After graduating at the fashion department of the antwerp academy of arts in 1993, peter philips built up his portfolio by doing test shoots with photographers and stylists, including Willy Vanderperre and Olivier Rizzo. A defining moment in Philips’ career came at a Raf Simons shoot, when he drew a Mickey Mouse face onto a model in perfect scale. ‘People flipped out,’ Philips recalls. ‘They really remember the spectacular things you do, and the pure beauty things they take for granted. I learned a lot from that.’

He began to achieve global recognition for his work and collaborated with major labels and photographers such as Dries Van Noten, Fendi, Inez Van Lamsweerde, and Peter Lindbergh.

In 2008 Chanel Make up appointed Philips its creative director. during the period he worked for Chanel he was noted for his use of unusual materials, incorporating feathers, pearls, and fabrics into his looks. In February 2013 Philips stepped down. In March 2014 it was announced that Philips  designated the new creative  director for Dior make up.