Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikey J. De Guzman.
Hi Mikey J., can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As someone who’s always loved sustainable fashion, I started my styling journey in middle school, running around in thrift stores, experimenting with secondhand clothing.
When I was 20 years old, I had an opportunity to live in Orlando as an intern for Disney. During my time there, I got really deep into the rave scene, specifically the queer and House culture. In my tiny apartment, I decided that I wanted to have clothes that no one else had. Clothes that were part of me and the part of me I wanted to see. So, I started learning how to paint, dye and sew clothing, making alterations to thrifted pieces.
That same year, after Disney, I studied abroad in Barcelona. During my time in Barcelona, I met Swedish bridal designer, Lisa Wixell, who took me in as her apprentice. With her love and mentorship, I designed and manifested my first conceptual collection, Jai Jagannath. Named after my second name, I mixed Spanish fabrics with ’70s rave designs to formulate this collection. This collection in turn got me an invite and a partial scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Technology in Los Angeles.
Although I had to turn it down due to financial struggles and COVID-19, I was still able to continue my styling and modeling career by freelancing and working with small independent brands in Dallas and Oklahoma City. Today, I have walked runway shows, been published in over 10 magazines as a model, creative director, and wardrobe stylists, and have styled influencers, models, musicians, creatives, and many other artists. By launching Scythe and modeling independently, I have proven to myself and many others that it is possible to make a name for yourself in whatever you’re passionate about.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a young queer creative, I’ve had a lot of struggles with finances and the perception of me. Being an androgynous model is often hard when it comes to shoots as you often get type casted for your gender rather than your beauty and capabilities. It’s difficult for the new age of androgyny but it is worth as androgynous models break the boundaries of gender and beauty.
Additionally, being independent, there’s often the struggle of having to prove yourself and the value of your work to people who doubt you. People believe that since you’re young and inexperienced, your visions are malleable to their opinions or that it won’t be as successfully executed as you would hope for.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am Mikey J De Guzman, owner of creative fashion styling and image consultancy, Scythe. I specialize in creative fashion media and branding, with an emphasis on queerness, sustainability, and support of small independent brands and designers.
Although my style and fashion sense set me apart strongly, I think what makes me truly different is my passion, my work ethic, and my authenticity to my work. I am proud of how no matter the model or the brand, I am able to mobilize my creative vision with respect to those I work with and have a deep connection with those I chose to create with.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I open my DMs and emails to any collaborators who are in need of brand consultation, image consulting, wardrobe styling, or just anything that they feel would be a match for my creativity and work.
One of the best ways to work with me is by following my modeling and styling accounts (@yo.mikey.j & @scythe.style). By sharing, liking, and commenting with my content, support is seen and felt.
Contact for pricing and contract work.
Contact Info:
- Email: mikey125deguzman@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yo.mikey.j/
- Other: https://kavyar.com/droeko6nbliu
Image Credits:
Aleah
Flanelle Magazine
Bethany Young
Mikey J De Guzman
Taylor Schornick
OKC Pride Campaign
Maia Tharp
Averi Burk
Dallas Queer Creatives Campaign
Maia Tharp
Julio Cordero Jr.
Logan Peltier
PUMP Magazine
Rachel Minick
DJ Reni
Ponyboy
Demontei Johnson
Tabb Model twins
Beckham & Chapin King
Vogue Italia
Franchely Figueroa
Anvane Magazine
