Daniellia White managing talent and owning style

Many know this creative as the manager for soulful singer Joby Jay and singer and model Daneek Buckham. She is also a published author and podcaster. But, beyond those roles, the lovely Daniellia White is a certified fashionista with a refreshing sense of style.

“My talents each have their own image and brand. But outside of them, it’s important for the individuals around them to hone their individual image and brand as well. We’re a chain link, but we are also running an individual race. Each person affects the next. How I show up in a space determines how I’m treated and, in turn, how my talents are treated. There’s also the reality that whenever people see a talent, they see their representatives as well,” she told Living.

For White, fashion is an expression of art. Getting dressed, she aspires to show both her boss lady and boyish side without neglecting her femininity. “I love showcasing my skin as well. But not in a tacky and naked way. I also need it to be simple because I don’t have time to spend getting ready on an average day.”

Her earliest and most prominent style memory stems from watching her parents dress up for special occasions growing up. It was good seeing them put pieces together, but what she admired the most was how the dynamic duo managed to capture their personalities in the looks. The admiration soon turned into emulation when her time came to step into the spotlight.

“Honestly, I never cared much about clothes or fashion. I’m a very simple girl. I don’t like anything that takes too much time or effort. I never knew fashion could feel effortless until maybe like four years ago. So yes, the perspective has definitely changed, and I’m enjoying clothes and fashion now in a way I never did before,” the entertainment executive explained.

Almost five years ago, when she started managing her first female artiste, Joby Jay, she realised the significance of appearances, “That's truly what changed my view on appearances. Yes, [the] image was always important for the talent, and I’d always ensure talents and everyone at the forefront were represented well. But somehow, I never put into perspective the importance of the team standing around or beside them also having their own image,” she said until recently.

These days, whenever she leaves the house, she represents herself first and her talent second. “Joby especially pushes me to try because she’s always going to show up fashionable and dolled up. That’s really what prompted me [to] even try to figure out what I liked. Even if my talents are not next to me, there’s at least one person who will associate my face with theirs, and vice versa. I’ve simply committed to showing up as my best self all the time, in my way, on my terms, in a way that matches my personality.”

She continues, “There’s also the reality that whenever people see a talent, they see their representatives as well. They expect us to always be together and show up ready to be the talent and manager duo all the time, even if we’re in the supermarket. It simply comes with the territory, and we can’t run from that, nor can we convince them this isn’t reality."

Her personal style is an eclectic mix of androgynous meets sexy, simple, effortless and grown. “Anytime I step out in the androgynous side, in oversized jackets and big pants, people take a second look,” she said, adding, “And then the spectrum will be flipped completely to me wearing a full sexy leather outfit. I don’t think I’ve ever worn anything that doesn’t give a double take. I think people just find the blend I appear in fascinating because it’s not often seen.”

As far as trendsetters go, White looks up to celebrities like Jackie Hill Perry, Janelle Monae and Adrienne Bailon-Houghton. For Perry and Monae, it’s not just about clothes; their looks are conversation starters. “You almost always want to ask them, ‘What made you pick this outfit? ’ And I love that. I also love the way they capture the side of androgyny that I aim to get to.”

As for Bailon-Houghton, the fashion enthusiast shared she has this great way of making neutrals look like vibrant colours. “She also has this old age classy, sexy vibe that I love. She has certainly made me see that short people can do baggy without being lost in the garments.”

Closer to home, White says she doesn’t have style icons per se, but she loves the sense of style that oozes from local culture. “The way Jamaicans dress to the nine yards for everything is to be studied.”

Her closet essentials range from white button-down shirts, jeans and a blazer or jacket to anything, and everything leather, as well as boots, loafers and sneakers. “Right now, I’m into the layering and mixing of patterns. The fashion trend of layering is in, whether it’s with jewellery or clothes. Also, I love big or high-waisted jeans.” Noting that these are not new trends, she shared that is what makes style so beautiful; it can be cyclical, seasonal and timeless.

Finding your style, she admitted, becomes easy once you begin to discover who you are, what you like, how you like to feel and what you want people to remember about you. “You have to be willing to get comfortable with not blending in or looking like others. You have to get comfortable with experimenting with your likes and dislikes while also learning about your body. Everything that looks good on me may not look good on you, but it can inspire you to find what works for you. Also, have fun. If you’re doing it for the likes and the outward gratification, but you aren’t feeling great when you walk through the door, then it’s not it. Have fun with it. No one can be you, so just be you boldly and loudly.”

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com