Today we’d like to introduce you to JaQuan Turner.
Hi JaQuan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember. If my mother brought down my old elementary school “All About Me” worksheets, on the line, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I always wrote “Artist”. I naturally drew and painted on anything I could get my hands on. I’ve run through countless canvases and sketchbooks.
Cartoons and video games held a strong influence on my style. With my family’s support for my outlandish animated style, I applied to Bak Middle School of the Arts. I went through the audition process and got rejected. This did leave a sour taste in my mouth, but I effortlessly kept refining my craft.
Through middle school is where my knack for fashion really began to pick up. I’ve always put myself together nicely. Since I was young, I would put myself together to mimic my favorite celebrity outfits. I would watch music videos from 106&Park and MTV and gain inspiration from artists like Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi, Pharrell Williams, and My Chemical Romance.
Styles from video games such as Saints Row, Grand Theft Auto, and the Mafia Series, also would hold a huge influence on me. As I met more people who were into fashion, art, and pop culture, my appetite for clothing increased. Though my mom wasn’t able to afford the things I desired due to her being a single mother. I was picked on here and there for only being able to have the second-best thing. It felt like I would never have anything I wanted. But things took a huge turn in high school.
After ninth grade, I would score my first pair of Retro Jordans by playing a key-master machine at a local sneaker boutique. They were a pair of OG White Cement 4s. My sneaker collection would continue to grow after that. With sneakers of course came streetwear. Throughout my eleventh-grade year, I would begin to dawn Bape shark hoodies, Supreme box logos, and different pairs of hype sneakers.
I attained everything I thought I would never have through reselling and working my first job. It was a full-circle moment to have the same person who made fun of me, end up complimenting my style years later. As I connected with more people who were into fashion in my area, my true calling began to knock on my door.
In late 2018, I began crafting the first visual presentations for what would eventually become the Colore Spectrum label. In the beginning, there was some trial and error as I found myself more and more, but now after putting the pieces together and crafting my own unique style, I can confidently say “This is me”.
I have released my first ever composition titled ‘Hot Summer 2022. A ton of my key reference points lie inside this collection, and I am extremely proud of myself, and everyone involved.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There were plenty of struggles along the way. Finding my own unique design style was a big one. I would try and take inspiration from icons in the fashion world like Rick Owens and Kim Jones, but nothing seemed to stick. While meditating I began to recall all my reference points.
I came to the realization that my style doesn’t align with these people. My style is loud and proud. That is when I had my eureka moment and multiple doors in my head opened up. I began heavily studying my favorite designers Rei Kawakubo and Martin Margiela. I put the pieces together and started doing things nine-year-old me would have his jaw dropped looking at.
Re-discovering that childhood wonder is what it’s all about. And now I have arrived at my first ever collection titled Hot Summer 2022. This was a testament to myself and others of my style, ability, passion, and what to expect in the future. Though I may not have a “million” followers, I am grateful for all the people who support me in my journey and don’t base my talent on an imaginary number.
I will never disappoint my supporters. This is just the beginning.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a pure artist at heart. I pursue my craft with goodwill and intent. I paint, illustrate, style, direct, sculpt, and even act from time to time. Most of all, I am a designer. People have taken note of my bold style as well.
I am mostly known throughout my community for my classic white In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida Cardigan which adopts a bold black pattern. I am also known for my skill in illustration. Many of my customers appreciate the custom character cards I sketch and digitally draw.
I include them in every order free of charge. Just having someone appreciate my artwork and purchase a piece, warms my heart to such a degree that I cannot fathom. I am eternally grateful. I am proud of the vision and ability that I have been blessed with.
I take my time cultivating an idea, that will eventually become a piece. I don’t ride trendy internet waves; I carve out my own path and forge my own unique style. This is what separates me from others.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Time and time again we have seen history repeat itself. It’s a truly endless cycle. Like rules, cycles have to be broken. Relying on the past for fashion trends will slowly begin to die out. There are only so many trends that people can bring back.
Moving into the future, I believe this new form of futurist design will prevail. The illustrations made by artists like Syd Mead manifested into a reality. Collections like Kim Jones’ Dior’s pre-fall 2019 show, Kanye West’s futuristic and uncanny silhouettes, and the late Virgil Abloh’s iconic eye-grabbing works at the Louis Vuitton fashion house, clearly tell me where we are heading. Into the future.
The styles from now will only continue to become more and more outlandish. If these trends want to continue, they may need to borrow flavor from other countries like they are now with the Harajuku street style.
Pricing:
- Satin Colore Scarves $35
- Dalmation Denim $80
- Colore Triple C Buckle Belt $140
- Cheetah Sweater Vests $150
- In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida Cardigan $550
Contact Info:
- Website: www.colorebyjaquanturner.com
- Instagram: @quanyspectrum and @colorespectrum
Image Credits
Lilly Grella (@liljadephotos) and Tashawn Barber (@__numba.9)
