Harper\'s Bazaar USA - 12.2019

BEING 20 IN 2020

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FAIRMONT MIRAMAR HOTEL & BUNGALOWS, SANTA MONICA, AND THE ARNOLD ARBORETUM OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY, BOSTON

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TWENTY IS a delicate age. Turning 20 means embrac-

ing the eggshell wedged between teenagehood and the

rush that comes from turning 21. Being a teenager had

started to feel so easy, and it seems that as soon as we

get good and comfortable with an age we are asked to

part with it. As I arrange the ghost of my teenagehood,

I keep stirring over the same questions: What does 20

mean to the tides rising? Does the river realize my age?

Will the ballot bring up my birthday? When I am

caught up in a cycle of questioning, my first instinct is

to share it. Then it is no longer the scary question

keeping me up at night but a moment of collaboration.

I talked to Yara Shahidi and Kiernan Shipka about

seeing 20 as a turning point.

KARA JACKSON: How do you feel about turning 20?

KIERNAN SHIPKA: It feels more emotional than 21 in

a lot of ways because you’re shedding your teenage

years. I love new beginnings and the idea of fresh starts

and renewal. So I’m excited.

YARA SHAHIDI: I’m a little nervous, but I’m also

looking forward to what another revolution around

the sun will bring.

KJ: Do you ever feel like in some ways you’ve been

rushed into adulthood? Because you started your careers

early, are certain expectations put on you?

KS: I was on Mad Men from the time I was seven, and

I was always treated as just one of the actors. I never felt

talked down to, and I think that kind of allowed me to

come into my own power.

YS: I agree with that. I’m grateful to say that I work in

environments where most people do view me as a col-

laborator, but there were times when I’ve had to remind

people, “Hey, I’m a minor. I have an awesome team you

can talk to about this, who is there to protect me.”

KJ: Kiernan, you currently star in Chilling Adventures

of Sabrina as a teenage witch who seeks revenge on

the patriarchy. Have you seen yourself take that inten-

tion offscreen?

Gen Z wunderkinds Kiernan Shipka, Yara Shahidi, and National Youth Poet Laureate Kara Jackson talk

“Sabrina has definitely rubbed off on me.

She’s extremely outspoken, and I’ve found

myself apologizing much less and asking

for what I need much more.”

—Kiernan Shipka

Bloom of youth. This page: Gown, Oscar de la Renta.

Earrings and bracelet, Tiffany & Co. Opposite page: Gown,

Oscar de la Renta. Rings, Bulgari. BEAUTY BAZAAR For a

high-shine pout like Yara’s, try Bobbi Brown Crystal

Lip Gloss ($27). See Where to Buy for shopping details.

Shipka, hair: Clayton Hawkins for Paul Mitchell;