Marsai Martin has been embracing a new chapter in fashion, drawing inspiration from various sources.

The 20-year-old former star of “Black-ish” shared insights about her style inspirations, her involvement in a new campaign with Kate Spade New York, and the challenges she faces as a former child star.

After becoming famous at just 9 years old on the popular ABC sitcom, Martin has kept a busy schedule since the show’s conclusion when she was 17. Her efforts include self-produced films like “Little” and “Fantasy Football,” as well as upcoming works such as the animated reboot of “Good Times” and the thriller “G20.” Throughout this journey, she has developed her personal style that she describes as “chill” and “laid back.”

“Comfort is key for me in what I wear. It’s essential that I feel good about myself,” she mentioned. “I want my outfits to allow me to move freely and stay active.”

Transitioning from childhood stardom to adult life can be incredibly challenging, and fashion plays a significant role in shaping public perception of young celebrities. Martin believes this journey is both familiar and unique for many.

“Moving from being a child to becoming an adult is complicated for anyone but going through it while in the limelight makes it even more intense,” she explains. “Many people can’t relate unless they’ve experienced it themselves. My focus during this shift was to stay grounded.”

For Martin, there have been pivotal moments in her fashion journey that symbolize significant changes in her career and life. She recalls her look from the 2022 BET Awards—where she won the YoungStars Award for the fourth time—with fondness. Sporting trendy camo boots, a crop top with a jacket, and a low-rise jean skirt, she felt both “cool” and “grown-up” that night, labeling it a defining statement piece for her at that time.

In her campaign shoot for Kate Spade New York, she radiates a newfound sense of maturity. She describes a little black dress she wore as a perfect match for her casual, yet elegant, vibe, saying, “I was absolutely in love with it, and it completely aligns with my style and comfort preferences.”

Being a celebrity in the age of social media adds another layer of pressure, so Martin values maintaining her relationships with loved ones to stay grounded.

“It’s crucial to surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you,” she shares. “This positivity has greatly supported my transition into adulthood and has helped me discover who I am.”

As a Kate Spade ambassador, working with stars like Taraji P. Henson and Nicola Coughlan, Martin describes her affinity for the brand as “generational,” stemming from a love that runs in her family, particularly inspired by her grandmother’s impressive purse collection. Now, handbags dominate much of her shopping choices.

She is also inspired by the designer’s commitment to “the power of joy” and its initiative to improve women’s mental health, which aims to create better access to joy by supporting mental health solutions worldwide. So far, the initiative has invested $31 million in mental health efforts.

“It’s a privilege to collaborate with them on promoting joy and mental health, making that the central theme of the campaign,” she expresses enthusiastically.