Teyana Taylor was just 16 years old when she signed her first record deal with Pharrell Williams’ Star Trak Entertainment and appeared in the music video for Jay-Z’s single “Blue Magic”. Over the next 15 years, she contributed to Kanye West’s 2010 album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, starred in the music video for his 2016 single, “Fade” and released three of her own albums through West’s GOOD Music label and The Island Def Jam Music Group. But in December 2020, T
020, Taylor revealed she was quitting the music industry to focus on fashion. A longtime brand ambassador for the global women’s fast fashion site Pretty Little Thing, Taylor has become its new creative director.
Here, we ask the star about her personal style and the secret to her success.
Inside Retail: Congratulations on your new position as PLT’s creative director! How did that opportunity come about?
Teyana Taylor: Thank you so much! Well, the opportunity pretty much came about after working with the PLT brand for a couple of years. I’ve always added my own flare to the PLT items when I wore them, so I guess between that and the amount of success we’ve had with everything else we collaborated on, Umar [Kamani, PLT’s founder] trusted my vision to help bring something fresh to the brand. He stated that he wanted to take our relationship to a higher level than just me being a brand ambassador.
IR: Can you describe your personal style and what influences it? What aspects of your personal style can customers expect to see in the collections you’re designing for PLT?
TT: I would say my personal style is more tomboy meets 90s meets high fashion with a sometimes tinge of sexy – lol. And I would say what influences my style is the fact that I like to mix and match different things. So I’ll take some 90s looks, such as an oversized vintage tee and bucket, and swag it out with a high-end piece (shoe, coat, boot, etc) that’s in the now.
IR: I know you’ve also collaborated with Adidas on a few footwear products in the past. What do you like about the fashion design process?
TT: I’m a creative to my core, so naturally, I enjoy taking things literally from point A all the way to Z.
IR: Having been featured in brand campaigns, how does it feel to be on the other side of the table and making some of the key decisions about the look, theme, message, etc?
TT: It definitely feels good to be in control of the narrative and have that final say on how the world will be presented [with] the product. I’m bringing an artist’s perspective to the table along with my suit mentality – the duality of it can only be a plus in any situation if you think about.
IR: At just 30 years old, you’ve already risen to the top of your field in several different industries. What’s your secret to success?
TT: I couldn’t possibly take credit for what may or may not be perceived as me being successful in life, but I do want to give all glory to God, and continue to thank Him everyday for guiding my steps. There is no secret.
IR: If you could offer one piece of career advice to an ambitious young person, what would it be?
TT: I’d tell them to find something you enjoy doing and do it. Dream big and above all believe in yourself.
IR: Time for our lightning round quiz: TikTok or Instagram?
TT: Instagram
IR: Favourite show to binge watch?
TT: Ratched & The Crown
IR: Early bird or night owl?
TT: Night owl and still an early bird! Hahaha