Black Panther, a Catalyst for African Fashion

“Who dressed the cast of the movie, Black Panther?” is all my mind could keep thinking as I sat in the theatre watching with awe how African fashion came to life on the big screen. It was beautiful and ravishing all at once, making all the actors look so elegant with such an air of royalty. African American costume designer, Ruth E. Carter has over 40 years of experience and long before Black Panther, she has dressed actors for roles in the movie Malcolm X and is also designing for the television drama series Being Mary Jane. In this post, I am sharing three of my most favourite looks and what they mean for African fashion.

With Black Panther, Carter really mastered the right look and flair for the movie. The look that probably struck me the most was when T’Challa stepped out with a Nigerian style outfit embroidered along the neckline running down the chest in the middle and around the sleeves. Meanwhile Shuri’s while mesh dress is a subtle statement piece that says overturns the concept of the geeky scientist wearing a white lab coat. Both characters were represented properly and that is what is most important about this movie. The fact that Black Panther represented African fashion properly and with respect to its traditional origins, spurring the whole world to have a deeper appreciation for ethnic clothing is very commendable.

It is not as if African fashion has not been around. It’s been around for years and is often showcased on major runways of the world in resort collections year after year but more than that, to see how Black Panther connected people of different backgrounds and cultures together, giving them a reason to embrace their cultural clothing was truly fascinating. It goes without saying that the future is very bright for the African fashion industry. Many local designers and small businesses saw an unprecedented hike in their sales as a result of the movie from people wanting to dress up in African clothing to visit the theatres and that will most likely continue. It is as though when people wear clothing that is rooted in their heritage, they are connected to the earth and to others in a oneness. The movie explored these themes in an interplay between what it means to be an African versus an African American in the Diaspora. The truth here is that African fashion connects us all.

My next favourite look is what Lupita Nyong’0 who plays Nakia wore as an undercover agent to the casino in China. It was long and elegant but comfortable enough for her to fight in and the cut out revealing her bare shoulders was both beautiful and creative at the same time. Finally, Queen Ramona looked like a goddess in her regal white outfit. Befitting for the Queen of Wakanda as T’Challa’s mother should be garbed, Angela Basset wears a big dress and is crowned in a regal flared Zulu hat inspired by South Africa. All the outfits were futuristic as is the nation of Wakanda and I can only hope that this a prediction that there is much more in store for the influence of African fashion on Hollywood.

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Image 1 source: http://bit.ly/2Cnvtb8
Image 2 source: http://bit.ly/2I7CxIF
Image 3 source: http://bit.ly/2Cnvtb8

What was your favourite look from the Black Panther movie?

Jamila Kyari

I’m a seasoned communications and marketing consultant with a penchant for all things stylish and chic. Follow me on social media and subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates on industry trends and much more!

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