BLACK PANTHER FASHION

Black Panther is the new film coming out later this week and anticipation is rising . First I must make it clear that I haven't watched the film . However either have most of you unless you attended one of the numerous premieres. Therefore you might well ask why I'm writing this post now not waiting to see the film .  In the light of the up coming opening I have looked at all the available press and decided it was a great topic. Since I like to write a post to celebrate Black History month this is the perfect opportunity.

BLACK PANTHER COSTUME DESIGN

Since the first reveal of Marvel’s Black Panther, fans have talked on social media about the wardrobe. The Wakandan garb, designed by Oscar nominee Ruth E. Carter, are all inspired by real African history. In fact each character’s individual look is designed while keeping the film’s overall costuming consistent with an uncolonized African nation.

Carter’s research was extensive, with her pulling influence from every tribal faction in the continent. “I want to bring that aesthetic to their costumes so that we know when we look at them that they are from Africa,” she told  a reporter.Take, for example, Lupita Nyongo’s Nakia; in the film, she wears a green dress during a mission in a casino. According to Carter, the fabric for her dress is inspired by the African kente cloth. Also thanks to its flexible nature, it allows her to fight without worrying about being restricted. Carter designed the dress so Nakia had something that would let her blend in. However feeling part of the “James Bond-feeling atmosphere. But also would still connect her to the idea that [she is] a princess from Africa. Moreover the green is part of the river tribe that she belonged to.”

BLACK PANTHER DESIGNER USES TECHNOLOGY

Similarly, T’Challa’s mother Ramonda (Angela Bassett) wears a headpiece that owes its shape to traditional Zulu hats. Since Wakanda is the most technologically advanced nation on the planet, its royalty needs to look sleek and futuristic. Carter used a 3D printer from Belgium for Ramonda’s headpiece. In this case the technology was able to create a perfectly flexible and perfectly symmetrical hat. “I felt that there would be people who would make beautiful pieces for her, and they would be the most forward-thinking pieces in the whole universe — because she was the queen!” While Carter is an experienced Oscar nominated costume designer she acknowledges this film as her greatest challenge.

BLACK PANTHER SHOTS

BLACK PANTHER PREMIERE FASHION

 Award show season is in full swing. However the recent Los Angeles premiere of Black Panther was one of, if not the best, red carpets of the season thus far. Inspired by African royalty, the red (well, actually purple) carpet for Marvel's latest film was filled with vivid colors, prints, and bold regal looks.

all the best BLACK PANTHER AFRICAN inspiration

The dresses worn by the stars of Black Panther on the purple carpet were inspired by African Queens . Therefore darlings I've taken it upon my self to get inspired . Accordingly my selections this week are inspired by what I have seen of the film and influenced by the film premiere red carpet . Undeniably these are not intended to be African clothing and no offense should be taken . 

BAZAR DELUXE
embellished trim coat
$1,032 | 60% off $413

An African embellished trim and a contrast zebra print lining.

New Season
TORY BURCH
Rosalie coat
$792

Rosalie coat from Tory Burch with block-printed African daisies.

JC DE CASTELBAJAC VINTAGE
oversized light overcoat
$641

 Jc De Castelbajac Vintage coat with allover African mud-style print

New Season
STELLA MCCARTNEY
palm leaf and parrot print top
$875

 African-inspired prints at Stella McCartney’s Spring/Summer ’18 runway show

VALENTINO
Printed Cotton Tunic Top
1,154 USD was 1,649 USD

Airy and easy to slip on, this rhino-printed tunic top from Valentino 

VALENTINO
Floor Length Silk Dress
6,354 USD was 12,709 USD

Finished with a fun fringe trim, this floor-length dress from Valentino

THE KOOPLES
Crepe Dress with Lace-Up Detail
114 USD was 229 USD

This lightweight crepe dress from The Kooples is edgy and modern.

New Season
PATBO
wrap gown
$ 595

This fabulous vibrant dress is perfect for the red or purple carpet.

New Season
FIGUE
Amrita kaftan dress
$595

This fabulous kaftan dress can be dressed up for formal or work on the beach.

DURO OLOWU
printed tunic dress
$2,150 | 50% off $1,075

 Nigerian-born Duro Olowu  uses vibrant signature prints.

New Season
PHILOSOPHY DI LORENZO SERAFINI
striped one-shoulder dress
$2,085

Bright stripped dress has an element of gorgeous textiles made in Africa.

BLACK PANTHER

In conclusion Black Panther is opening this coming weekend and from what I've heard it will live up to all the hype.  Since I'm not a real comic book follower , I'll be seeing this film for the costumes and the cultural aspects. What seems like just another entry in an endless parade of super­hero movies is actually something much bigger. It hasn’t even hit theaters yet and its cultural footprint is already enormous. It’s a movie about what it means to be black in both America and Africa—and, more broadly, in the world.

I have no reference about being black , however I am gay and although they are not the same many of the experiences are similar. In this post I focused on the African Queen . I hope you loved seeing these great dresses, many fit for the red carpet. Shop these great looks and come out and celebrate Black History month by seeing Black Panther.

Ciao for now Jandrew