THE TERRYS: Southern Swag
“How we dress is how we are addressed.”
When I first got the idea to make a fashion blog, I knew I wanted it to be a space where I could discuss my own fashion, and the things that inspire me. At the time, I imagined discussing different fashion pieces, concepts, and people. So naturally, I reached out to the Terrys.
Last year, Mya O’Berry-Terry and Isaiah Terry got married and celebrated their wedding this past May. I first met Mya at the University of Georgia School of Law’s Black Alumni Brunch the spring before we started law school. Since then, we have grown to become best friends, and through her I met Isaiah. When I met them both, their styles instantly stood out. And anyone who knows them now, would probably say the same thing.
When I asked Mya what inspires her current fashion, she told me that ever since she was young, Bratz dolls were a major inspiration. Their lashes, hoops, dark lip liner, and platform shoes stood out to her younger self, and eventually became the blueprint as she got older.
But really, her fashion is inspired by something much deeper. Growing up in Irma, South Carolina, Sundays were meant for church. Church, the place where you could find the epitome of black southern country culture. She recalled seeing her aunty wearing big zebra print hats, and all gold coordinated outfits. She described her mother’s extravagant jewelry collection that never failed to be debuted on Sunday mornings. Another relative grew her nails so long, they’d be painted in intricate patterns that inspired Mya in high school. Overall, every woman that attended the service took the occasion seriously, so when you show up, you dress your best, and often that means bright colors.
Today I would categorize her style as glitz and edge with alternative influences. When I first hung out with Mya, she was wearing a crocheted shrug, which I later learned, she had made herself. But that was just one of the many pieces she had made. Although Mya’s fashion was a prominent aspect of her life since childhood, it wasn’t until college where she truly began to explore that side of her. She’d think of different things she’d want to wear and then she would go to the store and select some yarn in a color that spoke to her at a given time.
Reminiscing on her colorful upbringing, Mya said she feels that as we grow older, there becomes a pressure to dress more mature, and for many, that means neutral colors only. But maturity doesn’t have to be black, white, and beige. It can be any color of the rainbow. For one of her outfits, Mya selected a vibrant blue skirt, and accessorized it with yellow bangles and a yellow hat. As we grow older, I too believe we start to box ourselves into a simple, mainstream idea of fashion. In the same way Mya described the importance of color, I agree that it is a way to make your outfit all that more exciting. And there’s nothing wrong with basics and neutrals.
But I encourage you to reflect and consider, are you dressing this way because you think that’s what you’re expected to do as an adult? Need inspiration? Consider your own childhood.
Isaiah's own childhood is what inspires his current fasion. Growing up in Carrollton, Georgia, his family always stressed the importance of how to present yourself. No matter what they did, the Terrys always stepped out, ready for any occasion. What started as a familial expectation, is now a passion for him.
Isaiah’s fashion features elements of 80s, 90s, and country flair. While dressing this way, he makes sure to incorporate pieces passed down to him from his grandfather and father. Specifically, the pieces he selected for this shoot included his grandfather’s work jacket and his father’s jersey. In everyday wear, Isaiah incorporates pieces of his country upbringing. Cowboy boots, wrangler jeans, and some sort of hat to accessorize the fit. Much of his hat collection is made up of pieces from family. One of the hats featured comes from one of his major inspirations: Outkast.
Andre “3000” Benjamin and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton, the duo making up Outkast, pioneered black fashion throughout the 90s. Coming from Atlanta and daring to be different, their imaginative style initially challenged the expectations of mainstream hip-hop. Today, they’re known as musical and fashion icons. Taking notes from Outkast, how can you challenge the environment you’re in? Right now, most of my time is spent at law school. Law school is a space where a lot of people seem to box themselves into a single, hivemind image. And there’s nothing wrong with that either. For me, it is a space to challenge myself creatively and push the boundaries of what’s expected.
When you stand-out, you never know whose eyes you’ll catch. When Isaiah first saw Mya, he was attracted to her red hair and alternative style. Mya similarly described Isaiah’s fashion, as something that first attracted her to him. As a couple, they share similar roots heavily inspired by black southern churches. Together, they incorporate influences of their country upbringing, mixed with a dash of streetwear and edge. This pair constantly inspires me to tap back to my inner-child, and push the envelope with the way that I dress.
If you have thoughts or ideas you'd like to share, please contact me!
Listening to: The Whole World (feat. Killer Mike) – Outkast
xx bunny2egg.
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