Humble and amusing, Michael Bogard—better known as Mike B.—is the visionary behind some of the best looks on hip-hop celebrities. The New York native started his career at Bad Boy Records under the wing of famed stylist Groovey Lew. Alongside Groovey, Mike styled some of music's biggest names during the golden era of hip-hop, and, in doing so, helped shape rap culture. Characterized by mafioso flare, the marriage of hip-hop and couture in the 1990s—replete with gold chains, flamboyant Versace patterns, and sunglasses—remains one of fashion's most recognizable periods.
After spending 11 years at Bad Boy, Mike B. pursued other fashion adventures. These include helping friends Maxwell Osbourne and Dao-Yi Chow launch menswear label Public School and developing the styling department for Selfridges. Continuing to share his talents, Mike B. linked up with us to discuss daytime looks for Spring 2019, pulling exclusively from Macy's wide array of brands.
Walking through Macy's aisles to build head-to-toe looks for today's shoot, Mike recalls it was his mother who first introduced him to the world of fashion. "There's this game that my brothers and I used to play when we were younger," he remembers. "My mom would take us shopping with her every weekend, so we used to run around the stores, and we used to play who could find a new designer."
That game has become a lifelong passion, and below are the results of his latest scavenger hunt—along with some dressing advice.
List Your Day Essentials
Making the transition from winter to spring requires the right jacket—one that's versatile. "You could always come outside and throw that good thin leather jacket on that's nice and buttery," says Mike B.
This I.N.C. Faux Leather Moto Jacket, exclusively available at Macy's, is a good pick. You don't need Sandro to be cool, and faux leather is not only acceptable, it's encouraged. In addition to a leather jacket, Mike suggests a good trench coat that pairs well with a denim shirt and khakis.
accessorize
"Macy's has always kept the consistency of having their pulse on the culture or whatever may be going on at the time, whether it's corporate, street, pop, or even punk," says Mike. "I feel like they've really captured a way where they understand the best of all worlds are here under one roof. Their undergarments, their shades, eyewear, footwear, but, most importantly, the accessories. [Macy's] really seems to have that down pat." Putting pieces together is one thing, but it's the accessories that are the final touch to an outfit. With spring around the corner, Ray Bans are an easy accent. Shop these Ray-Ban sunglasses at Macy's, and don't skip sunblock.
identify yourself with certain brandS
For Mike, styling different looks represents what he calls his different ambiances. "It’s the different Mike B’s," he explains. To study your different identities, take stock of your favorite brands and look for recurring patterns in your wardrobe to realize your go-to cuts, fabrics, and colors. Blue and orange are having a moment in fashion. If you took an L on the Noah Corduroy Team Jacket in Aqua, shop the Superdry Graphic Logo Hoodie in Pastel Blue.
Learn your history of fashion
"Familiarize yourself with the DNA of designers," says Mike. "Everything is always 360 degrees, everything always comes back around again. There is no reinventing the wheel. I feel like once you learn your history, because there's always certain eras that did certain things in fashion, it always takes you back to a certain part of history and you'll be able to put a splash in a mix of what is going on today." Tommy Hilfiger is an example of a brand which has remained consistent and relevant. When it comes to styling, there's nothing wrong with the tried and true. Shop the Tommy Hilfiger look here.
For more Spring 2019 looks, shop Macy's.
