From hip-hop icons to reggae legends, Mike B has styled them all
Published:Tuesday | September 3, 2024 | 1:01 PMKrysta Anderson - Staff Reporter
Dubbed the prince of fashion, celebrity designer and stylist Mike B has spent decades starting conversations and transforming fashion, all while staying connected to his Jamaican roots.
“Fashion has an expiration date. Style is forever. And I grew up on style. My garment is my business card,” he told The Sunday Gleaner.
Born Michael Barnett to Jamaican parents, Mike B grew up in New York and recounted having a wonderful childhood filled with culture and love.
He always had a creative eye, all thanks to his father, who stood proudly as his fashion icon over the years, setting a great example of how to step out in style.
By high school, the student was already on an artistic path to greatness, styling jeans and sneakers with impressive artwork.
Studying the market and learning his strengths and weaknesses along the way, he made his official debut on the style scene with P Diddy and has assisted with styling artistes such as the late Biggie Smalls, Swizz Beatz, Jay Z, Usher and Ludacris. He went on to work extensively with P Diddy’s Sean John clothing line, which opened several design avenues with other singers and rappers.
He also notably worked on the Junior Gong and Nas project. Wanting to keep that momentum going, he set his sights on designing for those with Jamaican heritage.
“Fabric represents luxury. Fabric represents opulence. And I aspire to bring them to the spotlight with each and every client I work with, reflecting their personal style in [a] unique fashion.”
By the time the Diddy door closed, another opened when he began designing for Chris Brown. “God has blessed me and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve received over the years.”
Working with reggae icon Buju Banton was a dream come true for Mike B. “It was something that I was praying and manifesting for three to four years,” he explained, adding, “I’ve always been a fan of Buju, from day one.”
The celebrity designer recalled watching Banton’s first performance since his return to freedom a few years ago online. Then he took the opportunity to see him live onstage at the show, Intimate, alongside Beres Hammond, last year.
FINAL INTRODUCTION
DJ Jabba made the final introduction to Banton’s manager, Joey Buttafuoco, sharing with the manager that Mike B was the designer he was talking about being able to style the Destiny singer.
The designer suggested providing designs for the New York leg of his Overcomer Tour. And the rest is history.
“When we met, I ensured I had everything laid out: the vision board. And he said he liked the style, he saw where I was going.”
Determining his style was based on his own interpretation of the recording artiste’s style: regal renegade chic.
“Buju performs! He is running a marathon and it’s high energy from beginning to end. So, he has to wear breathable fabric like silk, linen or satin for the perspiration. But it still has to give the royal look. He chose satin and we started building for the shows,” Mike B reflected.
While on his journey, he started Bogard, building omni-form garments around real designs. It was important to have a classic brand that represented luxury and opulence, but one that speaks to individual expression, “Every day I’m evolving and reinventing myself. Fashion and style are a lifestyle for me.”
Styling several celebrities in this style game, he gives credit to his coaches, and his parents, noting the owner of the team is God.
He spoke highly of clothing designer, D Ferg, father of American rapper, A$AP Ferg, who mentored him over the years, “D Ferg showed me how to hustle, stay focused, stay committed to an idea and not let anyone talk me out of my vision, stick to my vision and see it all the way through.”
Additionally, Mike B made special mention of his wife, expressing gratitude for her support, “I wouldn’t be as focused or as creative if it wasn’t for my wife. She’s a major component in my life. She keeps me focused on my profession, my personal life and my spirituality.”
He hopes that his legacy will pay homage to the style forefathers before him while honouring the lane that he has created. “When you [focus on] your own lane, you don’t have to worry about traffic or being stuck behind anyone else.”