As a collective, members of Gen Z are dynamic trendsetters and culture shifters.
The Will Smith-produced show has garnered immense buzz, becoming one of the most outstanding drama series in 2022.
How didThe Fresh Princeshape your appreciation forBel-Airbefore you scored the audition?
I loved the family dynamic onThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.It was so special.
We really recreated that pretty well.
We’ve all just become a super close family.
Akira Akbar / Byrdie
How would you sayBel-Airdemonstrates Black excellence and the power of Black beauty?
We demonstrate Black excellence and Black beauty so well, especially with the stories we tell.
Black storytelling is super important to the world ofBel-Air.
Akira Akbar/Byrdie
Akira Akbar / Byrdie
In your opinion, how doesBel-AirAshley Banks differ fromFresh PrinceAshley Banks?
It differs because it’s such a different time now.The Fresh Princewas in the ’90s, andBel-Airis happening now.
We cover many issues teenagers are dealing with now, especially teens in the LGBTQ+ community.
Akira Akbar/Byrdie
How would you defineBel-AirAshley’s style?
It’s not too girly and not too tomboy.
As a queer woman, she really steps out of the box with her style.
What do you love the most about Tatyana Ali’s version of Ashley Banks?
Oh my gosh, I loved her style.
It’s a lot like Hillary’s because she looked up to Hillary.
There’s a similar thing happening this season.
Ashley has a lot of pieces that are similar to Hillary’s style.
Akira Akbar/Byrdie
Which character do you think has the best style inBel-Air?
I would definitely say Hillary.
I love her style.
Her outfits are something I would actually wear.
I also love Ashley’s style.
How do you practice self-care when you’re not on set?
How would you say Gen Z is redefining what self-care means?
We are starting to [develop a closer relationship with] self-care, especially after quarantine.
What are some of your favorite TikTok beauty and fashion hacks?
I recently saw people usingpink powder.
I’ve never really seen that before.
When I saw it, I was like,I really want to try that.
That’s kind of cool.
What are some of your beauty must-haves?
For skincare, I recently started using the CeraveCleanser Bar, and I love it.
It leaves my skin looking good.
I also use a moisturizer fromOseaand a toner fromPaula’s Choice.
I mostly useMelanin Haircare,K-18, andLiving Proofproducts in my hair.
What beauty hacks have you learned while being on the set ofBel-Air?
We’ve been using that trick this season because I’ve been wearing braids most of the time.
It’s a really good hack.
