Guess who’s headed back to Hillman College?!
I’m so excited to share that I’ve been invited to a private Netflix screening of the highly anticipated, all-new A Different World! And listen… this one is personal because A Different World was a CULT classic from the late ’80s and absolutely one of those shows from my era that I loved!
Now, the beloved world of Hillman College is getting a fresh new chapter. A new generation is stepping onto campus, while some of the faces we know and love are coming home!
At the heart of the new series is Deborah Wayne, played by Maleah Joi Moon, the lovingly sheltered youngest daughter of Whitley and Dwayne. She’s a free spirit with a flair for the spotlight, a huge heart, and plenty to figure out as she finds her own way at Hillman.
She’ll be joined by an exciting new class of students who bring different perspectives and experiences to the HBCU experience: Rashida Duvall (Alijah Kai), a first-generation criminal justice major; Shaquille Johnson (Cornell Young IV), a five-star athlete navigating the meaning of legacy; Amir Rodale (Jordan Aaron Hall), a brilliant psychology major who’s much better at solving everyone else’s problems than his own; Hazel Henry (Kennedi Reece), a small-town, church-raised young woman discovering and defining her own values; and Kojo Achebe (Chibuikem Uche), a Ghanaian-Nigerian fashion entrepreneur learning to trust his creative vision.
And yes, the Hillman legends are coming back! We’ll get to see beloved favorites including Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy), Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison), Freddie Brooks (Cree Summer), and Ron Johnson (Darryl M. Bell) alongside this exciting new cast.
Set against the traditions, humor, friendships, challenges and contradictions of an HBCU, this new A Different Worldpromises a heartfelt dramedy celebrating the richness and complexity of the Black college experience.
And honey… you already know I’m looking forward to the fashion!
I’ll be hitting the red carpet and getting a firsthand look at both the legendary stars we grew up with and the fresh faces stepping into the Hillman spotlight. Talent expected to attend includes creator/showrunner/executive producer Felicia Pride, executive producer/director/actor Debbie Allen, executive producers Tom Werner, Reggie Rock Bythewood, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Mandy Summers, along with cast members Maleah Joi Moon, Alijah Kai, Cornell Young IV, Jordan Aaron Hall, Kennedi Reece, Chibuikem Uche, Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Darryl M. Bell, Cree Summer and more!
Now let’s talk about the dress code, because Netflix said we’re bringing ELEVATED COLLEGIATE CHIC to the red carpet!
Think tailored suits with statement sneakers, luxe silk varsity jackets, stunning gowns and bold ’90s-inspired silhouettes. Pleated skirts, sharp trousers, elevated knits, chic loafers and sleek footwear are all invited to class!
The color palette is giving Hillman glamour crimson, metallic gold, rich ivory and deep maroon.
And of course, I’m already working on my look! I have a few ideas swirling around, and since this is A Different World, I definitely want to channel a little Whitley Gilbert sophistication with my own fashionable twist. Think polished, feminine, collegiate and very much ’90s glam meets modern-day red carpet!
It’s going to be such a fun night celebrating a series that holds a special place in so many of our hearts. I can’t wait to see the old favorites, meet the new stars and, of course, serve a little Hillman-inspired fashion!
Make sure you check back for all the fun photos, red-carpet moments and my final look!
