GET TO KNOW
RICO NASTY

This year for Women's History Month we had the opportunity to interview the very talented Rico Nasty. A streetwear icon and visionary, she has inspired trends all around the world by being unapologetically herself. Get to know Rico as SNIPES' very own
Derek Bailey asks her to dive into her love for streetwear and how she became the influential woman she is today.

1

First off, Happy Women’s History Month. It’s an honor to have this opportunity. In the music and entertainment industry, we’ve seen women of color face a plethora of criticism stemming from the content they create, the topic of their lyrics, their style, whom they choose to date, and the list goes on. What has your experience been like at this level of success and how do you combat these tropes to break down these barriers leaving a footprint for the future queens of the generation?

I love being selfish with the things I enjoy now a days. Often times when you show off what or who you love it allows room for unsolicited opinions. When I find things I like I keep them to myself maybe I’ll share with friends and family. But I think life gets hard when you try make every piece “content”. Learn to live in the moment and form your own opinions on things you actually like. And not what everyone says you should like.

2

I do understand you are from Prince George’s County, aka PG County, aka “Pretty Girls” County correct? That is a very prominent Sneakerhead community, in what ways did the area influence your style and your music?

Ughhhhh foams. All I remember is foamposites EVERYWHERE. I even have a pair still to this day of some cdg black ones. It was truly apart of the culture. I feel like because everyone was always tryna get fly and wear the coolest shoes It influenced me to want to build my own personal style, incorporating dmv street style with like Japanese stuff I saw on tumblr. Or some goth stuff I found on YouTube.

3

Growing up, were there any women that you looked up to, that helped shape and mold the foundation of what it means to be Rico Nasty?

Obviously my mother ! And my grandmothers and my aunts. Everyone had they’re own style nobody tried to dress like one another and it was so cool to watch my mom and aunt get dressed as a child and go back and forth on what they believed they looked good in. I would chime in every now and then but. The process of “glam” was shown to me at a very young age. And I hold it very close to me. I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without them.

4

As a new father, I can say my style has changed a bit, I aim to be little more on the cozy side lol when I’m moving through the day. In what ways has motherhood, and the different stages of your son’s life inspired not only your wardrobe, but your sound as well?

Wow. Love this question because I feel like there’s a lot of mothers and parents like yourself (congrats on the baby !) who feel like they have to change their style after having a child. I love to give myself nasty days. Days where my hair is a mess and I don’t give a hell who comes over, I’m not getting dressed. But then I have days where I go all out, and I wear what I want because I feel it’s also important for your kid to SEE you be yourself and take pride in the way u look.

5

I must ask this, as one of the many headquarters for the newest and hottest sneaker releases, what is your favorite sneaker of all time and/or to wear at the current moment.

My favorite sneaker of all time is anything new balance to be honest I'm not gonna lie. They are ALSO .. a DMV STAPLE. And anyone who says otherwise can go toe to toe with me and my city. 990s 993s yes ma’am.

Written By Derek Bailey – Digital Content Manager – Eternal fashion and footwear student looking to push the futuristic envelope forward.

Edited By Calvin Chandler – Content Marketing Manager

Designed By Parker Hargens – Digital Merch & Blog Coordinator

Designed By Lu Cordero – Web Operations Manager