Expressing late 1990s and 2000s influence in Netflix's take on Judy Blume’s novel ‘Forever’

It has been over a decade since Judy Blume’s 1975 young adult novel ‘Forever’ was published. Book publishing today and during the mid-1970s might have known whether the text would receive controversy, with some states labeling it as a banned book. That is exactly what happened with Blume’s ‘Forever’ because of its sexually explicit themes for readers.

Now, the story, which is expressed in the book, has been adapted into a 2025 Netflix original series inspired by Blume’s classic of the same name. Between the hit new drama series and the novel, this narrative-driven tale is told from a Gen-Z point of view, with a hint of late 1990s and early 2000s influence from costume designer Tanja Caldwell.

Her reputation in the industry was established when audiences first got a peek at Caldwell's attention to detail for capturing the essence of the character in the most notable films and television, such as 'Black Panther', 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever', 'Coming 2 America', 'Insecure', 'All Rise', Usher’s 'Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show', and editorial.

For 'Forever', Caldwell reflects this in Akil's modern telling with collaboration in mind from Akil and a series of directors creating these main characters, Keisha and Justin. While the inspiration for each piece of wardrobe mirrors Los Angeles culture with some of the looks can often be somewhat found at Pro Club, H&M, Urban Outfitters, Zara, Jordan, Converse, Nike, Dickies, Off-White (Virgil Abloh era).

Netflix renewed Mara Brock Akil's 'Forever' for season two, season one took on central themes and subjects that are relevant to today's generation, and when Blume published the novel in 1975.

Main Girl Group and Gen Z Fashion

However, one of the major topics is womanhood, being a young woman, in particular, in 2025. It comes to developing, each look reflects the main girl group in 'Forever', in the photo of Keisha (Simone) and Chloe (Gallo) sitting beside each other, sporting the same laidback look but a completely different aesthetic for their character in the show and season one story arc.

In the other photo below, the womanhood in 'Forever' reflects relaxed pieces that young viewers who are watching the show can find the exact but not the same at possibly Urban Outfitters, or Zara, or more likely H&M, because of its inexpensive clothing.

Blending Streetwear, Vintage, Styles, and Eras

For a show about young love set in 2025 sunny Los Angeles, it is clear that the season one storyline is more about young womanhood in 2025 compared to 1975 when Blume's 'Forever' was first published. However, the use of blending vintage into late 90s and early 2000s streetwear, in addition to other styles from the eras, is featured for the main girl group of the show and womanhood.

Sneaker Culture

What is to love about sneaker culture?

Sneaker culture in 'Forever' plays into Keisha's and Justin's storyline, considering both are high school athletes. Sneakers play a major role between the two high school sweethearts. Athletes' leisure and non-athlete streetwear follow in the examination of blending streetwear and adding sneakerhead culture to Keisha's and Justin's wardrobes.

Sneakers, in particular, are such a huge staple in footwear, especially from athletic wear to casual day/or night out. We witnessed that in the scene in the image above of Justin (Cooper Jr.) taking a fifteen-minute break with another character after playing rounds of basketball. It is noticed that Justin (Cooper Jr.) is black with a white bottom, while the other pair of sneakers has a light top and a neon green bottom.

Womanhood in Netflix 'Forever'

Overall, the show was announced the other day that it has been renewed for another season. Yes, the series took inspiration from Judy Blume's 1975 published novel, and what makes the book so definitive its the themes within the novel about young womanhood were relevant then and now.