Now You Know: Bayley Barmore
Dennis Rodman stan. Girl dad. Skinny jean hater. Get to know model Bayley Barmore on his fashion industry climb.
Introducing Now You Know, a new, recurring Q&A column on
dedicated to unsung and emerging fashion industry folk.I met Nashville-based model Bayley Barmore on a photo shoot for a major CPG brand earlier this year. Our far-reaching conversation throughout the day about the versatility of neon (he gets it), fast fashion as a guilty pleasure, and why Dennis Rodman is a forever fashion icon made me instantly earmark him as one to watch.
Like all the subjects I intend to feature in this column, Bayley Barmore may not have been on your radar yesterday but…now you know.
Mixed Prints: Let’s start from the top. Did you always want to get into modeling, or was it something that found you?
Bayley Barmore: I was always interested in fashion and modeling, but I was the person who [talked myself out of pursuing it.] Last year [local agency] TRIBE talent reached out to me and I figured, let me give it a shot.
MP: So you’re still pretty new to the industry…
BB: I’m coming up on my first full year of modeling in October. I’m still roughly new to it, but I’m figuring it out. I love it so far.
MP: One year! That’s exciting. Any big career goals you’re shooting for as your anniversary comes up?
BB: I want to get into runway work. New York Fashion Week or maybe Dallas…I would really like to walk in a show.
MP: You may be new to modeling, but you’ve always had your finger on the pulse of fashion from what I understand.
BB: I was always that kid who played with fashion and took fashion risks. Who cares what people have to say? Just wear what you want and see how it goes.
MP: Amen. That’s big Noah-Lyles-manicure energy right there.
BB: Oh yeah, I loved that [look.] He got so much criticism from people for that and I thought it looked really good.
"Who cares what people have to say? Just wear what you want and see how it goes.”
MP: Where do you draw fashion inspiration from?
BB: Kayne West. I love the whole Yeezy line.
I’m really into Jeremy Scott.
And I idolize Dennis Rodman. From the wedding dress [moment] to wearing crop tops…he really broke open the gates of fashion. I have so many pictures of Dennis Rodman on my phone, just for inspiration. I want to redo his Sports Illustrated cover.
MP: He really challenged everything we think about traditional menswear and womenswear. It’s interesting…I feel like menswear items are always in style for women. Why do you think men are still largely resistant to gender-fluid dressing?
BB: It’s a masculinity thing. They don’t want to be judged. But you’ve just got to mute everybody out. If you like wearing it, rock it. Didn’t Louis Vuitton drop a men’s skirt this year?
MP: That whole show was so good. What other designers are you inspired by these days?
BB: I’m really into Alexander Wang’s pieces at the moment. I’ve been watching the fashion shows and checking out the older seasons. Oh, and I love Rick Owens. He and his wife [Michèle Lamy]…those two together are amazing.
MP: What are you listening to right now?
BB: I’ve been listening to Zach Bryan a lot. His voice has me in a chokehold.
Vultures 2 by ¥$. And I listen to a lot of Frank Ocean.
MP: Did you see Apple Music’s list of the 100 Best Albums earlier this year? Any notes?
BB: I respect The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill at #1. Lauryn Hill really made it possible for women artists to break through, especially in hip-hop.
MP: Truly one of the best albums of all time. And neo-soul wouldn’t be what it is without her influence.
BB: Definitely. There’s nobody better.
“I’ve been listening to Zach Bryan a lot. His voice has me in a chokehold.”
MP: What’s something about the modeling industry that people wouldn’t know unless they’re in it?
BB: The long hours! We’re doing 12+ hour days. It’s not as easy as you think, and it can be draining for both sides—for folks on the production side and the modeling side. And, as a model, you kind of have to become someone else on set to play to the environment.
MP: I was listening to an interview with 1960s icon and supermodel Penelope Tree in which she spoke about the importance of bringing your life experiences to set. Are there any life experiences that shaped you that you tap into on set?
BB: I was the kid that went to probably 9 different high schools so I’m someone who knows how to adapt and adjust. I bring that energy.
MP: What trends do you think should go away?
BB: OH. Skinny jeans and Jordans.
MP: Wait. Skinny jeans and Jordans as two standalone things? Or as a look?
BB: As one look…separately…just stop it.
MP: You know skinny jeans are coming back for us, right?
BB: NO way. I look back at pictures of myself in skinny jeans and I’m like, why? And Crocs, too! I can’t do it. Crocs are for kids.
MP: Speaking of kids, has your 3-year-old daughter taught you anything about fashion?
BB: Oh, I just love dressing her up. I can’t pull off women’s fashion all the time, but I can put my daughter in it!
I love how kids are so experimental. They don’t care about what people think. My daughter would leave the house in a play dress if she could.
MP: Adults can learn a lot from the whimsy and freedom kids bring to dressing.
BB: The bright, loud colors. The mismatching. It’s awesome. And mismatched dressing does work. You just have to play with it and figure it out. I love loud prints, too. I’m probably the only guy in Nashville with a pair of cow print pants.
“I’m probably the only guy in Nashville with a pair of cow print pants.”
MP: And you’re probably the only guy in Nashville that can rock ‘em, too.
Okay, so you’ve got the cow print pants on lock. What about wardrobe items on your wishlist?
BB: The pants from Japanese artist G-Dragon’s collaboration with Nike! I’ve been trying really hard not to buy the whole outfit. Japanese streetwear is so different compared to American streetwear. It’s edgier, I love it.
MP: I named my Substack Mixed Prints because mixing prints is a fashion rule I live by. So, before you go I’ve got to ask: Are there any fashion rules you live by?
BB: To be honest, I’m just trying to break all the rules.
After the interview, Bayley Barmore booked his first runway show. He’ll be walking in “The Power of Couture” show this November in Nashville. To work with Bayley Barmore, contact TRIBE Talent Management, or keep up with him on Instagram.
“To be honest, I’m just trying to break all the rules.”
🤌