As a fellow child of immigrants and a fan of “Bel-Air”, I am thrilled to see how much effort is being put into showcasing Black excellence and using Black designers in this series. It’s not just about clothes, it’s about representation and empowerment.
For two consecutive seasons, QueenSylvia Akuchie has been in charge of creating costumes for the popular Peacock drama “Bel-Air”. This entails dressing the main young adult cast and also the guest stars from the original sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, including Jospeh Marcell, who made a special appearance in season three’s episode six titled “Baggage”.
Akuchie expresses that it’s delightful to adorn these characters, as they are all so receptive and enthusiastic. She even gets a little starstruck over some of them, as reported to The Hollywood Reporter.
Akuchie’s role is significant, as she emphasizes representation much like the ’90s sitcom that broke new ground by portraying an affluent African American family. This principle extends to the designers she collaborates with. For instance, Rob Bass designed a denim vest for Will (Jabari Banks) in season three’s premiere, and Charles Harrison was commissioned by Akuchie to create a striking custom wedding dress with a 20-foot train for Hilary (Coco Jones) in the surprising season finale.
Akuchie expresses a desire to ensure everyone, regardless of location, activity or artistic style, feels represented,” Akuchie says to The Hollywood Reporter. “I aim to make people feel noticed and understood. I believe this is why we exist and why we’re here together – to connect with each other.
In the following discussion, Akuchie discusses her intentional choice of Los Angeles-based designers and designers of diverse backgrounds, the high cost associated with the lavish wardrobe for the climactic episode of season three, and her aspirations for the reboot’s fashion legacy as the series concludes its third season, anxiously waiting for a potential renewal for season four.
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What does it take to pull off the wardrobe on Bel-Air season after season with a cast this big?
To bring a compelling story to life requires a large collaborative effort, extensive exploration, and a clear intention to create an impact and foster change. The goal is not just for the audience to observe the characters but to recognize aspects of themselves in the costumes. So, how do I narrate that tale effectively? How do I ensure people feel seen and represented through costumes? This is crucial because the cast is vast, each member possessing unique personalities and individual experiences throughout their story arcs. Consequently, I’m ensuring every character’s narrative is highlighted appropriately.
In the beginning, you always had Will showcasing designs by numerous Philadelphia-based fashion creators to express his strong connection to West Philadelphia. Was this element continued in season three as well?
He’s now residing in L.A., hence he’s taking on elements of both Carlton (Olly Sholotan) and Jazz (Jordan L. Jones), while also capturing the essence of Bel Air. However, I’ve subtly paid tribute to this character, particularly in the season three premiere. He donned a customized denim vest at the Juneteenth party, which features an image of Africa and a small ‘P’, symbolizing Philadelphia. In essence, this design links Africa, Juneteenth, and Philadelphia, reflecting who he is and his transformation.
How many custom pieces do you usually do per season?
The duration and complexity of our costume designs depend on the episode and available time. For instance, with the first episode, we prepare for around six to eight weeks due to its initial nature. However, the season finale is a unique exception; it was customized extensively. We even dyed fabrics to achieve the desired look, which was creatively satisfying. Throughout the season, approximately two to three costumes per episode underwent such personalizations. I never stick with the original design; I alter buttons, collars, lengths, shapes, weights, and structures. I enjoy the creative process. But the finale is exceptional. I was thrilled for everyone to witness it because on the day we filmed it, I experienced goosebumps and chills. It was visually stunning, and every character looked fantastic.
Hilary, historically, is the fashionista of the family. How do you approach her in this series?
My main aim is to be seen as enjoyable, stylish, yet modest. However, I want to ensure she feels comfortable enough to express her adorable side – yes, she’s very demure, even with a chuckle. I appreciate her charming accessories like earrings, headbands, and gloves. There are countless fun activities we can share together. Furthermore, I strive to relate the essence of the original Fresh Prince to our current time, yet maintain a unique twist that sets us apart from others.
How would you describe your on-set experience when collaborating with Olly Sholotan, who in reality has a deep passion for fashion?
It’s quite amusing, as we have a connection with each actor, and it’s heartening to see their trust in me. They all embrace my creative vision. They all share the same vision. There’s constant debate among them about who looks best, but Olly stands out. He has a strong affinity for fashion and his personal style contrasts significantly from his character. Interestingly, his personal style aligns more with Jazz’s character, yet it’s enjoyable to style him in a starkly different manner. He’s also incredibly collaborative. His physique is immaculate, so we enjoy creating a balance between making him look seductive and classy; conservative yet trendy and modern. It’s important to showcase that black men can be stylish, and they can pull off collared shirts, polos, and vests beautifully. So, Olly’s wardrobe is quite luxurious, as high-end designers often cater to his needs.
Do you have a favorite character to dress?
Among all, the individual who holds significant value for me is Aunt Viv, as her character strongly resembles my late mother. Despite their differences, I see a reflection of my mom in Aunt Viv. As a person of Nigerian descent, I appreciate that she’s globally recognized, allowing me to associate her with designers that I believe my mother would have admired.
In this show, we see a strong focus on celebrating Black achievement across various fields, and it’s likely that this extends to the use of Black fashion designers as well. Could you share some information about these designers featured in the series?
One thing I love to do is give us a platform that we don’t obviously get to have on primetime TV. That is one of my number one focuses when I’m starting to develop. I use local designers; I use global designers. There’s a designer called Baba Jagne who is amazing here in L.A., a mastermind who makes beautiful pieces. I’ve had Jazz and Ashley wear some [of his] things; there was a jacket that Hilary wore for the football game that was customized with the “H” and the numbers. I’ve used Ozwald Boateng, the amazing Waraire Boswell who just passed away a few weeks ago. I’ve worked with him for years making custom suits. So my goal is to use local L.A. designers and global designers who are of color.
What’s the most expensive piece you’ve curated for the show?
This wedding season’s grand finale saw us splurging between $25,000 and $27,000 on Hilary’s wedding attire and its accessories.
Are you finding it pressuring to live up to the original “Fresh Prince” character, or does taking charge of the reboot’s wardrobe excite you more than it makes you nervous?
It turns out, I underestimated myself. Previously, when considering last season, I found myself thinking, “I’m ready for this; I’m enthusiastic.” My attitude was one of humility and eagerness to embrace the challenge. Fear never crossed my mind. Instead, I was simply thrilled at the prospect of crafting and sharing my unique perspective. As a descendant of immigrants, it felt like I had an opportunity to share a story from my personal vantage point, and I eagerly looked forward to doing so.
What do you want the style legacy of this show to be?
My goal is to infuse a universal reawakening into the aesthetic legacy, showcasing each character authentically and faithfully, blending the past with the present and making each character unique, while also echoing my own voice throughout. I aspire for people to feel seen, empowered, and inspired to create their own paths.
The third season of Bel-Air is now streaming on Peacock.
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2024-09-10 15:55