|
 Under a blue sky and surrounded by greenery, designers who were
inspired by the film’s characters and themes showcased their
work as part of “Welcome to Wakanda,” an event meant to
celebrate the film’s fierce African flair.
While Wakanda may be fictional, the film’s costume designer Ruth
E. Carter drew from real people and places, traveling across
Africa to study the patterns, bead work and silhouettes of
various tribes and peoples.
“We took elements of Africa and we were inspired by it and we
designed it in a futuristic way,” Carter said. “When it all came
down, it was all about Wakanda and a futuristic world - a better
world.”
The New York Fashion Week presentation is the first of its kind
for Walt Disney Co, which owns Marvel. It has been involved in
high-end collaborations before, but it’s the first time it has
put on a fashion event of this scale ahead of a Marvel movie.
Winston Duke, who plays villain M'Baku in the Ryan Coogler-directed
movie, spoke about the importance of seeing black fashion and
culture portrayed in film.
“It connects you to your family, it connects you to your roots,”
Duke said. “And knowing that your sense of fashion and the
culture it's connected to is valid really makes it a stronger
thing for you."
[to top of second column] |
Designers presented their one-of-a-kind ensembles meant to pay
homage to the film, which features a predominantly black cast
including Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o and Angela Bassett.
Following the event, the looks will be auctioned off in support of
Save the Children, an international humanitarian organization.
New York-based designer LaQuan Smith was one of the designers chosen
to present an ensemble for the collection. The look featured trendy
Matrix-style sunglasses and a black sequined jumpsuit finished off
with a floor-length trench coat.
“I wanted to focus on strength and a level of sensuality and sex
appeal,” said the New York-born designer, who has dressed Beyonce
and other celebrities. “And knowing that women can be confident,
sexy and strong all in the same realm.”
"Black Panther," which opens this week worldwide, is expected to
rake in about $150 million at the North American box office on its
opening weekend.
(Reporting by Yahaira Jacquez and Elly Park; Editing by Nick Macfie)
[© 2018 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2018 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content. |
