The Inspiration Behind the "Black Panther" Costumes

Designer Ruth Carter — whose previous films include Selma, Malcolm X and Roots — pulled colors, shapes, jewelry, and textures from tribes all over Africa. She says she wanted to tell a story "of brilliance, royalty, intrigue — you name it. I feel that you can tell a story through clothing."

Marvel Studios' BLACK PANTHER
L to R: Okoye (Danai Gurira) and Ayo (Florence Kasumba) with the Dora Milaje
Ph: Film Frame
©Marvel Studios 2018[/caption] The Dora Milaje, for example, are Wakanda's elite team of female warriors, and they wear bright red military uniforms, a leather harness and beaded tabard, and metal neck rings and armor. It's a striking look that Carter created "based on some of the beloved practices of many indiginous tribes" like the Maasai of Kenya, the Ndebele of South Africa, the Himba people of Namibia. What was your favorite costume? You can find our Black Panther jewelry here and our Black Panther clothing here. For more information of our products, visit Africa Imports.