For anyone who didn’t see the Academy Awards, Ruth Carter and her creative costumes from Black Panther took home the Oscar for Best Costume Design. The vast wardrobe and overall design of the film has been classed “Afrofuturism.” What is that you may ask?
Put simply, it takes parts of black history and cultures and brings them to a science fiction or futuristic themed story.
Black Panther is far from the first time Afrofuturism has been used in film, book, or any other medium, but it is one of the most widely known and acclaimed.
In this video, Ruth Carter explains where she drew inspiration for the film’s costumes, most of which come from traditional clothing of African tribes, such as Basotho from Lesotho, Ejagham, Benin, and Igbo of Nigeria.
For any aspiring costume designers, take inspiration from this creative woman on how to use everything around you to influence your craft and make you shine.
