When Mikiel Benyamin linked up with rapper Cardi B at the start of 2017, he brought her vision of edgy glamour to life. From bold cuts to bright colors (and lots of fur), Benyamin never ceased having fun with her versatility.
Now, with all the buzz surrounding Cardi’s style, Benyamin, a 22-year-old Egypt-native, is signing onto another major deal, this one with Wilhelmina Artist Agency. Benyamin talks exclusively to Billboard about expanding his portfolio under the agency, continuing his work with Cardi and what it takes to become a signed stylist.
What do you think distinguished you to Wilhelmina?
I think my work with Keke [Palmer], Cardi and my new client Chantel [Jeffries] shows versatility in my style. I’m heavily influenced by street fashion and New York glamour, so I bring that sort of SoHo kid vibe that combines that glamour and edge.
What does signing to Wilhelmina mean for your styling career?
I’ll be doing a lot more work. I’m still working with Cardi, but being backed by an agency gives you more freedom to say, “I want to work with this person,” and they can try to make it happen for you. I’m excited to be a part of their team and see what they have for me. Coming from a background where no one in my family is in fashion, this is such an achievement for me; I feel blessed to have this opportunity.
Do you have any people in mind you want to work with?
Yes, a lot, but I’d love to work with Lady Gaga because she’s such a huge influence for me. I love the regal, elegant Gaga and I also love when she gives a cultural statement. Younger me would be so proud if I ended up working with her. I’m also looking to do more actresses. I’m obsessed with Orange Is the New Black, so I definitely would love to work with those women.
How’re you feeling about balancing more clients?
I am nervous, but at the same time very excited. Knowing that I have more options when it comes to clients makes me less nervous.
What is Wilhelmina’s vision for you?
I feel like I’m very celebrity-based, but they’re definitely branching me out with ad campaigns and editorials.
What’s the big difference between styling for celebrities and styling for ads and editorials?
The biggest difference is, for celebrities, you want to make sure they fit the outfit perfectly because she’ll be wearing it for an extended period of time and moving in it. The model in an ad won’t be in an outfit for as long, so it’s not as crucial. Also, with celebrities, I never know about time. I don’t know what time I’ll finish, and my call times can change as the day goes on. But with ads, there’s a set time for me.
What’s your vision for Cardi’s style going forward?
More Versace moments, more Moschino moments, more fashion week moments. I want more street wear glamour.
Do you think your aesthetic stay the same now that you’re signed?
I think as I get older, my style will continue to change from street wear to a more refined aesthetic, especially as I get more clients.
What’s your advice for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t let anyone make you feel like you should give up on your dreams. The moment you feel like you’re stuck or you won’t make it is often the moment you do make it. No matter what position you’re put in or who tells you you’re not going to be what you want to be, that can fuel a fire in you to make something greater of yourself — that’s what it did for me.