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Our First Merch Collab Is Here!

Get it while it’s hot.

Sam wears Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab black crewneck Sam wears Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab black crewneck

From day one, our motto at Milk Makeup has always been “Live Your Look”—a rally cry born from our belief that beauty isn’t about how you create your look, it’s what you do in it that matters. So we’re psyched to share the news that we’re finally taking our mission to help you live your look one step further. 

That’s right: We’re launching Milk Merch!

For our very first merch collab, we teamed up with Joe Perez, creative director, partner for WØRKS, and longtime friend of MMU, on a limited-edition, size-inclusive line of tees, hoodies, and crewnecks inspired by old-school concert merch and the concept of “Global Frequency”—a phrase you’ll see emblazoned on each design.

So what exactly is Global Frequency? It’s about bringing communities together to celebrate art, creativity, and individuality. Or as Joe puts it: “[Being able to] find your voice, your own frequency, and emerging with the freedom to express that energy to the fullest.”

“We’re celebrating the community of doers that push culture forward,” he says. “Individuals that bring about positive change, that inspire others to push boundaries and live life to the beat of their own drum.”

You’ve probably already seen Joe’s philosophy reflected in his iconic album covers for artists like Nicki Minaj and Kanye West. Now, he’s taken those talents and channeled them into creating our limited-edition Milk Makeup x Joe Perez drop. 

“We really wanted to create items that our community would love and wear,” says Mazdack Rassi, Milk Makeup Co-founder and Milk Studios founder. “And for our first merch collab, we felt that creating a line with an artist we respected was the best way to start.”

Not only that, like our makeup, it was important to us that our merch embodied our ethos to create products that are as responsibly made as possible, which is why we partnered with sustainable manufacturer Version Tomorrow. Each piece in the Milk Makeup x Joe Perez collection is created with 50% recycled cotton, which uses less water to produce than conventional cotton. And to make sure the pieces were reflective of our Milk Fam, the size range goes from a unisex small to a 3XL.

Ready to get a closer look at the line? We asked our MMU Fam (along with some of their actual fam) to model the collection. Get to know our team, below, and how they #LiveYourLook. 

GG wears Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab black crewneck
Syd wears Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab black sweatshirt

Georgie Greville (she/her), MMU Co-Founder / Creative Director, photographed with son Syd (he/him)

What do you do at Milk Makeup?

GG: I work on evolving the DNA and values of the brand with the creative and philanthropic teams at Milk Makeup. I also direct campaign films for us sometimes.

SYD: Forever muse. 

What’s your zodiac sign?

GG: Gemini sun, Taurus moon, Taurus rising.

SYD: Leo sun, Pisces moon, Leo rising.

Describe your personal style.

GG: Versatile adventure femme.

SYD: Colorful action beauty.

How do you #LiveYourLook?

GG: I am constantly experimenting with my look but I do tend to love a bold lip, hydrated, bronzed skin, and big, KUSH-enhanced lashes. 

SYD: I feel the best in different colored socks, tie dye shirts and pants I can do Capoeira in.

What’s your favorite thing about our new Milk merch?

GG: Energy is my religion so I am all about the Global Frequency. I also love that we are partnered with Version Tomorrow to get the highest quality, earth-friendly garments.

SYD: I really like the design.

Favorite style hack or advice?

Don’t just wear new brands. Combining emerging designers with curated and classic vintage makes everything more fly.

What’s your favorite thing in your closet?

GG: My Mara Hoffman popcorn dresses

SYD: My colorful Marques Almeida bell bottoms. 

Best concert you’ve ever been to?

Daft Punk at Coachella 2007

What does community mean to you?

GG: Sharing enough love, support and potentiality for everyone to thrive.

SYD: Community means everybody working together.

Caitlin wearing Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab black crewneck
Philip wearing Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab white hoodie

Caitlin O’Brien (she/her), MMU Director of Social Media Strategy + Analytics, photographed with brother Philip O’Brien (he/him)

What do you do at Milk Makeup?

I’m the team lead for our fabulous social media team. I work across paid social, content strategy, paid influencer marketing, and reporting. I love my job!

What’s your zodiac sign?

CAITLIN: Leo

PHILIP: Scorpio

Describe your personal style.

