by: Taylor Bennett, TFB Magazine
When I was first introduced to Jalliyah White—known to most as Gelato—through my friend Sarah Litvak, I had no idea how much this casual introduction would blossom into an inspiring connection. Even over the phone, her creative energy was magnetic. Here was a designer with an extraordinary ability to craft something magical from what others might see as scraps—thrifted fabrics, unexpected materials, and endless layers of color and texture. I quickly found myself captivated by her brand, Lovely x Lethal, and the bold, one-of-a-kind fashion statements she brings to life.
I finally met Jalliyah in person at our TFB Magazine Issue 01 launch in Atlanta. Seeing her was like witnessing her social media presence come alive: vibrant, warm, and radiating a light that touched everyone around her. That night, she wasn’t just there to celebrate; she was there to lift others up, to cheer on creatives she'd just met as though they were lifelong friends. This unwavering support and positivity are her trademarks, and it’s a joy to now share her story with a wider audience through TFB Magazine.
An Intentional Eye for Fabrics
When it comes to choosing fabrics, Jalliyah has a clear sense of her favorites, particularly for her own creations. She gravitates toward spandex, cotton blends, knits, denim, and heavyweight materials, often in bright patterns or bold colors. “I try to avoid synthetic fabrics like velvet when I can,” she explains, noting her preference for environmentally friendly choices. However, she is flexible with client requests, even if it means including fabrics she wouldn’t normally pick. “For custom pieces, I let my clients tell me what they’re looking for in weight, color, pattern, and material. Then, I go to multiple fabric warehouses around the city to source options that match their needs.” Her thoughtful approach allows clients to feel seen and involved, making each piece as unique as the person wearing it.
A Transformative Experience with TFB Magazine
Reflecting on her experience working with the TFB team for Issue 02, Jalliyah is all smiles. “I absolutely loved working with TFB,” she says enthusiastically. “There’s something powerful about being on set with young, talented minds. We’re creating a space where we don’t wait for doors to open—we’re building them ourselves.” She’s proud of the collaborative energy that fills every shoot, from the photographers and stylists to the designers like herself. “In the future, I’d love to work with TFB more. We’re pushing for a new era in art, one that truly celebrates us and the talent we bring.”
Overcoming Creative Blocks
Every artist experiences creative blocks, and Jalliyah is no exception. She recently navigated a year-long block after moving to a new state and being swept into a social scene that was hard to balance with her work. Her advice? “Keep creating, even if it’s just a small project each day. I’ll sew something—even just taking in a shirt or cropping some jeans—just to keep my creative muscles working.” For her, art is a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. Even if she doesn’t end up selling every piece she sews, staying active creatively keeps her inspired and prevents burnout.
Community as Fuel for Growth
Since meeting TFB in early 2024, Jalliyah has experienced an incredible transformation in her place within the art scene. “This magazine connected me with so many artists who want the same things I do,” she says. The supportive community around her has inspired her to keep pushing forward and even motivated her to go back to school next year to dive deeper into her passion. “It’s amazing to be around people who lift you up and want to bring you along with them. We’re the new generation of show-stoppers, and we’ll keep working hard until the world sees that.”
Lovely x Lethal’s Place in Festival and Rave Fashion
Jalliyah doesn’t box Lovely x Lethal into one scene, even though it’s wildly popular among festival-goers. She hopes her designs encourage people to break away from big brands and explore their own style. “Experiment,” she urges. “Try something new with what you already have. Festival fashion isn’t just matching two-piece sets. You can find your own flow, remix your wardrobe, and make a statement that’s genuinely you.”
This commitment to originality has fueled Lovely x Lethal’s success, and it’s only the beginning. Jalliyah dreams of expanding her line to offer size-inclusive pieces, accessible ready-to-wear items, and ultimately runway-ready designs. She envisions Lovely x Lethal evolving into a brand known for its craftsmanship, inclusivity, and spirit of celebration.
A Reminder to Uplift Your Creative Community
Writing this piece reminded me of the beauty of finding unexpected allies in the creative journey. Jalliyah’s story is more than the story of a designer; it’s a testament to the importance of fostering a community that lifts one another up. Her support and encouragement for me and so many others in our network reflects TFB Magazine’s mission to champion diverse creatives and their work.
Lovely x Lethal isn’t just about creating unforgettable pieces; it’s about creating connections. From the thrift store aisles to the fashion editorials, Jalliyah’s journey reminds us all to embrace individuality and to celebrate the uniqueness within ourselves and each other. As we continue to work with Jalliyah, we’re excited to see where her journey takes her next—and we’re grateful to play a part in amplifying her voice. Her journey with Lovely x Lethal is a testament to the magic that happens when you open yourself up to collaboration and creativity, trusting that the right people will meet you along the way.
Yorumlar