“Created by designer, Jerell Gantt, IMITATION BY JERELL is where art and fashion blissfully collide. With custom fashion, accessories and shoes, this line is guaranteed to make you stand out in a crowd! Be prepared to escape to your fantasies with, IMITATION BY JERELL.” We sat down with Jerell Gantt to learn a little more about him, how he got started, and plans for the future.
Seeking a way to combine his love for both fashion and art, IMITATIONBYJERELL was born. Having a mother who is an artist left him with an innate trait of creativity. He also attended SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN, but he feels it didn’t quite prepare him for all that composes his line. Mr. Gantt describes his line as the perfect hybrid of 3 dimensional art and avant-garde fashion. When asked what designers inspire him, he gave a surprisingly different answer. He cites music as his inspirations for his designs. Hearing the works of the greats like Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Jessie J is what makes his creative wheels turn. He notes Kimora Lee Simmons as his favorite fashion icon, saying “she embodies not only a powerhouse fashion mogul, but what it takes to make your line a brand.” We here at Kontrol have a deep love for Kimora Lee Simmons as well so who can blame him? Tracee Ellis Ross, Keke Palmer, Tamar Braxton, Nene Leakes are just a few of notables he’s worked with. “I see myself striving to make my brand a household name. Launching my designs in stores and boutiques and expanding my creative visions” is the future he envisions for his line. When asked about his favorite material to work with he responds, “ don’t have a favorite material, I’m particular. My creations are so impulsive, I use everything from silk to soda cans. Whatever it takes to achieve the look.” As we know with any career there’s always good and bad. We asked about one pro and con to being a designer. Being your own designer is a pro and con within itself he says. The con is having no one to blame for a design that doesn’t quite make the mark. The pro is having the final say in all of my creative visions. Well there is no doubt that this only the beginning for this innovative and uniquely creative designer. Be sure to check out his instagram @imitationbyj and my website www.imitationbyjerell.com for all his hottest and newest creations.
