- Allure was told by Carla Farmer, a stylist who used over 200 beads to create the hair of William sisters.
- Farmer claimed that the wigs were made by three people over eight hours.
- Farmer reports that Venus and Serena personally inspected the wigs on set.
The head of the hair department at the Warner Bros. Films: New “King Richard”It was evident how hard it was to accurately portray the famous beaded braids of Venus Williams and Serena Williams.
The film follows the Williams sisters as they grow up, while Richard Williams, played by Will Smith, coaches them. Saniyya Singleton and Demi Singleton play Venus and Serena, respectively.
In a NInterview with Jihan Forbes, Allure, November 17, 2017.Carla Farmer explains how she created the intricate hairstyles. “when you shoot a movie, you can’t necessarily put so many beads on the actor’s hair every day.”
According to her, the team settled on a half-wig for a more realistic, practical look. She also helped to make several versions for the camera doubles and tennis doubles.
“We didn’t count all the beads we used for the wigs, but there were way over 200 for each one,”Farmer shared his story with Allure. “We used a wire hook to put the beads on in the front, hooking on maybe two to three at a time. The wigs were really heavy.”
Farmer stated that the looks were created by three people including Farmer, which took them around eight hours. The outlet was informed by Farmer that the wigs were only displayed towards the end.
Farmer shared with the outlet that she recalls a day when Venus and Serena visited their set. “complimented us and said they really liked what we had done”After seeing the wigs.
Venus wore beaded braids in black and white that reminded her of her childhood for the premiere on November 14. “King Richard,”It was written in an Instagram post on November 16, 2017. “a representation of my roots.”
“When @serenawilliams and I wore our iconic beads, we didn’t wear them to be different, we wore them because they were a part of our heritage,”She continued in the position.
Venus stated that even though she didn’t realize it, doing so would have a positive impact on her life. “gave other African American women and children pride to wear their natural hair even before the natural hair movement sprouted decades later.”
Insider asked Nikki Nelms to comment on the request of Farmer and Venus’ hairstylist.