What Teyana Taylor's Retirement Teaches Us About Supporting Creatives
Teyana Taylor recently announced her retirement from music and it took the world by surprise. After just releasing her critically acclaimed album, ‘The Album’ that even made legends such as Elton John join in on the praise, it's hard to see why Teyana Taylor has decided to give up her role in the music industry.
Teyana Taylor recently announced her retirement from music and it took the world by surprise. After just releasing her critically acclaimed album, ‘The Album’ that even made legends such as Elton John join in on the praise, it's hard to see why Teyana Taylor has decided to give up her role in the music industry. According to Taylor herself, she expressed she felt “super unappreciated as an artist, receiving little to no real push from the ‘machine,’ constantly getting the shorter end of the stick, being overlooked.” With this announcement, Teyana Taylor got major love from fans and even fellow peers in the music industry such as Swiss Beatz, The Game and Janet Jackson.
With the retirement of Teyana Taylor, can this teach us how to appreciate creatives and artists as a unit. How can we be more supportive of creatives in the industry that may not be pushed by a major record label, agency or brand? Even those who are pushed by a major machine such as Teyana Taylor or Tinashe during her time with RCA records have felt how lonely it can be in the creative industry. It's a hard spot to be as a creative to constantly showcase your talents and be vulnerable enough to let people into your creative process only for them to shut you down or not give you the proper support you need.
This begs the question, is it better to be a creative and work independently? Once Tinashe was released from her label, that gave her more room to grow and release amazing music projects and even collaborate with other artists that were more aligned with her brand. Seeing Teyana Taylor’s retirement playout only made me realize that many of the talented artists not only in the music industry but in many sectors of the creative industries are not supported financially or even emotionally. By just posting someone's artwork or commenting on their process on social media is a big boost to help them get one step closer to their goals. Even checking in on their wellbeing can be a big help and give them the tools to keep going. Be sure to check in on your creative friends even if everything looks good from the outside, you never know how your support can help them to continue to succeed and grow.
In The Industry: Loewe
Loewe is a luxury brand based in Madrid and owned by the LVMH group known for holding numerous luxury companies such as Chanel, Christian Dior and Givenchy.
Photo via Vogue Runway
Brand name: Loewe
Creative Director: Johnathan Anderson
Start year: 1846
About Loewe
Loewe is a luxury brand based in Madrid and owned by the LVMH group known for holding
numerous luxury companies such as Chanel, Christian Dior and Givenchy. The brand was
founded in 1846 by Enrique Loewe Hinton, who was granted as a fashion merchandise supplier
in the royal court by King Alfonso XIII of Spain. His wife Queen Victoria Eugenie was also a
frequent visitor of the store. The company deals with mostly leather products consisting of their
main produced item the Loewe signature bag for men and women. The company also sells many
other products such as ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, along with home and lifestyle
products for their average consumer. The brand has evolved into a huge best seller in the fashion
industry after many successful sales and shows, located with stores worldwide.
Fast forwarding to the present, the creative director of Loewe is Jonathan Anderson, who was
appointed in 2013. He debuted the brands ready-to-wear collection as the new director in 2014.
Anderson’s first issue of business was to remodel the stores and design clothing based from their
50s, 60s, and 70s style. With the new rebranding, a new logo was made as well along with the
new bag designs such as the “puzzle” bag.
Photo via Vogue Runway
Review: SS20 RTW
As we approach the fall season it’s time to put away the tank tops and sandals and bring out the
turtle necks and sweaters from our closets. In this collection, Anderson was focused on creating
modern and a very minimal aesthetic in this collection. Focusing more on silhouettes and the
shape of the garment rather than putting placement on the details. We can see that he drew
inspiration from the 18th and 19th century as the silhouette with jackets and long sleeve sweaters
create a hour glass shape to compliment the figure. In those eras the color palette consisted of
soft neutrals such as light browns, white, emerald green and gray; that was portrayed in this
wardrobe as well. The fabrics used were also very soft with clean and sharp cuts such as ruffles
along the hemline of the sleeves, leather along the collar and faux fur for scarves. Anderson
created a romantic and daring theme that has us all ready to wear this collection for fall.
Rating: Loewe SS20 RTW
This collection was definitely a 10/10. Drawing inspiration from styles that were produced years
ago and creating that image in a modern fashion in brilliant. Fashion is always evolving but
trends that were once popular in the past always come back. This 19th century way of dressing
was beautifully done in a way that showed a chic and high fashion style.
Photo via Vogue Runway
Photo via Vogue Runway
Credits: Access PR Editorial Intern, Khayla.
10+ Things You Didn't Know About Jasmine Jenai
Aspiring young blogger, Jasmine Jenai, describes herself as a mixture of Beyonce’s “6 Inch Heels” to “Formation”
An aspiring young blogger, Jasmine Jenai, describes herself as a mixture of Beyonce’s “6 Inch Heels” to “Formation”. She enjoys watching episodes of Bob’s Burgers, reading, and writing during her spare time. Jasmine Jenai, created Nai’s Visions in 2013 with a focus on inspirational content from areas of personal style to life experiences. Growing up in Tallahassee, Florida then moving to Atlanta, Georgia Jasmine have hopes of eventually moving to New York and starting her career in fashion. You can expect to see more honest conversations, brand collaborations, and personal style for blog in the future. Check out Jasmine Jenai’s full interview below.