CAITLIN: My personal style has everything to do with how confident I feel on a given day. I’m always drawn to more femme styles that celebrate natural beauty and natural bodies. I tend to look for styles that suit my body wherever it’s at, and I really like pops of color. When I was young, my mom always used to say, “Gray isn’t a color.” Whether or not that’s true, it stuck with me. I’m now always drawn to bright looks. And I love wearing my hair natural—curly girl for life!

PHILIP: Sporty and comfortable, with an edge. I’ve won best dressed at school and my program for adults with disabilities many times over. Shoutout to my mom for helping shop for clothes that look and feel good. 

How do you #LiveYourLook?

Blush. So much blush. My favorite at the moment is Bionic Blush in Teleport. Coral and orange blushes are my whole heart.

What’s your favorite thing about our new Milk merch?

The comfort level is unmatched! I feel instantly cooler when I wear my Milk merch, and I love when people stop me to ask about the design.

Favorite style hack or advice?

Believe in yourself and trust the process.

What’s your favorite thing in your closet?

I have a black jumper that says "REPEAL" on it. It refers to the push in 2017-2018 in Ireland to repeal the 8th amendment. It belonged to my best friend who used to live in Dublin. She passed away before the amendment was repealed, and I asked her fiancé if I could have it. It’s the best reminder of her and what she believed in the most. 

Best concert you’ve ever been to?

Voodoofest 2018 in New Orleans, LA with my bestie. Arctic Monkeys > everything.

What does community mean to you?

Community means knowing you belong as you are.

Tell us about your relationship with your brother. How did it feel being together at the shoot? 

My brother Philip is my whole entire heart. He’s three years younger, but throughout our lives, I’ve been not only a big sister to him, but also a mother figure and protector. He was born with Hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy and therefore hasn’t developed the ability to walk, speak, or care for himself. To most people, he’s different—but to me, he’s just my sweetie brother who is pure light. He has so much humor, contentment, and joy in his life and every single life he touches feels his warmth and happiness. It meant the world to me to have Flip (as we call him) at the shoot because everyone I work with got to experience his radiant energy.

Iley Cao (she/they), MMU Junior Content Creator

What do you do at Milk Makeup?

I work with the creative team on creating photo and video content at Milk Makeup! Most of my work day consists of concepting, planning, shooting, and editing photos and videos that are seen on social media and in paid media.

What’s your zodiac sign?

I’m a Libra rising and a Leo sun and moon.

Describe your personal style.

I would say it definitely depends on the day, but I’ve been really leaning into more neutrals lately. I used to love really bold prints and colors, but right now I wanna hone in on getting really solid basics that will last me a long while and that I can style up or down.

How do you #LiveYourLook?

I go with my intuition. It’s whatever I’m feeling that day and that’s how I go about choosing how to express myself. Some days it’s super glammed up, and other days it’s leaning more into what’s comfortable and simple. Hair is a big form of expression for me, and I love to change it up often.

What’s your favorite thing about our new Milk merch?

I love the graphics on our merch. Plus they’re super comfy! I feel like it’s perfect for dressing up or down, and it really gives flexibility to style while also staying true to the Milk brand.

Iley wearing Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab white t-shirt

Favorite style hack or advice?

I love tucking in thin + short dresses into baggy pants! I feel like you get an extra shirt out of it and baggy pants are so great because you don’t have to worry as much about bunching at the waist.

What’s your favorite thing in your closet?

Right now it’s got to be my Melissa Candy Sandals. They have hearts on the soles and remind me of jelly sandals!

Best concert you’ve ever been to?

Hard question!! I was a former pop-punk, moshing, teeny-bop with a college radio station, and I used to love to be in the center of it all. I feel like my energy levels have definitely declined though and now I prefer more chill concerts. I would say my favorite was Sylvan Esso at Red Rocks.

What does community mean to you?

Community to me means people who support and love you no matter the circumstances, but also who push you to be the best version of yourself! I think community is definitely less about a physical space, and more of a feeling of mutual understanding, respect, and love.

Harmony wears Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab white hoodie
Harmony wears Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab white hoodie



Harmony Boyer (she/her), MMU VP of Retail

What do you do at Milk Makeup?

My job is being the liaison between Milk Makeup and our retail partners in North America. I get to work closely with our internal team through all stages of a product being concepted, brought to market and executed online and in store. From providing feedback in the early stages of product development, to capturing the product in creative expression, to solidifying retailer launch plans and marketing execution, my team and I see it all. In short, I’m a beauty wingwoman.

What’s your zodiac sign?

Libra—in all the best and worst ways. I’m charming and indecisive. (*I will regularly fall in love with anyone that does not make me choose the restaurant we eat at.)

