Sergio Farias: The Publicist with a Paintbrush and a Plan

Art

February 11, 2025

Aida Toro

When hanging anywhere in the Big Apple, you’ll most likely see Sergio Farias dining at top spots like Ambra, Hudson Club, and others…or at an A-list red carpet event wearing a killer outfit and giving everyone a warm smile from the cameraman to any random guest. Farias is a prominent figure in American television and social circles. He is also known for being an exceptional publicist in the entertainment industry and for his polished yet trend-driven sense of style. 

“Regarding my style, I draw inspiration from icons like Kate Moss, Mick Jagger, and the ultimate style twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. “I blend something from them to create my unique look,” Farias said with a chuckle.

Originally a California native, he captured public attention through his appearance in Paris Hilton’s Viceland documentary “Hollywood Love Story.” His natural charisma, sharp wit, and adeptness at engaging with guests distinguished him in the industry. 

Sergio Farias, photographed in front of his work at his latest exhibition, ‘Girls Night Out.’

“I was utterly captivated by celebrity culture for as long as I can remember,” he said. “From an early age, I was hooked on tabloids and fascinated by the allure and chaos of fame during the early 2000s. I was enthralled not just by the glitz but also by the inner workings behind the spotlight.”

Beyond his on-screen endeavors and his regular presence at elite events, including Hollywood premieres and high-profile charity galas, Farias is not just known for his impeccable sense of style but, most importantly, for his genuine warmth and influence extending into philanthropy, with active involvement in initiatives aimed at empowering underprivileged communities. He stumbled into the world of public relations before he even realized it, as it wasn’t until his 20’s that he understood how lucrative it could be to work for brands and top-tier talent. 

“It was a total Cinderella moment—except in this case, the glass slipper was a career, and it fit perfectly,” he expressed.

Farias has taken great inspiration from Ali Lasky, a powerhouse in the industry and the Founder and CEO of The Influence, the agency he also works for. Working alongside Lasky, Farias witnessed her navigate such a competitive landscape with persistence and determination, which was eye-opening. Her unmatched work ethic and ability to excel under pressure have left a lasting impression on him.

“Every job has its ups and downs, and PR is no exception,” he said. “One of the trickier aspects is navigating client expectations and deliverables—it can be challenging to align visions, but structure and open communication are always my go-to solutions.”

For Farias, the best part of the job is seeing a client’s expectations exceeded. This industry thrives on people genuinely passionate about creating and delivering memorable experiences. Therefore, he advises anyone in or entering public relations to always prioritize creating value for your client because when you do, everything else falls into place. 

“Oh, and patience—lots and lots of patience—will save your life,” he said.

Looking ahead, he is exploring ventures to expand his brand within the fashion, lifestyle, and contemporary art sectors. He painted all the portraits for his latest exhibition, ‘Girls Night Out,’ positioning him as an increasingly influential figure in American pop culture. Farias has always been a bit of an artist. It all began for him in an art class with Crayola markers, with one of his earliest memories being getting yelled at by a teacher for coloring outside the lines—literally and figuratively. Fast forward to the winter of 2025, Farias explained that the frigid temperatures forced him to spend more time at home, which resulted in him picking up a paintbrush and rediscovering that same kid in art class.

“My work is heavily influenced by Hollywood—specifically its darker side—but I like to keep it playful and vibrant, blending cartoonish energy with raw experiences,” he explained.

The ‘Girls Night Out’ exhibition featured 10 acrylic-on-canvas pieces with works inspired by the glitzy highs and sobering lows of Hollywood life. Farias saw Hilton as a major inspiration for his work, referring to her as “our generation’s Marilyn Monroe” and highlighting her influence on early 2000s pop culture. He compared his creative connection with Hilton to that of Andy Warhol and Marilyn, stating, “As Warhol had Marilyn, I have Paris.” With this said, the exhibition’s closing piece, 21 Forever and Fame, honored Hilton’s role in defining the idea of being “famous for being yourself.”

“I especially love painting women—women who don’t have a voice in the industry,” he expressed. “Their stories have always captivated me, all the way from the dynamics of power, especially the toxic relationships in which women endure abuse in the hopes of achieving something better.”

Farias continued, “It’s a classic Hollywood tragedy, and I try to reflect that empathy and complexity in my work.”

With ‘Girls’ Night Out’ being his first show, Farias stated it was a profoundly emotional outlet inspired by observing toxic behaviors in the industry. Although his process towards every portrait from this exhibition is hard to pin down—it’s more like bursts of creative energy, often sparked by late-night rabbit holes into old Hollywood documentaries or deep conversations with friends about the strange dynamics within Hollywood.

“Communication, fashion, and art are shaping society in fascinating ways, but let’s be real—it’s a lot to keep up with!” exclaimed Farias. “There’s so much content out there, and while it’s amazing how connected we are, it can feel overwhelming.”

Farias stated that the playing field is so different from what it used to be, and for anyone starting out, it’s harder to stand out in today’s flood of new personalities and trends. Although this is the case, it makes it much more exciting. Personally, the impact Farias desires to make in this world takes more than an oversensationalized story or a salacious tabloid. 

“All ventures I take on are carried out with kindness, integrity, and sincerity,” said Farias. “It’s satisfying just accomplishing a task, no matter how menial in this gigantic creative world, knowing that I left a genuine impression in people’s hearts.”

Credits:

Written by Aida M. Toro | @aidamtoro

Follow Sergio Farias | @godsergfarias