Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1475069
32 • THE ARTISAN FALL 2022 BACK TO BEL-AIR A C O N V E R S AT I O N W I T H D E N I S E P U G H - R U I Z | D E PA R T M E N T H E A D M A K E - U P & A R A X I L I N D S E Y | D E PA R T M E N T H E A D H A I R Set in modern-day America, the one-hour drama series Bel-Air reimagines the beloved, culture-defining sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, through a new, dramatic take on Will's complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. The series was inspired by executive producer, director, and writer Morgan Cooper's viral trailer and takes a fresh and raw approach to this world of swagger, style, and aspiration through a current lens. Department Head Make-up Denise Pugh-Ruiz and Department Head Hair Araxi Lindsey had long careers in the indus- try before coming to Bel-Air. They had previously collaborated on shows, including Black-ish and the sisterly bond they share helped to establish a true family dynamic in the hair and make-up trailer as their team set out to create a new look for this iconic Black family. How did you come to be involved with Bel-Air? Denise: When I saw the short film that Morgan had put together, I prayed about this show. I thought it was so amazing and such a good idea. I said to myself, "Oh, I would love to get on that show, it would be a dream opportunity!" And then I interviewed for it and it's been an awesome journey. Araxi: I heard about the project and Morgan Cooper's trailer but I was in Toronto at the time working on another project. My key was hired before I was even considered and I kept in contact with him during the process of filming. I had a long stint working on two other projects, so I was not considering working on anything but I kept getting phone calls and being asked by different people about this project. So I just jumped out on faith and said, "Okay, obviously this is something God wants me to do so get in there!" Were you fans of the original series, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air? Araxi: Yes! I grew up as a nineties teen and everything I'd see on the show, I'd try to emulate in my own way. I'm also a Los Angeles native, so listening to certain topics and the lingo, the attire, the fashion, all of those things were very relatable to me. I had a nostalgic experience working on the show, reading the scripts, and listening to certain scenes that would pay homage to the past. Denise: It was the same for me. I really wanted to see how Bel-Air was going to unfold. I was excited to read each episode and I thought it was a wonderful spin on it. Morgan's idea of this reboot is brilliant and authentic, each script just gets better, and we have amazing writ- ers. It has been a perfect fit for me. How did you approach the looks of the reimagined Banks family? Araxi: For the hair, I wanted to pay homage to the characters that