2017 ESSENCE Festival performer Jhene Aiko manages to bring an air of ethereal, whimsical cool-girl style everywhere she goes and her newest collection with Teva shoes is no exception.
Partnering with the footwear company for their second collaboration which debuted May 2, Aiko brings a line that’s not only perfect for festival season, but brings in the elements in a chic and natural way.
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Jhene spoke to ESSENCE about the new collaboration, her future fashion endeavors and how everything she does is about bringing the peace.
On How She Was Introduced to Teva: “I personally got into them like a few years ago when I was in Hawaii planning a hiking trip. I knew that I was gonna be like, getting my feet wet and I knew that I wanted to be comfortable and safe, while I was hiking. I went into a store the salesperson showed me to the Tevas. I tried them on and I was like, ‘Oh yeah, perfect.'”
On Her Alignment With the Brand: “I loved how they were all about exploring and getting out there, just being one with nature and just always being ready for an adventure — I feel like that is me. I feel like that’s exactly who I am. Everything I do is about discovery.”
On Adding Her Personal Touch to the Collection: “I personalized [the shoes] with my dharma wheel tattoo which has a lot of meaning. Mainly it’s about being headed in the right direction, so it’s on the right sandal.”
On the Many Looks of Teva: “The cool thing about the Tevas, is they come in three different styles.
The flatform is a little more when you want to look a little, you know, like you’re doing something. The Hurricane, is sporty, for when you’re going on a hike. And then the Universal, is just like your everyday casual.”
On Her Evolving Style: “More recently in my adult, almost 30 years, I am wanting to stray away from like extreme mid-drifts. And like extreme “V”, low cut stuff,” she shares. “You know, it always depends though. I dress for my mood.
On her Future Fashion Endeavors: “I plan on doing a lifestyle site. I want it to definitely have clothing, shoes and scents.”
On What Her New Teva Collection is Really All About: “It pretty much embodies just discovering, transforming and looking on the brighter side of things. I just feel like everything this year that I’m going to be putting out is just really all about taking the time to listen to yourself, discover new things about yourself and taking a trip through your different layers so that the person that you’re presenting to the world is the true you. And so that we can really connect to each other’s authentic self.”
Starting at $75, you can grab a pair from Jhene Aiko’s exclusive Teva collection here.