I feel unprepared to go see Black Panther at the cinema. Partially because I am in the middle of moving to a new house, but mostly because I think I can’t possibly come up with something appropriate to wear. Every time I think I’m ready, I’m blown away by someone else’s attire. Black Panther has created this infectious buzz and simply showing up to watch it in comfy cinema clothes seems inconceivable.
I may be overthinking things, but Tom Ford’s famous quote “Dressing well is a sign of good manners,” seems particularly justifiable in this case. From the moment the trailer was released, social media has been in a frenzy over the attire best suited for the premiere. The opulence and regality associated with the costume design of Wakandans in the film most likely had something to do with it. After a long time, here is a movie with a majority black cast playing roles which opposed stereotypical roles for black actors. In addition to that, through costume design it reenergized the meaning of black pride. And if that wasn’t enough, Guyanese-born actress Letitia Wright has a starring role in it. There are a multitude of reasons to not only go and see Black Panther, but to do so in fine style. All in the name of good manners.
The film’s costume designer Ruth Carter knew the importance of clothing playing its part in shaping the film’s storyline holistically. In an interview, Carter is quoted as saying, “Wakandans are serious about fashion.” She stated that her vision for Wakandan clothing was influenced by traditional and contemporary African fashions and then remolded to fit the tech forward and eco-conscious country. It is from this, that viewers can fathom the possibility of such a place, taking into consideration its politics, culture and social structure. Carter said she kept four words on her mood board throughout the design process: Beautiful, Positive, Forward and Colorful.