BY: Deon Marie
Unless you currently live on Mars, you are well aware of the overwhelming anticipation for the Black Panther movie, releasing today Friday FebSruary 16. The Marvel Studios film features a predominately black cast starring Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, and Florence Kasumba, just to name a few. The Meatpacking District’s Industria studios was the venue for the Black Panther “Welcome to Wakanda” experience. This event was the first of its kind for Walt Disney Co. and Marvel studios. If the crowd was any indication of movie ticket sales, there is no doubt that this Marvel movie release will be record breaking.
The show featured a number of designs inspired by the costumes in Marvel’s Black Panther movie. Marvel commissioned seven designers and two “veteran” hair and makeup artists to bring Wakanda to life, The featured designers were Cushnie Et Ochs, Ikiré Jones, Tome, Sophie Theallet, Fear of God, Chromat, and Laquan Smith. Rodney Cutler and Nick Barose took on hair and makeup. Barose has previously worked with Lupita.
Everyone lucky enough to finally make it inside the New York Fashion Week event were greeted with palm trees, setting the tone for the Wakanda inspired venue. Including a ramp that would make anyone in six inch heels quickly regret it. The pure excitement of it all made it easy to forget that minor inconvenience. As expected, the cast came dressed to impress. Leading ladies Lupita Nyong’o wearing Cushnie et Ochs, and Danai Gurira wearing Dion Lee arrived in bright red ensembles. The actresses complemented their looks with metallic gold statement making jewelry. Actor Winston Duke spoke on the importance of African tribal influences for his character in the film. Director Ryan Coogler was also in attendance…dressed in the quintessential New York wardrobe, all black everything.
Once the flashes from the numerous press cameras dwindled I made my way through the crowd.
It was a celebration of black culture as designers presented at the fictional African nation of Wakanda. Showcasing fashion inspired by the new superhero movie. In the midst of lush greenery designers such as Fear of God, Laquan Smith, and Sophie Theallet created bespoke pieces. Each of the designers looks will be auctioned off on CharityBuzz.com to support save the children. The event was a celebration of Cultural representation that is rarely seen. Award winning costume Designer Ruth E. Carter insured authenticity for the film by traveling across Africa to study numerous tribes.
“ We took elements of Africa and we were inspired by it, and we designed it in a futuristic way.” Guests saw a glimpse of this through the numerous screens in the venue, playing clips of each cast members attire in the film. ~Ruth E. Carter
Needles to say the “Welcome to Wakanda” Black Panther presentation was a success. It left me wanting more. I am ready to return to Wakanda, this time on the big screen. Expected to have a $165 Million-Plus opening weekend, it’s safe to say I’m not the only one.
