Style thy Self: a Q&A with Mikey Ricehouse
Fresh off the set of his official FRESNO photo shoot, I sat with Brazil-native turned Texan, Mikey Ricehouse, to discuss how he navigates the world of fashion while balancing working behind the scenes and, now more and more, in front of the camera. The Curitiba-born Brazilian standing 6’ 1” tall, shyly sits with me in a tucked away booth for his interview at a downtown Dallas coffee shop.
Q: Mikey, we just got done with your shoot. Your first ever photo shoot, I may add. How did you feel?
A: Surprisingly comfortable. I was unsure of myself during the pre-shoot, but when we began shooting I felt confident in all of the looks. The photographer was also great in giving direction which made the entire process more relaxed.
Q: Speaking of the looks, you styled yourself for this shoot. Did you choose pieces that were a bit more editorial or did you stick to how you typically dress?
A: All the pieces you see in the shoot are items that stem from my own aesthetic and that I would generally wear.
Q: Do you remember the first moment you realized fashion was something more than just finding something to wear? At what point did you want to explore it creatively?
A: For me it wasn’t a moment in time but instead something I grew into as I matured into having my own look.
Q: Was there a version of yourself you wanted the readers to see for the first time in these images?
A: Just having people see how versatile I can be when it comes to different styles, shapes and fabrics is something I wanted to highlight, for sure.
Q: You come across as naturally reserved. From the times that we have met and worked together, you are definitely on the calmer side of the spectrum. You’re not necessarily a quiet person, but definitely more chill. Yet your work is expressive and bold. How do those two sides of you coexist?
A: I believe both sides support one another. My boldness in fashion is balanced out by my reserved personality that I use to hone in on my styling skills.
Q: This shoot feels like a defining moment in this newly found career of yours, right? Not necessarily a new beginning. That may be too extreme, but certainly a recalibration, if you will. You’ve been doing some work in the art and event production world and now you are shifting towards styling. What interests you about styling others?
A: Being able to see my ideas on someone other than myself. Working with different silhouettes and having the resources to create on a bigger scale excites me.
“Brazil was the reason behind my early interests in fashion. Music, dance, food, sports are all deeply rooted in the culture of Brazil...”
Q: I should add that you have a pretty unique style yourself. How would you articulate your styling aesthetic as it stands today?
A: My style revolves around neutral tones with a bit of bold colors and statement pieces. I try to incorporate one piece that gives some flair without it overpowering the entire outfit. I prioritize proportions and won’t shy away from using elements that are oversized, tailored or boxy for my style.
Q: When you’re building a look, whether for yourself or someone else, what do you start with first: the silhouette, the feeling, or the story you want to tell?
A: Typically you want to start with the silhouette of the person so understanding who your styling will always be to your benefit.
Q: You spent your early years in Brazil before ending up in Texas. Brazil is a place that is synonymous with visual language, movement, and culture. How does that early environment continue to inform your creative point of view?
A: Brazil was the reason behind my early interests in fashion. Music, dance, food, sports are all deeply rooted in the culture of Brazil, and not-surprisingly are all things I love. As I continue to expand my career It's clear to me the influence my place of birth has had on me. Being versatile in my creativity, using bold colors, and incorporating sports and media into my portfolio are all things that have trickled down from my experiences in Brazil.
Q: Before fully stepping into your creative practice, you navigated more corporate spaces working in construction management. That typically is an environment that tends to reward strategic execution over creative experimentation. What did that period give you, and what did it limit?
A: I will forever be grateful for that period of my life, but it all came down to self reflection and understanding that those roles weren't meant for me. Although I will forever keep the skills I learned and perfected while starting my career, the limitations that came with it were the things that ultimately pushed me out and into my passion.
Q: Making the shift from corporate stability to a creative role, especially as a Latino creative, is rarely linear. What made this transition feel necessary at this particular time?
A: Time. As much of a cliché as it is, I believe if I didn't take a step now I would be so comfortable with where I was that I would never make the time to start. It was clear to me that I needed to make a move now rather than later.
Q: As you embrace this new role, it seems like your work now feels more defined and purposeful. How has creative freedom changed the way you approach styling?
A: Having the freedom to express who you are through fashion is in itself an art form. Using the idea of uniqueness and allowing your likes and dislikes to mold your own style is how I approach being a stylist.
Q: Fashion and styling are often dismissed as surface-level which I completely disagree with. Your approach suggests something deeper. What does styling allow you to communicate that words cannot?
A: Emotion, culture, and personality are just some ways you project yourself through fashion. Expression is language. You can tell a lot about a person from the way they dress and how they present themselves.
Q: As a creative working within and beyond Latino identity, how do you navigate representation without feeling confined by it?
A: Truthfully if someone met me for the first time they would not think I was of Latin descent. My brown curly hair and light complexion, as funny as this may sound, can throw off most people. However, I have always been proud of where I come from and will always be an advocate for Latino inclusion, especially in the Brazilian community. I will never be confined by anything or anyone simply because I refuse to be. That isn’t who I am.
Q: As you step further into this chapter where you will focus deeper into styling and fashion production, what feels most urgent or exciting about the work ahead?
A: Finding the right avenue to help drive my career, whether it be styling, fashion production, or both, is something I can’t wait to explore this year.
Q: Maybe being in front of the camera is where you’ll find the most excitement?
A: Ummm, yeah. Maybe. We’ll see (replying with a smirk).
Q: At this early stage in your career, what does success look like to you? Is it increasing the visibility of your work? Finding creative fulfillment? Or is it something quieter?
A: For me, being so new in this field, success isn’t being known but instead continuing to be authentic and precise in my work.
Q: I want to ask about you about your next styling gig, but it seems like we both know the answer to that. We’ll be working on an upcoming shoot for the magazine. Anything you want to mention as a preview for the readers?er?
A: No (he laughs). We’ll let it be a surprise.
Model: Mikey Ricehouse | Photography: Christopher Michael | Location: SPACE at Adolphus