JT, one half of the City Girls duo, has always had a passion for fashion. She’s paid homage to designers like Rick Owens, Dior, Prada, and Celine in her music, showcasing her love for high-end labels. In a recent cover story with ESSENCE, JT opened up about her style evolution and the challenges she faced in earning respect from the fashion industry.
“When I first started, I wouldn’t say I wasn’t accepted,” JT revealed. “[But] I don’t think they thought I was serious. You have to be consistent for people to know that you’re serious.” She explained that in the beginning, it was a question of whether she was truly committed to the lifestyle. However, JT never stopped, and as the years passed, she created moments that allowed people to see her in a different light.
JT’s dedication to fashion has paid off, as she has become a top contender for high-end designers. In 2023, she starred in a promotional video for POSTER GIRL’s Autumn/Winter collection and was the face of Mowalola and Beats by Dre’s Solo3 Wireless campaign. In April, she teamed up with De’arra Taylor for Lorvae’s Twin Flame capsule, with the duo describing themselves as “the baddest twin flame [and] igniting the most FIERY collab of the year.”
In the ESSENCE interview, JT also discussed a viral TikTok that praised her for inspiring other Black women. “When I saw it, I first thought [the TikTok creator] was about to bash me — because I’m so used to seeing people talking s**t,” she admitted. “I listened to it again, and she said, ‘We haven’t had a dark-skinned girl killing it in fashion since Foxy Brown.’ It gave me the chills. It makes so much sense.”
JT’s journey in the fashion industry has been one of perseverance and consistency. She has proven that with dedication and a strong sense of style, it is possible to break through the barriers and earn the respect of the fashion world.
