Tommy on trench coats, tomboys, and why he'd never date a guy who wore sandals

What's your name and what do you do?
Thomas Christopher Eesha Kapaa Pico, but all that doesn't even fit on my license, so — Tommy Pico. I publish zines and broadsheets through a press and writing/music/art collective I co-founded called Birdsong Micropress and the Birdsong Collective. I'm also working on a Brooklyn-centric podcast series that combines interviews with local artists, readings with local writers, and a sort of Peel session with local bands. I also write in my spare time — in addition to regular work and interning.
 
What are you wearing?
I choose clothes more by color than by brand, so it's a mix. Though I've been obsessed with this line of silkscreened shirts called Paste, by a really sweet guy named Jason Laurits. I started getting them years ago at the Young Designers Market in Soho, and he's popping up all over the place now.

Any trends you're excited about this fall?  
I've never had a black leather jacket before, and since I have a style crush on Samantha from Who's The Boss — and all tomboys in general — I think this might be the winter. Faux-leather, obviously.

What are some articles of clothing that you consider essential?  Some of your favorite things that you own and where did you get them?
I like looks that are complicated and textured without being too busy — the mainstay of the outfit being dull blue, black, grey or white, and having one colorful piece to catch the eye. So some of my favorite things are this pair of mustard-yellow canvas shoes, an ultra-violet Uniqlo windbreaker, and a bright, thrift-store, tie-dye shirt. Also I have a bevy of feather necklaces. I'm from an Indian reservation near San Diego, so it's a sort of subtle nod to ... all that.

If you're sizing up a guy, what are some outfit details that you really like?  What do you find sexy or endearing?
It depends on the size of the guy. If he's taller than me he can wear whatever the hell he wants. But again, what catches my eye more than anything else are dabs of interesting colors — maroon, burnt orange, turquoise. Oh, and something I've never told anyone — I love a guy who knows how to wear suspenders. I've tried, but I can't — it's too mathematical or something.

What are some things that are absolute dealbreakers?  
Those toe shoes — you know the ones I mean. They just look reptilian. And flip flops. I'll say it. That's just gross. Girls are great in flip flops but not guys. And if you absolutely have to, please please please — clean underneath those nails. I mean, I can't fuck with you, but it's literally the least you could do, for everyone.

Are there any certain styles of articles of clothing that make you think of an ex?  
Trench coats, and yes — I'd be less likely. I think trench coats are sketchy.

If you were to go home with a guy, what's something that, if you saw it in his apartment, would make you turn around and leave?
Dead bodies. Actually, they wouldn't even have to be dead. And gladiator sandals.
 

Photo by Niqui Carter