“A woman with red lips knows her business”

As a follower, I find myself utterly captivated by Nafessa Williams and her portrayal of Cameron Cook in Rivals. Born and raised in West Philadelphia, far from the quaint landscapes of Rutshire, it’s fascinating to see how she connects with a character so different from our own experiences.

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Originally, you hail from West Philadelphia, quite a distance from the setting of Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire. What was it that attracted you to the part of TV producer, Cameron Cook?

In the 1980s, a black woman thrived in a predominantly white corporate environment. Her intelligence, as demonstrated by her script, was just one of her many strengths. She was stylish, assertive, self-assured, and unapologetically confident in her identity. Her sexuality was an integral part of who she was, carried with ease and grace.

She’s very distinctive. Did you have a particular style influence?

Cameron often drew inspiration from the iconic style of singer Sade, as evidenced by her flipped-back ponytail and long braids.

Would you resurrect any of that era’s distinctive fashion?

I adored the elevated waistlines, the belts, and the hairstyles; they were all larger-than-life, vibrant, and eye-catching. In those days, we often saw more women sporting bold red lips and nails, which symbolized a great deal of self-assurance, sensuality, and daring. A woman with red lips and red nails was, and still is, someone who knows her stuff. Let’s revive that spirit!

2024-10-09 19:06

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