Puppies. I've done jewelry for QVC. I'm a big philanthropist. So, I'm going to take renaissance man for now.

Q. You've accomplished so much. What's next?
I've got to pay the rent; that's what's next, girl.

Q. What's the most challenging part of your job?
Juggling everyone's personalities, wants and needs and trying to make everyone happy, including myself.

Q. What makes you happy?
One moment at a time, one step at a time, a day at time, one week at a time. My dad used to say you have to enjoy the ride and enjoy the moment.

Q. What advice would you give a person who wants to become a stylist?
Remember, you are not the most important person on the set. It's not about you; you are just the stylist. You are just there to collaborate on a vision.

Q. What's the biggest mistake you think most shoppers make?
Not trying things (clothing) on and not getting things tailored. It's about the fit.

Q. People take fashion so seriously. Fashion should be fun.
You should enjoy it. If you're going to spend a lot of money on a pair of shoes, make that a present. If it's a $20 skirt, make that your celebration. It shouldn't be a chore.

Bloch will speak at the Residence at SouthPark, 4300 Sharon Road (near M5 and Crate and Barrel).

IF YOU WANT TO GO:
Date: Wednesday, Aug. 25
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost: $25 in advance, $50 the day of the show

For more information go to www.icofs.com or call 1-800-307-1170.