Describe your personal style.

Have you ever met an extroverted standup comedian who actually wants to be a slightly reclusive ’60s or ’70s rock star? I’m big on oversized everything but also hyper femme summer dresses, layers, and somewhat clashing patterns. I’m not a capsule wardrobe queen and somehow always feel like I have “nothing to wear.”

I like unnecessary accessories and fussy clothing. You could say that the most important reference visuals would be Pete Townshend in 1967, anything the Last Shadow Puppets wore in 2016, a dash of Dua Lipa tour attire, and subtle Diane Keaton vibes.

How do you #LiveYourLook?

While I love aesthetics (I’m a Libra, after all), I truly feel that Living my Look goes far beyond any version of style. For me, it’s really how I make people feel. I hope to leave every room I enter better, or full of eye rolls due to my bad puns and dad jokes.  

What’s your favorite thing about our new Milk merch?

I feel like an album cover! No, but seriously, they’re so comfy, cozy, and effortlessly cool.  I can mix and match them with any style I’m throwing together and always get compliments. And everything feels like a hug.  

Favorite style hack or advice?

Wear whatever you want with confidence. This is especially easy to do in New York since everyone really encourages and celebrates individuality.  

What’s your favorite thing in your closet?

I’ve been on a vintage nightgown kick and recently stumbled upon the perfect YSL sleep dress. I’ll be channeling Victorian Ghostchild summer forever.  

Best concert you’ve ever been to?

The Pixies in Paris! Seeing The Cure is a very close runner up.

What does community mean to you?

Community is not only the people around you, but also the situations and external elements you surround yourself with. For me, community is a combination of people, places, music, art, humor, pets, and the inner feeling that you sustain, acquire, and radiate. I would feel lucky to be considered part of someone’s community. (Thank you, Milk!)

Steve wears Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab black hoodie
Steve and son Xavier wear Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab

Steve Nguyen (he/him), MMU Chief Financial Officer, photographed with son Xavier (he/him)

What do you do at Milk Makeup?

The most important role I have at Milk Makeup is to be able to break down barriers so that our organization works as efficiently as possible. To do this, I try to empower employees to come up with great ideas that will help our company grow. Great ideas come from every corner of an organization, and the best thing I can do is to help get those ideas implemented.

What’s your zodiac sign?

STEVE: Capricorn

XAVIER: Libra

Describe your personal style.

Compassionate, humorous, polite, listening, and action-oriented.

How do you #LiveYourLook?

I like to switch it up. Cool and casual on most days, but I like to stand out for special occasions.

What’s your favorite thing about our new Milk merch?

It’s cool and comfortable.

Favorite style hack or advice?

SPF always—and a little Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30 for glow.

What’s your favorite thing in your closet?

A white suit I bought to go to a summer wedding.

Best concert you’ve ever been to?

Getting to sit 10 rows back at a Jay-Z concert, which was my first New York concert.

What does community mean to you?

Community is an extension of family. It’s a place of belonging, a safe place to be yourself, a place to be able to voice your opinions without being judged, and a place to be held accountable.

Tell us about your relationship with your son. How did it feel being together at the shoot? 

STEVE: Being a father and being able to see life experiences through his eyes is everything I live for, whether it’s snowboarding, collecting things, or going on vacations as a family. Having him on the shoot with me was honestly the best early Father’s Day present I could ever have. To see his energy and face light up was so much fun. Watching him skateboard through the office like he belonged there was a moment I’ll never forget.  

XAVIER: I had the best day ever. I got to skip school, get a new pair of Jordans at Kith, and go to my favorite sports card store in the city!

Tressan wears Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab black t-shirt
Tressan wears Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab black t-shirt

Tressan Garcia (she/her), MMU Director of Brand Marketing

What do you do at Milk Makeup?

I help lead our marketing and product positioning strategy to maintain brand-consumer relationships. So that means building brand awareness through strategic marketing tactics and vehicles. 

What’s your zodiac sign?

Virgo

Describe your personal style.

Dope

How do you #LiveYourLook?

I live my look by being unapologetically me and comfortable with the skin I’m in.

What’s your favorite thing about our new Milk merch?

I love the design and fit!

Favorite style hack or advice?

Do you boo!

What’s your favorite thing in your closet?

My dunks!

Best concert you’ve ever been to?

Prince, Sade, Jill Scott, NE...I have so many!

