8 minute read
Mykel C. Smith
A man with a career that has moved and inspired thousands in the fashion and the music industry.
Interview by Gerardo Sierra
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Art whas always had an impact in all of our lives, even if we consider ourselves out of the industry. This applies to all kinds of creative expression, but fashion is the one that no one can be excluded from. From hippies to hipsters, trendsetters to “gray” people, we’re all telling our stories through clothes, brands and accesories. We make our own brand when we ask ourselves What are we wearing today? and the answer is always depending on the message that unconsiously needs to be expressed.
141: How did you get started in the fashion industry and can you share with us how was your first approach to this world?
MCS: I am asked this question frequently. I find it difficult to answer this question because I did not take one path to get to where I am now. One way that I got started in the industry was by working with a friend who showed me the ropes of styling. After a few months, I was hired as his assistant but after a few years, he became my assistant. As a former assistant myself, I must speak on how important that role is. They are often the glue to help keep everything together but get little to no recognition. During my many early careers, I worked in a very high end hair salon at the front desk. I met many wonderful models during my tenure like Naomi Campbell. I had the pleasure of hanging with her and learning more about the industry. After I left the hair salon, I worked in several modeling agencies, first as an intern. While interning, I started styling models for their portfolios. My agency at the time took notice and started representing me as a stylist and a creative director. I ventured into show production after I started styling and worked my first big show with Bob Marley’s daughter, Cedella Marley. She had an amazing collection called CATCH A FIRE which I worked on casting, styling, and producing the show. I originally came to New York to pursue my love of acting and dancing but ended up falling in love with fashion. I learned on this long journey called life that it does not matter where you start, but where you end up. Never give up on your dreams.
141: With the current 2022 situation, how do you think the fashion industry generally has evolved?
MCS: I have seen the industry change a lot. I am proud that at my age, I am fortunate to have an extremely young following on social media that follows my work and also keeps me up to date. The fashion industry has changed so much since I first started in the industry. I do miss the quality of the shows of previous decades, but I do think the industry is making improvements. While attending Fall Fashion 2022 week events, I was pleased that the industry seemingly returned to slowly bringing back the glory days of fashion meaning using professional models on the runway that are serious about their craft. Many of the recent productions are returning to the standard of shows in Paris, London, and Milan. nyc is regaining its place on the fashion world stage again which excited me. I feel that in the necessary attempt of the fashion industry to diversify and be inclusive. The quality of the models dropped. We experienced a decade of models being replaced by influencers and actors who are not the same. Modeling is an art that requires discipline and technique to master. I am elated that Edward Enniful Editor Chief of British Vogue has started placing skilled models back on the cover of magazines where they belong. Fashion will always evolve and what is old will be new again. Too often I see that designers now seem to recreate old trends. It is important that we groom the next generation of artists to take risks and try to create original designs.Fashion is an art that will forever change, but will always be an essential part of our lives. I am very optimistic about where the industry is going.
141: Where do you stand about the new generations of Fashion Stylist born through social media and empirical learning?
MCS: Social media is a great tool if you use it the correct way. This life is not for everyone and it’s hard work but by only viewing social media you can be fooled into only seeing the finished product and thinking that anyone can do it. I have had interns who fell off after their very first project. You have to give your all to each project. I tell my artist that there are no small projects and to give every project your full passion no matter what it is paying. I have worked with some great clients that found my work on social media like artist D4M $LOAN and his manager Rasheen Farlow who has been one of the most rewarding relationships I have had in a while. I am currently working with this young rapper who loves fashion, we are teaching him how to curate his own style while keeping his visions classy. I am excited about this next generation of artists that are going to shine in the industry. He said we are elite professionals that get the job done.
The downside to social media is that many people want quick fame and are clout chasers who are in the industry for the wrong reasons. They oftentimes are not committed to the work and quit the journey early. Social media can be the greatest tool but make sure you do the work. Thankfully I have been in the industry for over 20 years and do not solely rely on getting work from social media but I do love how it has changed the industry. I met some of my most excellent fashion children off social media. I am humbled to have had the opportunity to mentor and work with some of the younger stylists who are taking over the industry. Artists such as Mickey Freeman, Raytell Bridges, Brendon Alexander, Monsieur Paris, Mike Stallings, The Style Monsters, and Altorrin McIntyre are incredible stylists and media stars who I look forward to seeing their work for decades to come. I love them. While many clients off social media may vary in quality and commitment, the next generation of stars is utilizing social media to build their brand, expand their cliental and influence the next generation of artists to come.
141: Speaking of social media, how important do you find the relationship between numbers and talent for you when choosing who to work with?
MCS: When working with a new client I do not look at the followers on their Instagram, but at whether or not they are a good fit for MCSC and do we have a cohesive vision. Our clients hire us to consult on marketing/vision which also includes boosting their social media presence. We focus on the work and credibility. People need to be cautious with booking models not off their portfolios, but on how many Instagram followers they have. This method is not a proven business model for getting the best quality product and I hope this influencer phase completely goes away. Regardless of followers and social media presence, MCSC prides ourself on quality over everything.
Photo by Courtney Fields
141: Whatdoyouthinkaboutthereturnof“old”trends to the fashion industry?
MCS: I hate the world trends because fashion is so subjective. I hate when I hear the word “on trend” from editors, however, I understand that that’s the buzzword that is used to stir up attention and excitement for consumers. Now, fashion is subjective and people wear what they want. The new generation is much freer with how they express themselves which is not always trendy. I always enjoy seeing trends that I used previously be recycled and brought to life in a better way. Style is something that can be timeless so nothing is necessarily old.
