Netflix’s Forever has become a cultural phenomenon since its May 8, 2025 release. The show reimagines Judy Blume’s beloved 1975 novel for a new generation. Costume designer Tanja Caldwell played a crucial role in making the series authentic to Black LA culture.
The series follows two Los Angeles high-schoolers navigating first love and intimacy amid social and parental pressures. Stars Michael Cooper Jr. as Justin Edwards and Lovie Simone as Keisha Clark bring the teenage romance to life. However, the authentic Los Angeles style created by Caldwell has become equally important to the show’s success.
Creator Mara Brock Akil, known for hits like Girlfriends, Being Mary Jane, and The Game, wanted genuine representation. The fashion choices reflect real Black LA youth culture rather than Hollywood stereotypes. This authenticity has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
Authentic Black LA Culture Drives Netflix’s Latest Success
Mara Brock Akil’s vision for Forever centers on authentic Black Los Angeles culture. The creator, who has mastered cultural storytelling since the 2000s, made authenticity a priority. She wanted young Black viewers to see themselves genuinely reflected in the characters and their style.
“You’re working with someone who has a really strong hold on, I think, not just Black culture, but specifically LA culture, and like young, adult culture,” Caldwell told MadameNoire. “She really studies, and I think that’s part of the process for me, always with any project I do, is studying it and understanding it fully.”
The collaboration between Akil and director Regina King created a powerful creative team. Both women understood the importance of representing Black LA youth authentically. Their combined expertise ensured the show would resonate with the intended audience while maintaining broad appeal.
Costume Designer’s Deep Understanding of Los Angeles Street Style
Tanja Caldwell brought unique qualifications to the Forever costume design role. Although not originally from Los Angeles, she has lived there long enough to understand the culture deeply. Her years in the city allowed her to observe and embrace authentic Black LA style.
“I’m not originally from LA, but I’ve lived here for so long that I can look like I understand that culture, and I’ve embraced it myself,” Caldwell explained. Her transplant perspective combined with deep cultural immersion created the perfect background for this project.
The costume designer approached her work with genuine care for accurate representation. She wanted to showcase Black LA culture “in a really honest, true, genuine way.” This commitment to authenticity became the foundation for all her design choices throughout the series.
Strategic Approach to Genuine Youth Fashion Representation
From the project’s beginning, authenticity remained the primary goal for the costume department. Akil and King specifically told Caldwell they wanted the fashion to “speak to a part of LA and feels really genuine and true to young, Black people.” This clear direction shaped every styling decision.
The design process focused on creating clothes that real Black LA teenagers would actually wear. Caldwell studied current youth fashion trends and street style in Black Los Angeles communities. She wanted viewers to look at the characters and “really see themselves reflected back to them.”
This genuine approach attracted Caldwell to the project initially. She felt drawn to the opportunity to showcase authentic Black youth culture on a major platform. The chance to move beyond stereotypical portrayals of Black teenagers motivated her creative process.
Los Angeles as Character Through Fashion Storytelling
The city of Los Angeles functions as much as a character in Forever as the human cast members. Caldwell used fashion to help tell the story of Black LA youth culture. Every outfit choice contributed to the show’s authentic portrayal of teenage life in the city.
The costume design reflects the diversity and creativity found in real Black LA communities. Different neighborhoods and social groups within the city influenced various character wardrobes. This attention to detail helps viewers understand the characters’ backgrounds and social contexts.
Caldwell’s fashion choices also reflect the modern teenage experience in Los Angeles. Social media influences, current trends, and youth culture all appear in the characters’ clothing. These elements help ground the show in contemporary reality while honoring the source material.
Cultural Impact Beyond Television Fashion
Forever‘s authentic representation has created significant cultural impact beyond entertainment. Young Black viewers have praised the show for its genuine portrayal of their experiences. The authentic fashion choices contribute significantly to this positive reception.
The series has sparked conversations about representation in teen-focused media. Many viewers appreciate seeing Black teenagers portrayed with depth and authenticity. The realistic fashion choices help humanize the characters and make their experiences more relatable.
Caldwell’s work demonstrates the importance of authentic cultural representation in costume design. Her attention to genuine Black LA style has helped make Forever a cultural touchstone. The show’s success proves that authentic representation resonates with audiences seeking genuine storytelling.
Behind-the-Scenes Creative Collaboration Process
The collaborative process between Caldwell, Akil, and King created the perfect environment for authentic storytelling. All three women understood the importance of genuine cultural representation. Their shared vision ensured consistency throughout the costume design process.
Caldwell’s research process involved studying real Black LA youth culture extensively. She observed fashion trends, social media influences, and street style in various communities. This thorough research informed every costume choice and styling decision.
The creative team’s commitment to authenticity extended beyond surface-level fashion choices. They considered how clothing reflects character development, social backgrounds, and emotional journeys. This deeper approach to costume design enhanced the overall storytelling quality.
Future Impact on Black Youth Representation in Media
Forever‘s success has set new standards for authentic Black youth representation in television. Caldwell’s costume design work contributes to this important cultural shift. The show demonstrates that audiences crave genuine portrayal over stereotypical representations.
The series’ cultural impact may influence future productions featuring Black teenagers. Costume designers and creators now have a successful example of authentic representation. This precedent could lead to more genuine portrayals across various media platforms.
Caldwell’s work on Forever establishes her as a leader in authentic cultural costume design. Her approach combines deep cultural understanding with professional expertise. This combination creates the foundation for meaningful representation that resonates with diverse audiences while maintaining broad appeal.
