Introduction and Interview by Kelsea Kosko

Nowadays, the resurgence of tie dye as a mass fashion trend may be just as prevalent as that of the Y2K-style revival; it seems like in the window display of every other big box store on Broadway, a psychedelic swirl can be spotted, nestled between mannequins in checkered Vans, smiley face tees, and gaudy chain chokers. When it comes to sales, Mike of The House Always Wins barely and begrudgingly accepts this re-appropriation. Despite having worked for major labels like Polo and Ed Hardy, Mike is adamant about maintaining artistic integrity, prone to prioritizing personal growth over economic goals. Much like his comical and quick-witted responses to my questions, Mike’s spontaneous designs will catch you off-guard, his pieces supremely re-inventive yet faithful to the roots of their craft.

Kelsea: Where did you grow up and where do you currently reside?

Mike: I grew up in the Bronx. I currently reside on Earth.

Kelsea: What were some formative moments or experiences that led to your interest in tie-dying?

Mike: I went to FIT and took an affinity to surface design oriented classes. I like the unpredictability of dye. It reminds me of real life.

Kelsea: I love how you’ve managed to photograph many of your pieces against organic surfaces or backdrops; not only that but your Instagram is rife with images of insects and wildlife in between product shots. How does nature inspire you and influence your creative process?

Mike: Nature is brutal and beautiful at the same time. My style is high contrast, and I like my images and work to reflect that at times. Nature inspires me in this way and that's why I post pics of it in between. I want to preserve it and respect it; "it" being [both] nature and my craft.

“I like the unpredictability of dye. It reminds me of real life.”

Kelsea: What are some pros and cons in regards to your pieces being truly and incredibly one-of-a-kind?

Mike: One pro is that I'm not a con, only an artist. Tie dye is very popular now, and it just shows me how the general population is a bunch of leeches and will appropriate and prey on anything for their capitalist greed. I'm not a salesperson or businessperson, I am an artist. I do what I want and I'm not trying to be perfect. I just want to do something different every time but sheep always want the same thing so... that sucks sometimes. Oh well.

Kelsea: If you could travel to any one place in the world, where would you choose to visit and why?

Mike: I would go to [the west side of] Africa because I would like to do business there, help enrich the community, and learn.

Kelsea: List an object or two you would love to tie-dye if you could.

Mike: I can tie dye everything I love now, but I would dye The White House and The Federal Reserve.

Kelsea: Can you tell our readers a little bit about how your line first came to fruition, and how you began working with Gridlyne?

Mike: My first line came to fruition through a former friend and a [longtime] teacher’s assistant. I redesigned a brand called LXV, and I had my teacher’s assistant help me dye some pieces. That was in like, 2015-2016. During that time I was primarily into screen printing, but was looking for other options. That is how I got to meet Moe. And [Moe] and my brother go to the same shithole to get their shit cars fixed so now we are also friends.

Kelsea: List one goal or dream you hope to achieve by the end of 2019. It can be personal or professional, or both.

“I can tie dye everything I love now, but I would dye The White House and The Federal Reserve.”

Mike: I just hope to increase sales, learn new techniques, have a proper way to accept crypto-currency for payments, and be able to hand print items myself. I would like to stay more consistent with work production and just keep pushing the envelope until it pops open. More cut and sew pieces, and more difficult fabric contents of things being dyed.

Kelsea: What are some of your favorite up-cycled (secondhand or vintage) shirts you’ve altered, and what new release or design are you most excited about?

Mike: My favorite up-cycled shirts can be seen here:

Mike: I don’t really like one thing more than others because it makes me like other things less, and less is not more to me. I’m excited about the things I will do in the next few days because I believe it will be different from most things “people” are dyeing now.

Another one of Mike’s “favorite” up-cycled pieces.

Kelsea: Have you collaborated or worked with any other clothing brands, and if so, which ones?

Mike: I have collaborated with Brian Wood of B WOOD. I have done samples for the new Ed Hardy stuff being released, and have also dyed industrial samples for Polo. I have worked with No Facades and William Rast.