The BBC documentary’s director, Mira Sen, called the numeric code “a visual poem. Every day is the same palette, but the composition changes. 24 10 10 is Beverly’s signature, like a composer’s opus number.” In April 2025, BBC Three released a 28-minute documentary titled SheLovesBlack: Code 24 10 10 as part of its “Uncommon Lives” series. The film follows Beverly Hillson over three seasons, showing how she maintains her 24-item black wardrobe while living in a tiny Brighton flat.

Hillson responded in a follow-up BBC radio interview: “My system is for people who feel paralyzed by choice, not for everyone. If color brings you joy, wear all the colors. But don’t tell me black is sad.”

A book proposal titled SheLovesBlack: A Manifesto in 24 Garments is reportedly under review by a UK publisher. Meanwhile, the numbers have appeared as graffiti in London, Berlin, and New York—often painted in black next to silhouettes of women.

This long-read article unpacks the origin, meaning, and lasting influence of the feature, exploring how three simple numbers and a love for black clothing sparked a global conversation about grief, identity, and sustainable fashion. Chapter 1: Who Is Beverly Hillson? Before the BBC came calling, Beverly Hillson was a relatively unknown figure in London’s fashion underground. Born in Manchester in 1988, Hillson studied textile design at the London College of Fashion before spending a decade as a behind-the-scenes costumier for independent British films and theater productions.

| Fragment | Possible Meaning | |----------|------------------| | SheLovesBlack | A fashion/style blog, a personal brand, or an Instagram aesthetic focused on monochrome/black clothing. | | 24 10 10 | Could be a date (Oct 24, 2010), a product model number (e.g., 24mm lens, size 10 shoes), or a code in a collection. | | Beverly Hillson | Likely a misspelling of "Beverly Hills" (California) or a rare surname "Hillson." Could be a person’s name. | | BBC | British Broadcasting Corporation (news, TV, radio, podcasts). | | Whil... | Probably an incomplete word: "While," "Whill," or part of a name like "Whilstone." |