We Asked Dinner Guests, ‘What’s Your Favorite Decade?’

Last night, The Cut and Estée Lauder celebrated Nia Long’s new appointment as the first North American brand ambassador and The Cut’s October cover star. “It’s my favorite cover,” Long said in a short speech at dinner. She reminisced on being a longtime fan of Lauder and the brand (she loves the Advanced Night Repair serum).

An intimate group of Long’s friends, artists, and more gathered at People’s in the West Village. “There are moments in your life where things just feel complete and they feel full circle,” Long said as she honored model and trailblazer Bethann Hardison, who has been like a family member to her. The night didn’t only celebrate Long’s new appointment and full-circle moment — it was also an early celebration for her 55th birthday: “On this journey, we have ups and we have downs … I love it here.” In honor of that, we asked some guests what their favorite decade of life has been so far and why.

Mara Brock Akil, writer and producer: “My 20s. You can go explore; you don’t even know who you are. When I look back at my 20s, it was hard but I ran as far as I could go, and I did things because I was just chasing my own heart’s desire. I use my heart’s desire as a compass. It wasn’t wild, but it was intentional.”

Chanel Iman, model: “I love my 30s because I know myself and how to handle situations that I couldn’t in my 20s. My kids are a lot older. They’re getting older every day, and I’m a better mother because I know how to take control over everything going on around me.”

Crystle Stewart, actress: “Right now, this decade, the 40s. I have freedom and the confidence to be who I want to be. I’ve set goals for certain success, and I’m hitting them now.”

Salina Williams, content creator: “This decade. I’m in my 50s, and you don’t have to make any explanation, and you don’t have to ask any permission.”