Made To Love:
Celebrating Passion, Creativity, and a Shared Vision with MERDE Valentine’s Day Cover Stars Minzly & Billy Racxx
Minzly and Billyracxx wear total SOLÈNE LESCOUËT
Photography: Sacha Luisada
Styling: Eddy Soilihi
Makeup: Quan Pham
Nails: Alona Sobolevska
Movement Direction: Leonardo D'Aquino
Art Direction: Molly Apple
Photography Assistant: Ludween Mathé
Styling Assistant: Irshad Zahara
Love that leaves room to breathe: After 11 years together, Minzly & Billyracxx move through love and creativity without making either a performance. From their first trip to Paris to their home base in LA, their partnership is grounded in independence, mutual respect, and choosing to live the relationship before posting it.
Billyracxx, originally from Texas, traded the oil rigs for the studio, emerging as a rapper whose tracks have featured Teezo Touchdown. Minzly, hailing from Philadelphia, brings her own creative vision to fashion, styling, and world-building. The two met in Texas, lived there together for a time, and eventually moved to Los Angeles, where they now balance life, love, and ambitious creative projects. Together, they merge music, fashion, and visual storytelling in a way that’s both deeply personal and unapologetically bold.
Let’s get into it:
Minzly wears AF Vandevorst S/S2007 Bandage Top & Boots, Haider Ackermann S/S2006 Leather Laced Up Capri’s via Pomchili, Billyracxx wears unbraded vintage fur and stylist's own pants.
Celebrating a milestone anniversary together in Paris during Men’s Fashion Week, this creative power couple has mastered the delicate balance of love and artistry. From the streets of the City of Light to their own studio sessions, they share what keeps their bond—and their creativity—thriving.
“It’s not really a secret,” one partner explains. “Being ourselves, holding onto our own identities, is what makes us stronger together. That dynamic—knowing who we were before meeting each other—is special.” “Respecting what she does and who she is outside of the relationship,” the other adds, “is key. Wanting the best for each other genuinely—that’s what builds our foundation.” During Men’s Fashion Week, the couple embraced both work and leisure. “We did some tourist stuff, just regular things,” they recall. “Walking between events, someone’s playing a saxophone—romantic moments exist everywhere there.”
Billyracxx wears Herradura Studios jacket by Valentina Rovere + his own necklace
Minzly and Billyracxx wear total SOLÈNE LESCOUËT, Minzly wears Empty Behavior x Chen Peng heels, Billyracxx wears his own Rick Owens boots
They stress that romance for them isn’t about gestures or Instagram moments. When it comes to their public personas, neither leans into the “couple goals” online. “That’s cringe to me,” Billyracxx admits. “We don’t rely on the internet to validate your relationship. We live ours first, post later, if at all.” Minzly agrees. “Social media PDA can lead to identity crises when things get hard. We don’t need that—we create together, but our connection isn’t performative.”
Their creative journey began long before their love fully took hold. “Our first photo shoot together in Texas was before we were even dating,” she recalls. “I was wearing a blonde wig, he was standing over me—it was gorilla-style, creative chaos. That was when we realized we could make something together.”
Minzly wears Martin Margiela S/S1989 Tabi Printed T-shirt, Walter Van Beirendonck S/S1990 Fashion Is Dead Jort, Giuseppe Zanotti heels, Billyracxx wears Walter Van Beirendonck W< Flocked Denim Trousers all via Pomchili
The couple’s collaboration spans fashion, music, and visual storytelling. “Seeing her work with other artists pushes me to elevate my own craft,” Billyracxx says. With upcoming projects—from a new album to KMEWORLD statement garments—they remain in sync professionally and personally. “I’m a character in the world she builds,” he adds.
“And I’m constantly building worlds with talent and music,” she says. “The fashion, the styling, the creative direction—they all intersect. Our partnership is holistic.” On her design work, Minzly notes, “I’m big on world-building. Execution matters—understanding what a project is about and how my vision fits in. With Billy, it’s not just styling or designing—it’s creating a universe where the music and the garments feel inseparable.”
When asked what advice they have for other creative couples, Billyracxx stresses staying optimistic. “Doubts and challenges will happen, but believing in your partner and supporting each other’s individual pursuits is key.” Minzly echoes that: “Never lose yourself. Know who you are, and bring that confidence into the relationship. Don’t compromise your identity. A healthy relationship starts with knowing yourself and making choices confidently, without external validation.”
Mizly wears r.l.e tops as total look, Herradura Studios belts by Valentina Rovere
During Black History Month, when asked what it means to represent Black excellence in the fashion and music worlds—especially on global platforms—they’re unapologetic about occupying spaces where Black creatives aren’t always seen. “My presence in menswear is a statement, asserting authority through creativity,” Minzly says. The other adds, “I represent excellence through action, challenging stereotypes without overthinking it.”
Their days blend work and simple pleasures. Valentine’s Day, they confess, is spontaneous and never overplanned. Downtime is simple, grounded. “Cooking is my love language,” she laughs. “He’s super practical and grounded, but we balance each other. Life and creativity flow naturally when the basics are taken care of.” Meanwhile, Billyracxx notes, “I try to be the grounding one. Even when life or creativity gets chaotic, she knows I’ve got this.”
After 11 years together, marriage isn’t on their checklist. “Our bond and shared world are stronger than any legal requirement,” Billyracxx explains. Minzly adds, “Marriage was never a checkpoint for us. We understand each other completely. Everything a marriage represents, we already have. That’s why it’s never been urgent—it’s deeper than a ceremony.”
“For me,” he adds, “it’s not about proving anything with a wedding. Our bond is already established. Marriage wouldn’t change the foundation of our world together.”
While their love is far from conventional by choice, it endures—creative, inspiring, and unshakable. Paris may have been the backdrop for this editorial, but their real story is built in shared vision, collaboration, and mutual respect wherever they go.
Special feature: Astor the Sphinx
Special Thanks: Faxion PR