Fashion Throwback Thursdays: Lisa Bonet

Whilst we admit that our eyes are constantly glued to the goddess like creature that is Zoe Kravitz, let’s not forget that her mother, Lisa Bonet, is probably one of the coolest women of the 1980s and 90s. Bonet’s fashion sense continues to provide denim inspiration to this day, but it’s only fair that we start at the beginning of her stylish career with her debut acting role in The Cosby Show.

The Cosby Show is still one of the biggest TV programmes that has ever aired, humorously and confidently telling the story of a fictional middle class black family in a positive way. Even today, this show and others such as Sister Sister, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Moesha are part of only a small percentage of programmes where the stars were a black family and where the show was a positive success. Groundbreaking is an understatement, and through this came a huge TV audience; one that saw the never-ending appeal in Lisa Bonet’s character Denise Huxtable. denise 6

denisehomeless2 denisered Playing the eldest daughter of the Huxtable family, the appeal of Bonet’s character Denise was always her free spirit, one that isn’t too far from Bonet herself. When it comes to Lisa Bonet’s style – on and off screen – there doesn’t appear to be any rules. In Denise Huxtable’s case as well, more was always better.

Throughout Bonet’s time in the series, viewers saw her embrace a variety of hairstyles that became just as popular and admirable as her wardrobe choices. Her hair varied from everything to the classic 80s straight hair, a pixie cut and also her own natural curls, but the style that stands out and has become her signature today are her locs.

36f543ddbb82c047d67e1d9f95ff1f20 Although she has had roles in popular movies such as Enemy of the State and High Fidelity, Bonet’s biggest acting role to date still remains The Cosby Show. In fact, her character Denise Huxtable was so popular that the show even aired a spin off called A Different World during the late 80s, which focused on Denise’s life as she left her family for college.

Towards the end of The Cosby Show, Lisa Bonet fell pregnant with Zoe Kravitz whilst in a relationship with then husband, Lenny Kravitz. The pair became one of the most fashionable couples during the 90s. Their styles tapped confidently into their African American roots, whilst retaining pride in their Jewish heritage as well. Bonet always stated that this was one of the reasons she felt so connected with Kravitz.

tumblr_ltszumFGm61qesepao1_540 Bonet’s fashion remained honest and cultured to its core. When she appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone, she attended the issue party dressed in a way that summed up 90s glamour. Round sunglasses, a top hat, a super sheer top with no bra in sight and completely unshaven armpits (because why did they need to be shaven in the first place?). A strong inspiration for women, Bonet did what she liked, how she liked and it just added to her beauty in a memorable way.

lisabonet5 When looking at Bonet and her life today, she is very much the same woman that turned people’s heads over 20 years ago. Her hair is still in locs, and she remains the queen of layering all things colourful and quirky. Earlier this year, Bonet and daughter Zoe Kravitz appeared in the Calvin Klein Watches + Jewellery ad campaign, and she attended the Met Gala in 2015 with her daughter and ex-husband. However, Bonet doesn’t just focus on the fashion and media industry. She has been know to spend her time helping prisoners, as well as working with girls at risk at Venice High School by sharing poetry.

zoe1 Bonet shows that when it comes to family, love conquers. Her relationships with those in her life is shown in a way that depicts the free-spirited mindset that was evidently instilled in Bonet since the beginning. She makes being friends with your ex look effortless with a fearless demeanour that is almost infectious. But no matter who she’s standing next to, she’ll always have our attention.