Look of the Week: Teyana Taylor gives Chanel the Harlem treatment

Look of the Week: Teyana Taylor's Harlem-Inspired Chanel Take at Tribeca

Look of the Week - Teyana Taylor, the Golden Globe-winning actor and native New Yorker, made headlines with her bold fashion choices at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. The event, now in its 25th year, showcased her unique interpretation of Chanel’s iconic aesthetic, infused with the cultural essence of Harlem. As she mingled with film industry leaders and celebrities, Taylor’s style stood out as a reflection of her roots and personal flair.

A Fusion of Tradition and Individuality

When asked about New York’s fashion identity, Taylor emphasized that it’s not tied to a single brand or garment but rather to an intangible energy. “New Yorkers have this aura you can’t replicate,” she remarked backstage at a panel on women in film. “It’s a distinct kind of swagger—each borough carries its own vibe, yet it’s all still New York.” Her approach to style aligns with this philosophy, blending classic elements with a modern, confident edge.

“It’s a different kind of swag. It’s dope to see the uniqueness of every borough—Harlem’s vibe is completely different from Brooklyn’s… but it’s still New York.”

Taylor’s outfits during the festival highlighted this duality. At Chanel’s Tribeca Artists Dinner, she opted for a refined yet striking look: a soft blue tweed skirt suit layered under a floral-embroidered button-down shirt. The ensemble was completed with a baby pink, fringe-accented jacket, a pearl necklace, and square-toe oxblood pumps from Chanel’s debut collection by creative director Matthieu Blazy.

Just days earlier, she leaned into a more casual yet powerful aesthetic for a panel discussion with “Zola” filmmaker Janicza Bravo. Pleated trousers paired with a graphic t-shirt and a cropped, multi-striped tweed jacket created a laid-back yet stylish contrast. A maroon Yankees cap added a subtle nod to her Harlem heritage, a detail she’s not shy about emphasizing.

“I was more of a skater kid, so I always wanted trinkets and the pearls and the chains… the things I wanted, I kind of had to myself because the girls were fighting for the purses.”

While Taylor draws from Chanel’s latest runway collections, her style remains deeply personal. “I’m just happy to be here,” she said, reflecting on her collaboration with the French brand. “The girls are fighting and I’m actually in the room with Chanelly.” Her ability to merge high fashion with her own artistic sensibility has made her a standout figure in the city’s style scene.