Which piece of work are you most proud of?
Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman, the documentary I made about my mother, who I consider my first muse. It takes you on a journey of this woman who persevered through obstacles. It was so meaningful for me as it debuted just before she passed away in 2012.
Do you have a signature scent?
Frederic Malle French Lover. Every time I wear it, people are like, “You smell so good.”
If you could own any artwork in the world, what would it be?
Anything by Alma Thomas. I’ve tried to acquire her work at auctions but still can’t afford it. I love the colours, the abstractions – how bold, direct and honest they are. I also love that we share the same last name!
And if you can only save one clothing item…
It would be a black pair of Issey Miyake pleated trousers. They are my favourite item to travel with. I layer them with Rick Owens, Comme des Garçons, Dior, Gucci, Thom Browne, even Gap… you can pretty much wear them with anything and still look fabulous.
Your most prized beauty product?
Everything For Healing Oil by Shakima York, an incredible cosmetologist and scientist in Brooklyn. It gives you impeccable skin.
Whose work should we be paying attention to?
The L’Enchanteur designers, and identical twins, Dynasty and Soull Ogun, who just won the 2024 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.
Your greatest vice?
Working too hard. I don’t get enough sleep.
Where’s the best view in the world?
Brooklyn Bridge. You see the beautiful melting pot of the city. Twenty years ago I used to walk over that bridge to Chinatown to get my dollar noodles and chicken because I couldn’t afford the train. Now it’s no longer about struggle. Now I walk over this bridge because I enjoy it.
The best conversation starter?
Food. Always food. You can learn a lot about a person through what they eat, what they cook, the flavours they love or don’t love…
What makes a good friend?
A listener. Someone nonjudgmental. Someone who cheers you on when you’re doing great things but also anchors you when you’ve done something that isn’t quite right.
Tell us something surprising about you.
I was raised a Buddhist. The philosophy is a huge part of my practice. I believe that the things you say, what you do and how you think has a lot to do with what your life looks like.
What’s the highest form of praise?
Accepting praise has always been challenging for me. It shouldn’t be about me being praised as a person. I’m just doing the work.
What’s on your nightstand?
Usually my journal, a Byredo candle and Tina Turner’s Happiness Becomes You. I read a passage from it every night and every morning.
Name the soundtrack to your life.
A mix of Luther Vandross and Teena Marie.
Whose wardrobe would you most love to raid?
A combination of Erykah Badu, June Ambrose and Law Roach. I just love all their personal styles.
Mickalene Thomas: All About Love is at the Hayward Gallery from 11 February to 5 May 2025
