New York Fashion Week is one of those rare stages where fashion, creativity, and culture all move in sync. The air buzzes with energy — models, designers, and influencers weaving through a scene that feels equal parts runway spectacle and cultural festival. For artists, creators, and dreamers, NYFW isn’t just about clothes — it’s about expression, networking, and tapping into the city’s endless stream of inspiration. For Tampa-based rapper DxPEBoy Mellz, the week doubled as both a homecoming and a temperature check — catching up with his Brooklyn roots while keeping his ear tuned to what’s hot in the streets. We sat down with the multi-hyphenate to recap his NYFW experience and the way it’s shaping his creative journey.
1. What were your first thoughts walking into New York Fashion Week — from the energy to the looks on the runway and off?
I was pleasantly surprised. I loved to see all the different styles and people being free to express themselves in the way they see fit.. But I can’t lie, it also felt like a costume contest in certain places. I definitely saw the TikTok influence on a lot of people too. Certain styles and silhouettes that at one point seemed rare started to seem like a uniform.. A lot of copy and paste, but everyone was vibing, so I was just happy to be out there networking
2. How would you describe your own style at NYFW? Did you go classic streetwear, high fashion, something in between?
I think I’d describe myself as an in between kind of guy for sure.. I tend to overpack and never utilize all the items I bring, so for this trip I decided to play it safe. I brought a pair of Timbs, Clark Wallabys, BAPE forces and some Playoff 8’s.. I wanted each day and each outfit I wore to kind of represent a different kind of NY persona if you will.. With the intention of blending in. And of course I had to bring some @WorldonDXPE out there, so I stayed comfortable while still promoting.
3. Is there a designer whose work has influenced how you visualize your music (album art, videos, stage clothes)?
There’s too many to name if I’m being completely honest. If there was a title to best describe me, I’d say I’m a bit of a “creative sponge” in the sense that I absorb my creativity from literally anything. But if I had to limit it to a few people I’d say Kanye for sure, just his willingness to try something and his confidence towards it. Pharell too, that’s my guy. I just love the vibrance in his art, and everything he creates just really encapsulates a feeling. Virgil, Ian and Rocky are some honorable mentions too.
4.How much do you follow fashion trends vs. doing your own thing? At a big event like NYFW, do you feel pressure to fit in or to stand out?
What Max B said again? “Everything yall n*** do, I don’t do…I really just like to do my own thing. Like I said earlier, for the purpose of this trip, I wanted to blend in. But it really depends on the space I’m in.. When I’m in my bag, the only option is to stand out, but I’m not a fan of unnecessary attention all the time so I guess you could say I pick and choose. And I never feel pressured to do anything. I’m more of a take me as I am kind of person.
5. How did this NYFW trip inform what you’re creating musically now — in terms of theme, visuals, or sound?
I realized, I need to really step out of my comfort zone and just experiment with a bunch of different pockets. In NY, there are so many subcultures and genres that you can be a part of. It’s a real deal melting pot. So I feel like sticking to one style is really hurting me. I definitely want to make more music that people can turn up to as well. I used to tend to shy away from it, but you have to have a versatile catalogue to make it.. Look at Hov
6. How does coming from St. Petersburg, Florida shape your fashion taste? Do you bring pieces or influences from home when you’re in NY?
I really was born in Brooklyn, but I moved to St. Pete when I was really young. So honestly when I’m there, I try to fully encompass a life that “could” have been for me, you know? But being raised down here, I’d say I definitely tend to have more of a laid back style, but I do love outerwear, camouflage, and I can wear a hoodie in any weather.
7. Tell us about your own fashion line, how does your music inspire your signature look and how you want your fans to perceive you?
My line is like my music. It’s layered, it’s subtle, it’s for the ones who really pay attention. I’ll put ‘DXPEBOY’ on a piece in a way that almost blends in, because it’s not about flexing, it’s about representing the ones who stay overlooked. I used to be the loud type, but it came with a lot of bs. So much I much rather stay lowkey and let the work speak. Over time, the pieces grow in worth, just like the music. If you know, you know.
8. How do you balance staying true to personal identity and pushing boundaries — both in your sound and in your style?
I keep God in my life to be real. But I just can’t fake anything, if it doesn’t feel natural, I rather just not do it at all.
9. Where do you see your fashion sense evolving over the next few years, especially as your music evolves?
I’m getting older, and I refuse to be one of those Teenior Citizen typa dudes.. I plan to age with grace, more buttons up and fly subtle ish.. My Soprano vibe, if you will.
10. What advice do you have for young artists from smaller cities like St. Pete trying to create a name for themselves?
For one, be yourself, and trust your own instincts. You’ll get a million ideas from everywhere, but just try to hone in on your energy and go with your gut. Also, don’t overthink everything. That’s probably the biggest downfall of artists in our generation is the excessive overthinking and unwillingness to share their art. Take pride in your creations, be confident in it, and never ever give up. If you had a dream or a vision, it was placed there for a reason.