Why did you decide to start this particular blog?
Nai’s Visions is a result of reluctantly creating a blog as part of a college course in 2012. I’d toyed around with the idea of starting a blog prior to being required to but I never got around to it. Once I started to take blogging seriously, I realized how passionate I was becoming about it and it made me want to create something that reflected who I am.
How would you describe your personal style? What influences it?
This question always makes me laugh because I used to try to come up with a profound answer but I would describe my style as feminine. I don’t like to put any other label on it besides that because I wear things according to how I feel. I like going with the flow. Lately I’ve been finding myself influenced by one of my co-worker’s style. She isn’t afraid to think outside of the box and wear what makes her feel great.
What are some of your favorite fashion houses or stores to go shopping in?
Right now I’ve been buying pieces from Zara and my job, Alexis Suitcase. I wholeheartedly believe in shopping a budget lol.
Would you consider yourself to be a feminist?
Do I consider myself to be a feminist? There was a brief period of time where I made it a point to call myself a feminist but I realize that I’m just a lover of justice for everyone. I don’t believe that people should be treated differently based on skin color, gender or any other limitations we as people place on each other.
You seem very passionate on issues such as empowering women of color and body positivity. Could you speak more on what these mean to you?
I was blessed to come in contact with the online movement #BlackGirlsWhoBlog, created by Morgan Pitts, in 2014 and found myself being introduced to so many creative black women. There are quite a few women that I still keep in contact with from this movement and they motivate me in so many different ways. The more I began to read and support the work of other black women, the more I realized how important it was for to me to open myself up and spread love to them. It’s no secret that black women face a myriad of issues regarding how we’re sometimes represented in the media or talked about on social media (*insert eye roll*) so I feel compelled to remind black women that we are brilliant and worthy. Talking about body positivity stems from coming to terms with being sexually assaulted as a teenager and being more aware of how many other women have body image issues. Sometimes when our bodies experience trauma or ridicule, we tend to hold on to the pain it causes us and it becomes a part of how we view ourselves. I decided that, as scary as it was and still is at times, I wanted to try something different by embracing my body as is and empowering other women to do the same. It’s okay if we’re not all shaped the same. Our bodies house incredible spirits that continue to persevere through the ups and downs of life. I say that’s a cause for celebration.
Who are some of your biggest role models? Why?
Anyone who knows me knows how much I adore Alexandra Elle, June Ambrose, Shiona Turini and Laina Rauma. Reading Alexandra Elle’s work has helped me TREMENDOUSLY during my self love journey. Her decision to be open, honest and vulnerable helped me realize that it’s okay for me to embody the same things. June Ambrose and Shiona Turini are admired because of their free spirits and work ethics in the fashion industry. Here you have two black women who continue to defy odds and break barriers in their careers. I can’t help but to love that. And Laina Rauma? My admiration for her stems from being fortunate enough to interview her for Nai’s Visions and realizing how down to earth she is. She’s light hearted yet is serious about her craft as a designer.
The writing on your blog is very passionate and inspiring and well put together. Do you think you would want a future in writing?
Thank you! I accidentally fell in love with writing after my mom made me practice my handwriting as a child lol. It was something I absolutely loathed at first but found that I was able to create stories from my imagination and the rest is history. I would love to work for a magazine one day. As much as I love fashion, I can’t see myself focusing solely on that. My main career goals include combining two of my greatest loves. I wouldn’t be where I am if it weren’t for being able to express myself through writing.
What are some of your long term goals not just for your blog but also for you personally?
Some of my long term goals include moving to NY (finally), moving into my first apartment, starting my career in fashion, creating relationships with top fashion brands and eventually writing a book.
Does being from Atlanta have any influence on who you are and what you believe in?
I’m originally from Tallahassee, Florida and I moved to Atlanta when I was 16. At first I was apprehensive about Atlanta being that it’s much bigger than my hometown but after being here for 8 years old, I realize this is definitely a second home to me. Living here inspires me to keep going. It makes me realize that my dreams are possible.
You seem like someone who is empowered and full of self confidence, how did you become that way and what advice do you have for people who perhaps aren’t as confident and are less sure of themselves?
It has taken me a long time to wake up and feel comfortable with myself. As a child I wasn’t insecure whatsoever. I considered myself to be this fearless, imaginative little girl who wasn’t afraid to let her personality shine. As I got older and experienced different things, I found myself silencing parts of who I am in order to make other people comfortable. My advice for anyone who is struggling with their self esteem is to learn how to be patient with yourself. Learning to love yourself is a process and it’s important to remember that you’re not in a competition. The way you love yourself doesn’t have to look like another person’s self love.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time you can honestly catch me writing, reading, watching episodes of Bob’s Burgers and talking on the phone.
What can expect to see from you or on your blog in the future?
Expect to see more honest conversations, brand collaborations and personal style.
What are you most excited about for the remainder of 2016?
I am most excited about gaining more experience in the fashion industry and taking the necessary steps to make my dreams a reality.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
If I could go anywhere it would have to be Greece or Milan. I’ve always wanted to visit both places.
Which emojis do you use the most?
I probably use the “glow,” “kissy face,” “pink/red hearts” the most lol.
If you could use a song to describe yourself, which song would you use?
Choosing one song is so hard lol! Right now it’s a mixture Beyonce’s “6 Inch Heels” and “Formation.”
Curated by NKC (@therealnkc), Creative Director