What does community mean to you?

Connection, support, inclusion

Lindsay wears Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab black t-shirt
Lindsay wears Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab black t-shirt

Lindsay Schallon (she/her), MMU Editorial Creative Director

What do you do at Milk Makeup?

Not to brag, but I kiiiinda think I have the best job at Milk. I lead everything editorial for us, which means I help set the tone for how Milk speaks to our community. One hour my team and I could be working on taglines for a new product, the next we could be editing an email, a TikTok caption, an influencer mailer, or a script for a Sephora video. (Fun fact: I helped edit this story by our amazing editorial intern!) I was a fashion and beauty editor for a handful of magazines before coming to Milk, so I’m constantly glued to my phone to see what people are talking about—what trends are taking off, smart hacks to try, and what our community wants more of in terms of beauty. I’ll use that inspo to dream up all the ways we storytell, then work with the most talented people in the biz to make those ideas come to life.

What’s your zodiac sign?

Scorpio sun, Capricorn moon, Scorpio rising. 

Describe your personal style.

Girlie with a hint of prep and lots of gold jewelry. Think: Cottagecore meets Madewell. 

How do you #LiveYourLook?

I’m all about products that make getting ready fast + easy. I’m definitely a do-my-makeup-at-my-desk-or-in-the-car kinda girl. Shoutout to Sunshine Skin Tint and Lip + Cheek. My hair is where I tend to play more. It’s usually some kind of shade of red or auburn at any given time. 

What’s your favorite thing about our new Milk merch?

It’s size-inclusive! I’ve been everything from a size 2 to a size 18 (currently I’m a 14) and intimately know how frustrating it is when a brand doesn’t carry your size. We fit-tested our merch on a wide range of models to make sure they fit up to a gender-neutral 3XL (i.e. a women’s 6X). I also love that they’re a little oversize, so they’re super comfy to chill in. 

Favorite style hack or advice?

If you love it, buy it in every color.Sorry not sorry. 

What’s your favorite thing in your closet?

My Cardinals jersey. I grew up in Saint Louis, where baseball is everything. It feels like having a little piece of home with me. 

Best concert you’ve ever been to?

In college I road-tripped to Chicago to see the Spice Girls reunion tour with like 10 of my sorority sisters. We had nosebleed seats and it was absolutely magical. 

What does community mean to you?

Chosen family. The people who bring out the best in you, inspire you, encourage you, make you laugh, give you hope, give you strength, and fill your heart with joy. 

Denise wears Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab white crewneck
Hannah and Denise hold hands wearing Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab

Hannah Spicijaric (she/her), MMU Product Development Manager, photographed with mom Denise (she/her)

What do you do at Milk Makeup?

I work on all products from concept to finish. I specifically work on the formulas—I write formula briefs, communicate with our manufacturers, approve production batches, develop new formulas, and research new ingredients. I facilitate all of our consumer studies as well.

What’s your zodiac sign?

Leo/Virgo cusp—I’m the last day of Leo season.

Describe your personal style.

I asked my best friend to help me with this question. She said “witchy chic.”

How do you #LiveYourLook?

I live my look by always staying true to myself. I am so happy to be me and I live my look every day by remembering that (or trying to remember that!).

What’s your favorite thing about our new Milk merch?

It makes me feel so proud to be part of the Milk Fam and see how far we’ve come as a brand and as a community! I can’t wait to see the rest of our Milk Fam wearing it as well.

Favorite style hack or advice?

I try not to leave the house feeling uncomfortable in the clothes I’m wearing. If I’m feeling confident in my outfit, I know I’ll have a better day. 

What’s your favorite thing in your closet?

White Club C Reeboks. I like the Double version that gives me a little more height.

Best concert you’ve ever been to?

Tame Impala

Tell us about your relationship with your mom. How did it feel having her with you at the shoot? 

I’m tearing up just thinking about answering this question! My mom is my hero. Her confidence and the way she carries herself has made me the confident woman I am today. We laugh together and cry together, and she never lets me forget who I am and how far I’ve come. She’s the most loving, empathetic human being I know. People are always complaining that they turn into their mothers as they get older, but I can’t wait to be more and more like her.  

I actually only did this shoot because of my mom. I prefer to stay behind the scenes, but I couldn’t say no to standing by her side at this photo shoot. It was so special—I couldn’t look her in the eye the whole time because she’s so cute, it makes me sob uncontrollably!


