TYSON BECKFORD (@TYSONCBECKFORD) ROSE TO SUPERSTARDOM IN THE ’90S AFTER LANDING THE COVETED ROLE AS THE MALE FACE OF RALPH LAUREN POLO. SINCE THEN, HE’S GRACED THE PAGES OF GLOSSIES, BILLBOARDS, TELEVISION SCREENS AND MORE, BECOMING ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC MODELS OF ALL TIME. DURING THE HEIGHT OF MIAMI’S HEYDAY, YOU COULD FIND BECKFORD IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL. WE CHAT WITH THE MIAMI RESIDENT ABOUT HIS PAST AND FUTURE, HIS CAREER HIGHLIGHTS AND FAVORITE MIAMI MEMORIES.
Ralph Lauren tuxdeo, ralphlauren.com PHOTOGRAPHED BY RIOCAM STYLED BY CHARLIE RINCON GROOMING BY CESAR FERRETTE SHOT ON SITE AT MOE STUDIOS
I would love to hear about your new limited-edition electric motorcycle. How did this come about?
Since I was young, I was considered a gear head, a gas junkie, a petrolhead, which was because I love to drive fast and I love anything mechanical. So I was sitting around with my manager, Steve Hawthorne, and we were coming up with things I want to do for the new year. And he was like, ‘I know you like scooters and I know you like all that electric stuff. How about we find an electric bike company, and you guys connect?’ So we sought out Lyric Cycles. I found everybody in the business, and they were the best for what we wanted to do. So we sent them an email. They looked at the email and thought it was a joke. They called back and were like, ‘Is this for real?’ And Steven got on the phone and was like, ‘Yeah, we’re dead ass.’
Full Louis Vuitton look, us.louisvuitton.com PHOTOGRAPHED BY RIOCAM STYLED BY CHARLIE RINCON GROOMING BY CESAR FERRETTE SHOT ON SITE AT MOE STUDIOS
What attracted you to Lyric Cycles?
The fact that they had a bike out that was pretty well known and got really good reviews attracted me to the brand. And I liked the fact that they handmake their bikes and they’re made in Canada, where they’re based. So we felt like if we had to go there and we needed to do updates, it was not a problem to fly there.
What was your role in this as co- designer? What are your favorite elements of the bike?
I liked what we had as a base bike, but I got to add my touch. Normally, I ride a Ducati, and with a Ducati, there’s a lot of carbon fibers. For me, I wanted the bike to have those edgy, European design elements, so I added carbon fiber for the gas tank, front and rear fenders, and the motocross in me wanted to put some nice wheels on it that would be nice and light and durable for the streets of Miami. I chose green but still off-road tires so in case somebody wanted to ride it on the beach, they could take it off road, as well as the streets. The idea was to build a bike specifically for the Miami area, which is how we came up with the name 305.
Full Louis Vuitton look, us.louisvuitton.com PHOTOGRAPHED BY RIOCAM STYLED BY CHARLIE RINCON GROOMING BY CESAR FERRETTE SHOT ON SITE AT MOE STUDIOS
What other projects can we look out for from you that you have coming up this year?
I have a TV series that I’ve been working on called Pretty Boy. It’s based loosely on my life, how I was in the streets and how I got into the fashion business, because it was crazy how I got into it. I don’t want to tell too much of the story, but it’s not what you think. And a lot of people don’t know what a crazy cast I had. It’s loosely based on that, and we’ll change some of the names to protect the innocent and the guilty, but it’s definitely something that people will want to tune into. I want to go with a streaming app instead of network TV, because I don’t think it’s really built for network because some of the content is going to be edgy as it’s the fashion industry. It is going to push a little bit.
As a prominent figure in Miami during the ’90s, can you give us a taste of what that was like?
I remember hanging out at Fat Black Pussycat meeting Ingrid [Casares] for the first time and becoming friends with her and constantly running into Dennis Rodman, a lot of the iconic University of Miami football players. It was just such a scene in Miami. We had such great clubs, and we’d dance our asses off, having such a good time. And then we’d get up and go to a photo shoot at 6am on the beach—so it was kind of like that—fast, fun and exciting.
Full Gucci look, gucci.com PHOTOGRAPHED BY RIOCAM STYLED BY CHARLIE RINCON GROOMING BY CESAR FERRETTE SHOT ON SITE AT MOE STUDIOS
What are some of your favorite standout memories, as we’re celebrating our 30-year anniversary of Ocean Drive
Man, just any one of the Ocean Drive parties were great. I remember going to parties at the Raleigh, SLS and The Delano. A lot of nights you would start at The Delano. Either you’re having dinner there, you’re at the bar, whatever it is, you’re playing pool or you’re taking pictures in one of the cool chairs. And then there was another bar outside where the pool tables were, and then there was a side room that looked like a library and it was always the place to go because you would pass somebody in the lobby. The most common question in Miami when people would see you is: How long are you here? Because that determines how hard you are going to rage, how hard you are going to party, where you’re going to go. I have such fond memories of News Café and then of course when Wet Willie’s was very iconic back in the ’90s, especially after a day being on the beach.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of advice is Miami is a starting place for shady people. If you figure that out, then you will always be good in my eyes.
Full Gucci look, gucci.com PHOTOGRAPHED BY RIOCAM STYLED BY CHARLIE RINCON GROOMING BY CESAR FERRETTE SHOT ON SITE AT MOE STUDIOS
Something people may not know about you?
One day I’d like to run for mayor of the city. Because I always see things that I didn’t see as a person who came down here to vacation. But then as you live here, you see things that could improve, could be better. And then one thing I do hate when people come to Miami is they throw trash out in our ocean, don’t use turn signals when they’re driving. The ocean is one of the most important elements of our city—we see sharks, dolphins, manatees—the wildlife is so important. And I think trying to protect it and keep it is one thing, and it’s not easy. Our city does a good job, but they can really do better. So, I think maybe one day I’ll just say, ‘OK, let me run for mayor,’ if I get enough support from the people.
Photography by: Photos By Riocam
