Styling Strength: Behind Mickie James’ Royal Rumble Look

There’s nothing quite like the energy of the Royal Rumble—especially when you're styling one of wrestling’s most iconic women for it.

Working on this look for Mickie James was a full-circle moment for me as a stylist and creative. I’ve always admired her fierce presence, her legacy, and the way she owns every room (or ring) she walks into. So when the opportunity came to style her for the WWE Royal Rumble, I knew we had to create something bold, striking, and unapologetically her.

In collaboration with the designer Adolfo Canaca, we created a custom red-and-black catsuit that fused glamour and grit. The standout element was the layered texture and movement—sleek strips of black leather contrasted against a cascade of red and clear rhinestones, creating a dynamic interplay of edge and sparkle. More than just visual impact, the design paid tribute to Mickie’s Native American heritage, with the draped detailing evoking traditional regalia in a modern, high-performance way.

To amplify the shimmer and precision, the crystal work was expertly executed by Rick Michaels, whose rhinestoning added just the right amount of brilliance for the camera.

To bring the sparkle to life, the rhinestoning was masterfully done by Rick Michaels, whose detail work gave the outfit its bold, high-impact finish.

Mickie James entering the Royal Rumble

I led the creative direction from concept to final styling, ensuring every detail felt authentic to Mickie while amplifying her presence for such a major moment. And when she stepped into the ring as entrant number 19, even without a live crowd due to COVID restrictions, the moment still felt larger than life. The look held its own—on camera, in motion, and in history.

This wasn’t just about fashion—it was about storytelling. A visual narrative of power, identity, and respect for legacy.

Seeing the outfit in action and then capturing it again in fashion sketch form was surreal. We even made sure the illustration reflected her elongated proportions and subtly echoed her striking features.

This look was more than wardrobe—it was a message. A reminder that fashion can be both fierce and meaningful. And on that Royal Rumble night, Mickie James wore both beautifully.