Sara Wren (she/her), MMU Director of Artistry, and David Walsh (he/him), MMU IT Manager (photographed with Hannah)

What do you do at Milk Makeup?

SARA: I do makeup for the campaigns, gondola, and social shoots. I also create social content and do Global Education for the brand virtually and in person. 

DAVID: I manage all things IT here at Milk Makeup. That means employee devices, emails, data, wireless access, firewalls, security, you name it. If it’s broken, I’m usually the person to come find! 

What’s your zodiac sign?

SARA: Capricorn

DAVID: Libra

Describe your personal style.

SARA: I’m a mix of tomboy meets party girl. I love bright pops of makeup, and I dress the same way. For my bright orange hair, less is more when it comes to bold looks. I love an orangey-red lip and a tracksuit, or a gorgeous black dress for a night out with dewy skin, clear gloss, and a strong lash.

DAVID: I keep things muted during the day with lots of dark earth tones. Nothing too flashy! Weekends and nights, I add some color and try to stick out a bit.

Sara W and David wear Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab

How do you #LiveYourLook?

SARA: I own the power in changing my vibe daily. Every day, I wake up and decide how I want to show up. I never hold myself to a particular style or amount of product—I like to go with the flow of the day.

DAVID: I live my look by doing things because they matter to me. What I wear, who I surround myself with, causes I care about—all of that is a choice that makes me who I am.

What’s your favorite thing about our new Milk merch?

SARA: It goes with everything, and everyone asks me where I got my hoodie!

DAVID: I love how eye-catching it is. You look at it once and think wow. I keep looking at it and notice just how much effort went into it.

Favorite style hack or advice?

SARA: Do your thing. Obviously be a nice, generous, kind and loving person. But when it comes to personal style, do you! I think it can be scary to explore different sides of ourselves, but ultimately you have to live your look for you and no one else. 

Also, my favorite quote ever is from Muhammad Ali: “It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you down, it’s the pebble in your shoe.” Do the work on yourself while loving yourself and get out of your own way!

DAVID: A nice pair of shoes goes a long way. The right ones can go with almost any outfit. 

What’s your favorite thing in your closet?

SARA: My Sixers Jersey (I’m from Philly and we go hard for sports) and my Crocs. Comfort is key. 

DAVID: My red and gold ikat short sleeve button up from Nordstrom. Good on ANY day.

Best concert you’ve ever been to?

SARA: Too many to name, but No Doubt is my favorite of all time. I’ve seen them a few times, and Gwen and the boys always kill it. Reunion, please?

DAVID: Arcade Fire in the GA Pit, right up front at Barclays. 

What does community mean to you?

SARA: Finding your people who make you feel loved, accepted, and cherished. Community is about a togetherness that makes everyone stronger by uniting. 

DAVID: Community is when you show up. Showing up for others, showing up when you’re needed, showing up just because you care for those around you

Sam wears Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab black crewneck
Sam wears Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab black crewneck





Samantha Leonardo (she/her), MMU Ecommerce Manager

What do you do at Milk Makeup?

Big question! But to simplify it, I manage MilkMakeup.com.

What’s your zodiac sign?

Libra

Describe your personal style.

Preppy hipster

How do you #LiveYourLook?

With a lot of pink, glittery eyeshadow.

What’s your favorite thing about our new Milk merch?

It’s so comfortable. I love how I can dress it up and wear it to work, or just lounge around in it in my apartment. I also love that it’s gender-neutral, and I can happily share the pieces with my partner.

Favorite style hack or advice?

Wear what makes you feel comfortable. With comfort, you’ll have more confidence. I’ve struggled with finding my style as a plus-size woman. It’s hard to find clothes that fit me, and I feel insecure when I have to go up to a larger size. The best thing I finally figured out was to shop for clothes that fit—and fit comfortably. 

What’s your favorite thing in your closet?

My millenial pink H&M blazer. Makes me feel like a girl boss.

Best concert you’ve ever been to?

George Ezra and Hoozier at Hammerstein Ballroom.

Joachris wears Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab white crewneck
Joachris wears Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab white crewneck




Joachris Ortiz (she/her), MMU Workplace Experience Coordinator

What do you do at Milk Makeup?

I’m the office manager. I make sure that the office is a safe and comfortable place to work. 

What’s your zodiac sign?

Aquarius 

Describe your personal style.

My style will forever be described as Whimsigoth! Lots of flowy skirts, tons of jewelry, and witchy elements.

