words and photos by Marjorie Grace Mathis
Photographing Beaumont’s king of DIY fashion at the hub of Beaumont’s DIY scene, V Haus, was a no-brainer. Scott Massey has been an icon of creative and expressive personal style for years, known on a first name basis at V Haus, Logon Cafe, The Art Studio and more.
Scott’s penchant for taking discarded or second-hand items and transforming them into literal works of art – accessories, clothing, or costumes – is a talent that has been honed since childhood. He has an outfit for every occasion and never wears the same thing twice. And his beautiful snow white hair is the perfect contrast to it all.
Where and when did your style journey begin?
Shortly after high school graduation when I could dress without constant classmate persecution, my older sister and I started thrifting at Goodwill, Treasure House, Salvation Army, and my dad’s closet. Then I saw “Pretty in Pink” on the big screen and “Duckie” became my original style icon. Plus I moved to Houston, got a job in display at “Foleys” and wanted to dress creatively to fit the part.
What is your favorite thing about your personal style?
My high school art teacher Delores LeJeune did a lesson on “ugly art.” It was life changing and brought me into a new consciousness of what was beautiful. I brought that mentality into all areas of my life, mostly in how I dress. I’ve always said I am my own “work of art”. All my “outfits” are my own and nobody else’s. It feels great when so many others have told me what an influence I had been on their “style.”
How do you put together each outfit?
My outfits start with a theme, an idea, a certain piece of clothing, time period, etc. Anything can inspire an outfit – a movie, song, TV show, an art piece, person, color scheme, special event. I may see a shoe I like, and build a whole outfit around that. Once you’ve built up your wardrobe, the challenge is to mix and match pieces, old and new, vintage, higher priced items, trendy cheaper items, and a plethora of different and unique accessories to create many new and fresh outfits and looks.
What would you wear to a dinner party?
First…where is it, is it themed, day, night, time of year, the weather, what event, who’s gonna be there, and most of all, what is my mood? Am I feeling it, and how do I want to present myself? I look at all factors so that I can feel confident in my final look. P.S. always have a backup in case anything happens. Try it on fully, beforehand, even accessories, just in case.
What do you recommend to someone who wants to find their personal style?
Open your eyes and mind and start getting inspired. Start by looking at clothing or outfits you wore in the past that fit well, that you felt good in, or got positive feedback in. You will start to notice pieces or styles that you gravitate towards. Any and every store is viable. I’ve gotten stuff at Dollar Tree, chains at Home Depot to embellish, etc. Clearance racks preferred. Estate/garage sales, literally anywhere. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Talk and share ideas with others that you feel have a great style (even if it’s not your aesthetic). Side note: feeding off like minds is awesome and will lead to many long term friendships.
