Ruth Carter Will Blow Your Mind With Her Black Panther Designs

Hey Cuties,

Black Panther week continues, I hope you enjoyed my interview with Marvel Black Panther Director, Ryan Coogler.  While watching the movie I was obsessing over the costumes and looks so I had to chat with Costume Designer Ruth Carter. This lady here is an unsung hero let me tell you. I also chatted with Black Panther, Producer Nate Moore. Squeal! Listen everyone on this movie that I’ve met are simply amazing. Maybe its the creativity we have in common but they were so freaking humble. Let’s get into it.

black panther costume designs ruth carter
Costume Designer Ruth Carter: Photo Credit: Disney/Marvel

Ruth Carter is a lady who has blazed a path in the industry.  She has a ton of receipts but I will list some of my favorites movies she has worked on:

School Daze (1988), I’m Gonna Git You Sucka (1988), Do the Right Thing (1989), Mo’ Better Blues (1990), House Party 2 (1991), Jungle Fever (1991), The Five Heartbeats (1991), Malcolm X (1992), What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993), Crooklyn (1994),  B*A*P*S (1997), Amistad (1979), Love & Basketball (2000), Shaft (2000), Baby Boy (2001), The Butler (2013), Selma (2014),  Black Panther (2018)

Fun Fact: She received her first Oscar nomination for Spike Lee’s Malcolm X. She received her second Oscar nomination for Steven Spielberg Amistad.

black panther costume designs marvel nate moore
Black Panther Producer, Nate Moore: Photo Credit Disney/Marvel

Nate Moore is a producer in the film division at Marvel Studios.  He has produced Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Captain America: Civil War (2016) and Black Panther (2018). Did I mention that Nate is 37 years of black boy joy?  I need to step my game up out here in these streets.

Our chat was so freaking good, here are the questions we talked about and some of Ruth’s designs.

black panther costume designs
Photo Credit: Marvel/Disney

Q: How did you decide how you wanted everyone to look? 0:04

Q: When it came to merchandising what did you have to say no to? 1:04

black panther costume designs
Photo Credit: Marvel/Disney

Q: How did your time at Hampton University shape you? (Ruth) 1:25

Q: Are you doing Black Panther screenings in Africa? 3:10

black panther costume designs
Photo Credit: Disney/Marvel

Q: What is your proudest moment now that Black Panther is done? 3:20

Q: What does Black Panther mean to you? #WhatDoesBlackPantherMeanToYou 5:52

black panther costume designs

Q: When making the film, did you know Okoye & Nakia would come across so strong? 7:17

Q: In the movie, you see a blend of beautiful African fabrics on the Wakandan people. How did you decide what tribal culture to use? 8:13

black panther costume designs
Photo Credit: Marvel/Disney

Q: When Halloween rolls around will we have a chance to purchase some of the costumes we see in Black Panther? 10:24

Q: Did you read any of the comics before working on the movie? 11:30

 

black panther costume designs
Photo Credit: Marvel/Disney

Q: You see scenes in Oakland and Africa, was crossing cultures intentional? 12:43

Q: A scene is reminiscent of the missing Chibok Girls. Was that done on purpose? 13:33

black panther costume designs
Photo Credit: Marvel/Disney

Black Panther is in theaters NOW, go out and support this film.

Lifestyle Media Correspondent MimiCutelips talks all things black panther costume designs with designer Ruth Carter and Producer, Nate Moore.

Do you have plans to see the movie? Chat with me in the comments below or FBIG, and Twitter.

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76 Comments

  1. I’m a big fan of movie concept art. These drawings are amazing. Can’t wait to see the final products used in the movie. My son and I are really looking forward to seeing the Black Panther at the movie theater.

  2. Oh my goodness those designs are absolutely incredible. how awesome to get to talk to Nate and Ruth about there time on films! Black Panther seems like such a great film to go and see.

  3. So looking forward to seeing this movie. The costumes look amazing! It’s going to be me and the hubby’s version of a Valentine’s Day date.

  4. I’m not a fan of superheroes movies but, and I attempt to say this in the most politically correct way possible…I am a huge fan of all things black (I would have written that last bit in bold had I could). So you can believe I’ll be setting my movie preference reservations aside to go check out this film!

    1. Yup! There is nothing wrong with that at all EG. To celebrate one thing doesn’t diminish anyone else. I am always cheering for everyone black. That doesn’t mean I don’t want others to win. I’m not a superhero girl either but it is so damn good.

  5. Those costumes are absolutely amazing. We haven’t seen this yet but are hoping to go see it this week. It looks so good and we’re big Marvel fans.

  6. Mind was absolutely blown! Her designs were creative, innovative and inspiring! I loved this movie. So much saw it twice!

  7. They look incredible! I have heard nothing but the best things about this movie. This is just one more thing to add to the list!

  8. Look I need Ms. Ruth to make me a whole Wakanda inspired wardrobe. Feeling so inspired by the entire Black Panther movement.

  9. I interviewed Ruth too! She is a beast she did so many black films so she is an expect. This is one of her best works for sure I am so proud of her and what she did to bring life to the African culture authentically and manifest it to the big screen.

  10. I haven’t seen the Black Panther yet, but we are going this weekend. I have heard so many people say how visually stunning the movie is because of the costumes.

  11. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I have plans to see it soon. My son and daughter-in-law saw it this past weekend and loved it. I can hardly wait to see all the costumes!

  12. I really love this concept drawings. The colors in the creativity and them are outstanding. That is one thing I love about movies is that you can really make the impossible happen.

  13. Everyone is writing about Black Panther movie. Haven’t had chance to see it yet. Sure it will win tons of awards for clothing and more

  14. I am at awe with the costumes that I saw in Black Panther and it’s really amazing how she brought the characters to life. Definitely something to be proud of, because she made the movie more visually appealing. This was an awesome interview!

  15. What an amazing opportunity interview all these amazing people. She did an amazing job with costumes. Haven’t seen the movie yet but from the previews, it looks incredible!

  16. The costumes were amazing. I love how she incorporated so many African countries and tribes into the costume designs. EPIC! Just epic!

  17. Love how the costumes look and her inspiration is definitely the best, it’s nice that she based them on the traditions that the tribes have in Africa. From the colors to the patterns, I am definitely a huge fan of it all. She’s amazing!

  18. Those clothes are true ART. I am going to see Black Panther this weekend and I can’t wait to see all of these beautiful costumes on the big screen.

  19. I can’t believe how talented others are, I guess because I’m not. At all. These designs are something to be proud of. We’re looking forward to the movie.

  20. Loved this article. So much African pride. I loved every single design. It was well crafted and well designed and well thought out. Hoping to see more of her designs in other movies.

  21. The costume designs were unbelievable! I hope she gets all the accolades she deserves for her work. Kudos for this opportunity! Great questions.

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