⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ THEGIRLJT’S STYLE , STUDIED ─── AN ARTICLE ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ WRITTEN & PHOTO EDITS MADE BY MIA GOLDS
True to the title of this explorative and in her very own words, anyone with a functioning set of eyes can see that Jatavia Shakara Johnson—aka JT of the City Girls–has truly made a name for herself in the fashion world in recent years, her creative prowess knows no boundaries or limitations.
Her bandmate, Yung Miami credits her as the sole curator and original mastermind behind the City Girls rap group’s conception. The City Girls duo burst onto the music scene in 2018 with their debut project 'Period’, and took the world by storm with their Miami, Florida native accents, Trina-influenced sound, raunchy lyricism, and uptempo beats.
Popularizing a genre of music the world would title “scam rap” for its edgy financial-focused subject matter and encouraging women to reap the monetary benefits of relationships, motivating women to want better for themselves, proudly own their sexuality, and know their worth, both physically and emotionally.
Through the passing of time and the growth of their fame as a group, we’ve come to see that their entire premise is to never be afraid to take risks in life… and that’s one thing JT is not afraid of doing at all. Trendsetting has always come as second nature to JT, coining the simple yet monumentally defined phrase “period” ( complete with a hand gesture towards your neck ) to emphasize a point in conversation all traces back to her and the City Girls brand.
However, her influence goes beyond iconic catchphrases and rap beats; it manifests through every look she graces the public eye with. The female rapper in recent times has solidified herself in the fashion industry as a “ real hood b*tch slaying a couture gown “, and has paved more than a lane of her own— she’s built a damn metropolis.
JT’s personal style evolution is a dynamic journey that mirrors her fearless approach toward living a life that isn’t controlled by online opinions and puts an emphasis on self-expression through innovation.
𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐒𝐓𝐘𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒: From Liberty City to City Girl
JT, whose authenticity is unmatched, has never been ashamed of where she came from. Her humble beginnings as a Miami around-the-way girl have been something she’s always prided herself in, telling her black girl fairytale of going from rags to riches in her earliest interviews.
Although, she’s always had a taste for the finer things that life could offer. “I always knew that I didn’t want to be a regular person, I won’t say I wanted to be a rapper– but I never wanted to be an average person… I never wanted to be average. “Spoken in her own words, she’s never been shy about her interest in designer brands and her desire for expensive things.
Throwbacks from her early style days attest to her flare. Many of her pictures boast highly coordinated outfits with high-end designer label accessories– from brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Versace, and of course, her hair was always laid and slayed, long before she was a famed city girl.
Individuality is nothing out of the ordinary in Miami. A city where they have their own set of trends like shining gold fronts on their teeth, and culturally significant ‘wicks’ ( a dreadlocked hairstyle ) in their heads. Coming from a household of 16 siblings where they had to share clothes, JT always wanted more for herself and wasn’t afraid to take some risks to get it. Her once ‘survival of the fittest’ lifestyle has previously gotten her in trouble with the law.
Her former days of legal run-ins and scamming became things of the past when she took a leap of faith and decided to channel her resilience and creativity into her true passion—music. The place that once forced her survival instincts now serves as a source of inspiration for her motivation to keep going, while her love for designer brands has remained with her. She still loves Chanel and Louis Vuitton.
THE EVOLUTION: From Instagram Baddie to Intergalactic Muse
In the rap industry, riches and excess are paraded and celebrated, whether it's through rings, chains, and watches with costly price tags of thousands (sometimes millions) of dollars, or wearing name-brand clothing and accessories with expensive monograms.
Enter the ‘ Instagram Baddie’ aesthetic JT had in the starting days of her career—the term ‘ IG baddie’ for short, is a cultural phenomenon that transcends social media, making its mark in the rap and fashion scene. Coming from nothing and thwarted into stardom, this aesthetic was more than just a look for her; it was an attitude, a lifestyle, and a celebration of her newfound wealth.
The Instagram Baddie aesthetic is usually characterized by its bold, glamorous, and hyper-feminine expression that often blurs the lines between streetwear and luxury fashion. Picture this: perfectly contoured makeup, meticulously styled hair, and outfits that seamlessly blend athleisure with high-end designer pieces and accessories like handbags and diamond chains.
Some labels she wore that are synonymous with this particular aesthetic are Balenciaga, Fendi, Dior, her beloved Chanel, and Off-White. This particular look can also be called ‘the box people keep trying their hardest to put her in’ because it is a safer approach they can personally aspire for and connect to… but in 2020, JT broke the mold. Everything shifted.
Amidst a global pandemic that reshaped the world we knew, she decided to embrace a transformative moment in her fashion narrative. The IG baddie aesthetic, while undeniably powerful and iconic of her, can sometimes feel like a predetermined mold—a comfortable silhouette that many can relate to. In 2020, JT decided it was time to shatter everyone’s expectations and redefine her style.
As the world grappled with the challenges of political and biological warfare marred 2020, JT unveiled a new chapter in her love life, stepping into the spotlight with rapper and style icon in their own right, Lil Uzi Vert. The duo with seemingly different dynamics, at the time, was living rent-free in everyone’s minds.
Uzi as they are affectionately called for short, is a free spirit and is known for their avante-garde and boundary-pushing fashion choices that go beyond the limits of gender norms. JT has never hesitated to credit them for the air of confidence they instilled in her.