How do you #LiveYourLook?

With lots of body glitter and a ring on every finger. 

What’s your favorite thing about our new Milk merch?

I love how versatile and comfortable the sweatshirts are. On weekends, I love to pair our Milk merch with bike shorts and my low top Docs. The T-shirts always look great with a pleated skirt and Converse. 

Favorite style hack or advice?

Try a million styles before you settle on one style. You have to experiment and learn what looks best on you and makes you feel amazing everyday. (Also, never be afraid to step out in a look that’s more out there. Someone will appreciate it.)

What’s your favorite thing in your closet?

I have an extensive collection of witchy skirts that I adore. I’ve found so many vintage skirts over the years. They don’t make them like they used to! 

Best concert you’ve ever been to?

Seeing Harry Styles at Madison Square Garden will always be such an experience. I could feel the floor shaking with how hard everyone was dancing. 

What does community mean to you?

Community is an environment where you feel safe to express yourself and be the person you want to be. 

Dixey Faciane (she/her) and Tony M. Faciane, Sr. (he/him)

What’s your relationship with Milk Makeup?

DIXEY: My daughter, Esther Faciane, is the Lead Content Manager and photographer at Milk. She’s the only on-staff photographer and takes the photos you see in Milk’s ads, emails, text messages, and on the website, sales counters, and billboards worldwide (and in this story!).

TONY: I’m Esther’s father!

What’s your zodiac sign?

DIXEY: Sagittarius

TONY: Capricorn

Describe your personal style.

DIXEY: I rock it—from Mardi Gras parade dance costumes to formal ball gowns and everything in between. 

TONY: I wear a suit and tie for business and jeans and T-shirts for leisure.

What’s your favorite thing about our new Milk merch?

DIXEY: I can promote my daughter’s work while wearing comfortable, functional clothes. 

TONY: I love my new hoodie. The texture and the style is classic, and I can’t wait for the weather to turn cool so I can wear it more. 

Dixey and Tony wear Milk Makeup x Joe Perez Merch Collab

Favorite style hack or advice?

DIXEY: Choose items that fit your body and your surroundings. Don’t try to look like someone else, even someone you admire. Everything is not right for everybody.

TONY: I choose earth colors that match my personality because I’m down-to-earth.

What’s your favorite thing in your closet?

DIXEY: Vans

TONY: My cowboy boots!

Best concert you’ve ever been to?

DIXEY: I worked in newspaper journalism and radio from 1973-1989. I’ve been backstage at all the greats: Isley Brothers, James Brown, Earth, Wind & Fire, Whitney Houston, Sade, Run DMC, Luther Vandross, Prince, LL Cool J, Stevie Wonder, Bootsy Collins, Rick James, Betty Wright, and many, many more. With all those to choose from, the most spectacular show I’ve ever seen was Marvin Gaye. 

TONY: Willie Nelson

What does community mean to you?

DIXEY: I spent the first 20 years of my life in California. No one was from there; everyone’s family had moved from somewhere else. There was no connection, no culture, no community. 

When I moved to New Orleans, I found a city where everyone’s family had been here for generations. Everyone is related to one another in some way or another. There are no strangers, only family. Here, we have the most welcoming, artistic, creative community that has contributed so much to the fabric of America—through music, dance, visual art, fashion, cuisine, architecture, and literature. Community is everything. That’s why so many New Orleanians find it impossible to leave. You can’t find this anywhere else.  

TONY: I was born and raised in the Treme neighborhood in New Orleans. Community means everything to me. I give back to my hood.  

Tell us about your relationship with your daughter. How did it feel having her photograph you? 

DIXEY: I’m so proud of how she left here with a goal, with ambition, and with talent. Just a few years later, she’s living her dream. I’m proud that she put her determination to work and believed in her own abilities. No fear. All guts. I enjoyed seeing her at work.

TONY: We’re proud of her accomplishments. She handles herself with such professionalism. It was a joy to watch her organize and coordinate the shoots. We admire how well she works with her team. The visit to Milk Studios was the highlight of our week in New York. 

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Estee Yi (she/her) is an editorial intern for Milk Makeup and college journalist exploring the human condition. She’s always looking to eat good food, expand her ring collection, and write the perfect lede.

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Estee Yi (she/her) is an editorial intern for Milk Makeup and college journalist exploring the human condition. She’s always looking to eat good food, expand her ring collection, and write the perfect lede.

All information is created for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.