My True Holiday: In The Spirit with Faith Jaggernauth and Ricardo Smith

The holidays mean something different to each of us. Faith Jaggernauth finds meaning with family, reimagining their old traditions to fit perfectly into the present. For Ricardo Smith, the holidays are about escaping the Midwest for a moment to discover a reliable winter wonderland in New York City. But what do the two of these people have in common? They're both rockin' the True Religion spirit all season long.

We talked to the both of them about finding the holiday spirit, which holiday song reigns supreme, and what True pieces they're gifting this year.

Faith Jaggernauth

Tell the True fam about yourself.

I don’t even know where to begin! I would want people to know what I stand for which is being completely TRUE to yourself and being your most raw and authentic self. It should translate to anything, from the way the world perceives you, to how you perceive yourself. I am such a creative person; I feel like it’s my triple libra placement. I literally do sometimes feel like an onion with all the layers of myself, I have so much to contribute to the world, so it feels impossible to sit here and throw a label on myself for everything I currently have in the works. What I can do is advise you to stay tuned and see what I have to offer to the world.

How are you spending the holidays this year?

I’ll be spending the holidays with my family in Trinidad for the first time in almost 3 years since the pandemic. I’ll be eating amazing food, seeing all my pets there, and getting to submerge myself back into my culture.

We all have that one dish or drink that reminds us of home and/or the holidays. What's yours?

Honestly, I feel like anything Trinidadian makes me feel at home and in the holiday spirit. For my holidays spent in New York City, my family would cook Trinidadian dishes, so it all connects for me. A drink would be Ponche Créme, which is like a Trinidadian version of Coquito.

What holiday song is low-key fire, like you could listen to it all year? 

Mine would be “St. Brick Intro” off Gucci Mane’s The Return Of East Atlanta Santa.

Be honest, did you ever ask for True Religion jeans as a gift during the holidays?

I did back in 2014 because of Chief Keef [laughs], but I never got a pair. 

What True items would you gift to friends or family and why?

I’d go with the varsity for my mom because we both obsess over bombers and oversized jackets. I’d grab these jeans for my grandfather since he’s always wearing jeans to go out and run errands in Trinidad. Lastly, I would get some cute little True jeans for my baby cousin. 

Do you think you made the nice list this year? If yes, why is that? If no, spill it anyway.

I think I’ll be on the nice list this year. I’ve grown in so many ways mentally, spiritually, and everything really. I’ve worked hard towards being able to be authentically who I am and do what I do. I’ve been healing and taking extra care of my headspace, which contributes to me being able to put amazing energy and love into the world.

What's your hot take on New Year's resolutions? Are they worth it?

I feel as though they are worth it because it’s almost like manifesting your future and setting goals to devote your passion towards. When you accomplish what you set out to do it’s the best feeling!

Ricardo Smith

Tell the True fam about yourself.

My name is Ricardo Smith, and I was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. A few things to know about me is I can’t go a day without listening to music, it’s probably the first thing I do every morning. I’m also a foodie and Hibachi is my all-time favorite kind of food! Lastly Melo, my Frenchie, is my ultimate best friend and his favorite food is fries. 

How are you spending the holidays this year?

Taking a trip to New York for the holidays, it’s one of my absolute favorite places to visit before the New Year. Being from the Midwest, the holiday decorations and snow is what makes Christmas feel like home for me. Seeing the huge Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center is becoming a tradition it feels like. 

We all have that one dish or drink that reminds us of home and/or the holidays. What's yours?

Christmas cookies and milk or hot chocolate. Back home we would always get together for cookies and milk or hot chocolate each Christmas Eve! Seeing cookies shaped like Santa, Stars, Candy Canes or Presents brings that feeling back every time. 

What holiday song is low-key fire, like you could listen to it all year? 

Easy! Mistletoe by Justin Bieber is fire. Like you can play that even when it’s not Christmas. 

Be honest, did you ever ask for True Religion jeans as a gift during the holidays?

Most definitely, I remember going to one of the shopping centers about 2 hours away from me just to try them on when I was younger. 

What True items would you gift to friends or family and why?

I would gift them the Denim Jacket, Ricky Super T Stitch Straight Jean, and Big T Zip Hoodie. These are great pieces to have to mix-and-match with. You can dress it up or down depending on the occasion. 

Do you think you made the nice list this year? If yes, why is that? If no, spill it anyway.

For sure made the nice list this year, I treated people with love and respect. I always greeted others with genuine vibes and was a great friend to others. Also made sure to take care of those around me and to spread my love and gratitude. And I smiled no matter what! 

If you should have them, what are your New Year's resolutions?

My New Year’s resolution is to read more books, taking time to read at least 10 mins a day is my New Year’s resolution.