Giving her the courage to explore with looks, stepping away from the expected, she introduced elements of camp fashions with gender-neutral silhouettes, and bold color palettes that were a departure from the muted tones usually associated with the instagram girl aesthetic.
In time, the intergalactic muse we know her as today emerged—as an embodiment of futuristic fashion that blends experimental styling. Giving her a touch of celestial and out-of-this-world allure.
She admits that her relationship played a role in bringing a fresh perspective to her wardrobe. It also marked the beginning of her affinity for renowned designer Rick Owens. The Rick Owens aesthetic, characterized by its dark, unconventional silhouettes and androgynous designs, seamlessly integrated into her evolving style.
It was a departure from the mainstream of her usual standards and a bold step into the world of high fashion, a turning point for her. “I’m ricked down from my head to my toes. “
THE SOCIALITE: Social Media Is Her Runway
I likely overused the term “Instagram baddie “ so much in that last section, you probably want to throw up when hearing the word Instagram…but from world stages to social media, her Instagram and other platforms have become somewhat of a bible when it comes to her style.
Like many celebrities, JT uses social media as a way to connect with millions of her adoring fans, or “juvies” as she lovingly calls them, and connecting with some of the haters too depending on what she’s feeling that day, she’s never had a problem popping back on someone with too much time on their hands and a lot to say. “All I gotta do is post a pic and make’em sick, “ she says in her lyrics. The rap heiress makes it a point to engage with the people who support her through comments, Twitter replies and reposts most of the time but that’s not all. Social media has become something of a runway for her collection looks, and moodboard-worthy photos.
Most notably, her birthday photoshoots are groundbreaking, and well thought out, and often channel bold concepts that challenge the traditions of boring cake, balloon, and lingerie photos. December 3rd is usually the time of the year when Christmas comes early for Juvies & Citizens ( city girl fans ) alike when they receive the gift of highly anticipated shots from JT’s yearly birthday looks.
As of late, her looks have gotten more explorative in theme. She’s a mastermind when it comes to serving the people things they wouldn’t expect, whether it's with heavily inspired editorial makeup, edgy and daring name-brand labeled garments, or her wigs. These pictures have become a traditional staple for generating endless talk about her fashion ( see what I did there, teehee? ) and continue to solidify her brand as an overall fearless creative willing to try new things.
RECENTLY: This is ‘TheGirlJTWorld’ & We’re Just Living In It!
As a play on her iconic social media handle ‘ TheGirlJT ‘ daringly made a business decision to release her own fashion and beauty product brand ‘TheGirlJTWorld' in 2023. Currently boasting two completely sold-out collections so far, the brand has become an outlet for her prolific visions.
From Cunty cropped top tees, superstar mini-bikinis, and necklaces, to piece-by-piece puzzles inspired by her birthday shoots and stickers— and unforgettable mugshot printed hoodies with a message for reclaiming any power people thought they had over her for her past shortcomings, she is unmistakably the one holding the pen to write her fashion history.
Something only describable as “hood b*tch couture”, JT has come so far from being defined by the vicarious aspirations of others. She doesn’t live for you, or anyone else. The feisty musician and designer lives for herself. However, through her music, she continues her mission to instill confidence in other women, men, and anyone who needs it. Her appreciation for, and allyship to members of the LGBTQ+ community is no secret, which she often draws inspiration from.
Let’s be real…the girls, gays, and theys are the sole pioneers when it comes to inventiveness in trends and overall style and doesn’t get enough credit for being the bane of modern fashion’s existence but that’s another article for another day.
Case in point, JT has become the girl who can only be described by herself. Her self-assurance hasn’t just opened doors for her in other industries, it has torn them clean off the hinges and has landed her opportunities to be the gorgeous face of industry campaigns with brands such as “ Poster Girl “ by designer duo Francesca Capper and Natasha Sommerville, and the reinvigorating Y2K cyber-inspired “ Mowalola x Beats by Dre “ collaboration that people couldn’t stop talking about or reposting on their feeds.
“I’m flattered that the style stuck with me because people try… and get overlooked” is another JT quote and an overall perfect way to sum things up when it comes to her newfound methodology of expression for the past three years and her freedom as a solo force. JT has become more than a woman. She’s become a stand-alone, stand-out, radiantly gallant brand that cannot be overlooked by anyone. You can try to look away but why would you want to? She’s a doll.
As the curtain rises on a new year, the anticipation for her sartorial journey is palpable. The evolution she has undergone, fueled by assurance, individuality, and an adventurous spirit when it comes to her clothing sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting chapter in her narrative. In a landscape where trends come and go, JT stands as a beacon of authenticity and innovation for the girls who look like her. The hidden gems of inner-city and poverty-stricken hoods, dark-skinned women, flowers blooming from their struggles, and passionate dreamers.
While we are still at the very top of the year, the prospect of witnessing where JT takes her appearance in the coming months is nothing short of thrilling. Her ability to transcend boundaries, challenge norms, and redefine beauty in her terms is an inspiration to fashion enthusiasts and a testament to the transformative power of expressiveness.
As JT continues to carve her path in the world of fashion, there's a sense of eagerness, curiosity, and appreciation for the surprises she undoubtedly has in store. The question isn't just what she'll wear next; it's how she'll continue to rewrite the rules of style and captivate us with her unique essence.
In the grand tapestry of fashion, she has become a living canvas, and the strokes she adds with every outfit paints an image of courage, creativity, and the unyielding spirit of a coming style icon. Keep doing you, JT!
