TODD KNOWS BEST

Welcome to the archives. Exquisite taste is hard to come by. This week, we take a look back at our 2019 Culture Jock cover star celebrity fashion stylist Todd White aka Labelsndollas.

Photos by Michael Thornburg.

Todd is very busy. 

Formerly known by his alias, Labelsndollas, the 23 year old fashion stylist . Competing against his curriculum at Kent State University, where he aimed to graduate this Winter.  

I finally reach him- trying to catch him is like chasing a feather in the wind. It has a mind of its own and its destination. Today, he’s running errands for a photoshoot in Lakewood, OH. He’s rescheduled with me three times before confirming a phone call.

“I’m so sorry but I’m about to hop on the bus.”

In about an hour, Todd would be catching the Greyhound from Cleveland, OH to New York City. A last minute but critical decision to be by Megan’s side for a week of press conferences, including a trip to Genius and Beat1. On this dark ride, it can be certain, Todd will be sitting alone, glasses tinted blue from the glow of his laptop, as he juggles last minute fashion requests, homework extensions, and studying for his upcoming exams.

“It’s all going to workout. I’m just going to keep speaking it into existence.” 

Pinky’s up.

On Working With Megan Thee Stallion:

“It hasn’t hit me because I’m trying to do more and be more in the moment. And appreciate what is happening now.”

…

“People get so caught up with designers. For me I love working with Meg because she embodies the attitude. My styling is to compliment her attitude.One thing I am trying to resuscitate is the belly chain, That’s what I was aiming for with ‘Big Ole’ Freak.’” 

…

“I met Megan’s mom, talked to her, she’s a black mom in LA, with a little studio off in Downtown LA and works her ass off. To me it’s a breath of fresh air when I see people like her. They could go much faster if they had people backing them.”

…

“I commend people in the industry. Megan has been on a plane five days in a row. Damn, I have to calculate this time to do homework and make sure I have time to do homework. I am so close to emailing all my professors that I need an extension. I have an exam on Wednesday. I’m like,bro, I don’t know how I am going to fit that in[laughs].”

On personal Styling:

“Honestly, I knew I wanted to style when I was little. I just didn't know how to explain it. I used to work at Forever 21 in Cincinnati. They would call me Mr. Stylist.[My manager] would put me on the floor because I always got people to buy. I would help people put looks together. 

…

“I’m young gay black male going to fashion school. So typical to be a stylist. I didn’t want to claim it. But I grew into it.I started accepting that this is the career I want.”

…

“I feel like for me I like everything vintage. I try to avoid the mall or places everyone goes. I don’t like to say thrift because there is a difference.”

…

“Latex and vinyl are my favorite things to see on a woman’s body. The person who is wearing it is who is taking it to the next level.”

Todd’s Game:

“People think you not popping if you not in designer. But really YOU not popping if YOU not piecing your look together.”

…

“I love designer. Vintage archive designer is my favorite thing in the world. This is the time of high and low designing. That’s what I want to focus with Meg. For the people that understand fashion. They are commending these moments, Cardi B and her team made her moment and made it big, but it was for those that understood it. I’ve seen her in Gucci by Tom Ford. And I’m like, ‘you go bitch.’” 
…

“Fashion is moving forward more than anything. I think black designers are moving at a much faster rate than ever but aren’t getting the credit.”

the mood board:

“When ‘A Seat at the Table’ came out at that time I’m like, ‘omg I’m doing my own thing.’ I feel like she’s so inspirational to me. I feel like when she drops that’s when something is happening for me. This is a good time to reflect. She’s like my gospel music.”

…

“‘Crush On You’ music video is one I always refer to.”

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“ Jawbreakers, The Fifth Element, Queen of the Damned-the styling is so classic. I felt like it was a moment-Playas Club and Casino! I love that film.”

…

“I like a revamp FUBU, Harley and Playboy tees. [Megan’s]  favorite is Kendra, my favorite was Holly. She was just classic. Kendra was a little bit ghetto. She is country-ghetto. She is trashy ghetto. No shade, no shade.”

Pro-Tip:

“I always want people to know you have hustle, hustle, hustle. It is not a career that is given to you. I didn’t assist under someone for 10 years. I still have that time for me to do that. Learn from other people and be involved as much as you can. Networking is most important. You have to talk to people, you have to do PR. You have to want to not be lazy. Always be resourceful. Be the hardest worker in the room. Anyone that talks to me I want that to be the takeaway.”

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