Let's Talk About Layla

You’ve probably been wondering about that sad girl with the great hair who we’ve been teasing you with. Well, that’s Layla. She’s the star of our book. And here’s how she went from sketch to final design.

Khary: The design of Layla was a collaboration between Joanne and I, and like the book itself, she’s a very good representation of both of our sensibilities.

My first stabs at her look had an edgier, streetwise feel. We always knew she needed to have a crustpunk 80s vibe to her, but I initially drew her older, with a more world-weary look—like she’d seen some things.

Joanne: When we started talking about inspiration, one of the first things I said was, “What about that girl from Bow Wow Wow?” I also pulled up RuPaul in the 80s. I think the hairstyle was a lock from the beginning.

Annabella Lwin of Bow Wow Wow

Joanne: After seeing the first sketches, I felt we needed a younger, less fierce version. I pointed out that this is a teenage girl who is scared, living on the streets, unsure of her situation. She may put up a front that she’s got it all together, but on the inside, she’s terrified.

Khary: My second try at Layla tried to convey a softness to her demeanor that my previous version sorely lacked. The eyes got bigger and more expressive, the face got rounder. Layla went from 18 to 16.

Joanne: Finding some actual teenagers for reference definitely helped nail the look. We had originally been looking at people like Lisa Bonet. But then Khary pulled out Willow Smith and Halle Bailey. There’s a bit of them in Layla now.

Halle Bailey

Khary: The last and most important part of her design was suggested by Joanne—the leather jacket. The oversized nature of it gives a sense of vulnerability, as if she’s hiding from the world. I thought it was brilliant. Also, I mean c’mon. It’s New York and she’s living on the street. She’s gotta stay warm somehow.

Joanne: The truth about the jacket is, she’s 16, and I didn’t want people to sexualize her. I wanted the option to cover her up a bit—and I thought she’d want that too. Sometimes at 16, you want to be grown and sexy—and then you realize that the attention you’re getting is starting to make you feel uncomfortable.

And, boom, there you have it. The genesis of a character. But what’s up with that necklace? That’s a story for another post.

NEXT TIME: Get ready for the very first pages of Sirens of the City!