Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Ruth E. Carter’s costumes for Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER (2018) reimagine African tradition with a vibrant, futuristic twist. Her vision was shaped by the idea of an African nation untouched by colonisation, boldly looking forward while honouring its past. In her studio, she displayed the words “beautiful, positive, forward and colourful” to guide her design process.
The Wakandan special forces, known as the Dora Milaje, wear uniforms that project heritage and power. Their costumes draw from various influences, including Masai warriors, Samurai, ninjas, and the Filipino Ifugao tribe, showcasing Wakanda’s global inspirations. The gold and silver accents are inspired by the Ndebele people’s jewellery to signify rank, with General Okoye’s (Danai Gurira) gold marking indicating her leadership.
Carter’s use of red, influenced by the Masai and Turkana people, enhances the Dora’s strength and presence. South African artisans crafted leather harnesses, while intricate beadwork personalises each uniform, symbolising heirlooms passed down through generations. These costumes connect the characters to living traditions, blending ancient craft with futuristic style.
Carter earned an Academy Award for Costume Design for BLACK PANTHER, propelling African fashion and Afrofuturism into the spotlight, and inspiring a new generation of storytellers and costume designers.
Her latest costume collaboration with Ryan Coogler is gothic horror drama SINNERS, which screens in Australian theatres 18 April.
Learn more about Ruth E. Carter's Black Panther Costumes:
https://www.acmi.net.au/works/122885--black-panther/
Carter's costumes feature in ACMI's exhibition THE FUTURE & OTHER FICTIONS. Learn more:
https://www.acmi.net.au/whats-on/future-fictions/
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ACMI is Australia's national museum of screen culture. Watch, play, make and discover a universe of films, TV, videogames and screen-based art.
Visit us in Melbourne’s Fed Square or online at www.acmi.net.au.
Follow us
Facebook: facebook.com/acmionline
Instagram: instagram.com/acmionline
Twitter: twitter.com/ACMI
www.acmi.net.au
Ruth E. Carter’s costumes for Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER (2018) reimagine African tradition with a vibrant, futuristic twist. Her vision was shaped by the idea of an African nation untouched by colonisation, boldly looking forward while honouring its past. In her studio, she displayed the words “beautiful, positive, forward and colourful” to guide her design process.
The Wakandan special forces, known as the Dora Milaje, wear uniforms that project heritage and power. Their costumes draw from various influences, including Masai warriors, Samurai, ninjas, and the Filipino Ifugao tribe, showcasing Wakanda’s global inspirations. The gold and silver accents are inspired by the Ndebele people’s jewellery to signify rank, with General Okoye’s (Danai Gurira) gold marking indicating her leadership.
Carter’s use of red, influenced by the Masai and Turkana people, enhances the Dora’s strength and presence. South African artisans crafted leather harnesses, while intricate beadwork personalises each uniform, symbolising heirlooms passed down through generations. These costumes connect the characters to living traditions, blending ancient craft with futuristic style.
Carter earned an Academy Award for Costume Design for BLACK PANTHER, propelling African fashion and Afrofuturism into the spotlight, and inspiring a new generation of storytellers and costume designers.
Her latest costume collaboration with Ryan Coogler is gothic horror drama SINNERS, which screens in Australian theatres 18 April.
Learn more about Ruth E. Carter's Black Panther Costumes:
https://www.acmi.net.au/works/122885--black-panther/
Carter's costumes feature in ACMI's exhibition THE FUTURE & OTHER FICTIONS. Learn more:
https://www.acmi.net.au/whats-on/future-fictions/
_____________________
ACMI is Australia's national museum of screen culture. Watch, play, make and discover a universe of films, TV, videogames and screen-based art.
Visit us in Melbourne’s Fed Square or online at www.acmi.net.au.
Follow us
Facebook: facebook.com/acmionline
Instagram: instagram.com/acmionline
Twitter: twitter.com/ACMI
www.acmi.net.au
