Tap Into Your Inner Baddie With True Religion’s New True Baddie Collection
The cult-classic label taps Jayda Cheaves to help pay homage to early 2000s fashions.
A nod to the nostalgic early noughties era, the True Baddie collection from True Religion remixes early 2000s-esque pieces by adding a modern twist to the styles. From the denim washes to the style-forward silhouettes, the latest line from the Californian brand pays homage to the trends that dominated the decade. The capsule collection marks a milestone for True Religion, spearheaded by the brand’s Senior Vice President of Women’s Design & Brand, Tina Blake, who wants to immerse the apparel brand into the digital age. With entrepreneur and social media influencer Jayda Cheaves in the mix, the cult-classic label accomplishes just that.
A style icon in her own right, Jayda steals the scene in the True Baddie campaign, rocking the Y2K-inspired styles from head to toe. In a series of shots, Jayda dons the new denim offerings, from the fan-favorite skinny Jennie silhouette to the striking Jessie and Jimmy green set, as well as the line’s range of activewear, including cropped hoodies and flared jogger pants. The 14-piece line is not only reflective of the ongoing Y2K revival but also Jayda’s fashion aesthetic. For the Atlanta native, edgy mini skirts, low-rise jeans and jean jackets reflect her everyday style. “I love this collection so much because it’s exactly what I would wear on a day-to-day basis,” she shares. “It’s super chic, trendy, yet fly.”
True Religion
True Religion
True Religion
True Religion
With the capsule collection, True Religion tells the story of style evolution with silhouettes that bridge a gap between the past and the present. The spirit of noughties style is alive and well within the array of apparel but is still sophisticated enough to mesh with modern times. Speaking to the line’s range of ready-to-wear, Jayda sat down with Hypebae to discuss her top picks from the True Baddie collection, her Southern roots and their influence on her sense of style and the 411 on being the best baddie you can be.
Continue scrolling below for the full scoop. The True Baddie Collection from True Religion is now available on the brand’s official site.
You were tapped by True Religion to star in their new campaign and collection because you embody the essence of a “True Baddie.” In what ways does your sense of style and unique identity reflect that?
I would say for one, I am effortlessly me. From the way I dress to the way I act, and lately, I have been tapping more into my ‘90s fashion bag. So, [that includes] the glasses, the big chains, and low-rise jeans. I feel like it [all] aligned at the right time when True Religion reached out wanting to do this collab.
What would you say is your favorite piece from the new collection and why? What formula do you follow when devising ‘fits, particularly with True Religion pieces?
I wouldn’t say I have a favorite piece because I like all of them. I would say the jeans the most though because I love how True Religion jeans fit me. [How I dress] depends on the day. Sometimes I like to wear looser jeans and sometimes I want to show body. It just depends on how I’m feeling that day. Most of the jeans in the collection are super fitted which gives body, but then there’s a couple of boyfriend style [jeans] which are a bit looser.
True Religion
True Religion
How did it feel to be tapped by True Religion for the “True Baddie” campaign?
I was so shocked. I couldn’t believe it because True Religion is something that I never stopped wearing. I’ve been wearing True’s since I was a kid. So, when [my manager] brought it to my attention I was like “no way they want to work with me, no way this is serious.” I was so excited only because this is [a brand] I could never imagine having a collab with because I’ve always worn it and I actually never stopped wearing it.
As an Atlanta native, tell me about how the city inspires your style sensibilities and what role does the Y2K aesthetic play into it.
As an Atlanta native, I feel like just knowing that so many of the ‘90s R&B and ‘2000s music videos were shot here [inspires me]. I loved the video girls back when I was a kid and how they dressed. Being able to have that as inspo and make it modern in today’s time is like “ok period.” I love that. I feel like Atlanta plays a huge role as far as how I get some of my inspo when it’s time for me to give that Y2K aesthetic.
Are there other cities that inspire your sense of style?
I get inspo from everywhere. I make everything I do and everywhere I visit [a place to gain inspiration from.] For instance, I just went to Tokyo and got a lot of inspo. New York always gives me dope inspiration so it just depends. I kind of make everything into something, it doesn’t matter where I’m visiting. If I like how something looks or I like how someone is dressed, I always make it my own or try to recreate my version of it. I would say I use everything and everywhere I visit as inspiration.
True Religion
True Religion
True Religion
True Religion
True Religion
True Religion
True Religion
True Religion
True Religion
True Religion
How has your style evolved over time? What was Jayda five years ago wearing?
Jayda five years ago was going for the most gaudy and the most tackiest things. I would say now I’m more chic, I try not to over do it. I feel like I’m learning now that I get older, less is more. And my style over those five years have changed so much. Over the last couple of months my style has changed so much only because I’m learning that less is more, you don’t have to always do too much when you’re getting dressed. That’s not what fashion is.
What advice would you give young women on unleashing their inner baddie and being the best version of themselves they could possibly be?
When [I hear] people say style, I reflect that on you. No one else can give you your style. Style is strictly [about] how you feel, what you like and what you make it. So, always just do what works for you. Because some things I can wear and for instance my best friend can’t wear. Some outfits my best friend can pull off that I know for a fact won’t work for me.
Style is all about doing what you like, what works for you and making it suitable for you and your own taste preferences. My advice for unleashing your inner baddie would just be, be you, be truly authentic to yourself and do what truly works for you. Not just when it comes to style but that goes as far as relationships, friendships, and how you portray yourself to the public eye. [Being a baddie means] doing what works for you and not caring what anyone has to say.
