An early contender for best red carpet of 2018; my expectations were set to high for the Black Panther promo tour because the core cast always bring sartorial excellence, but they delivered and then some at the LA premiere on Monday night.* The red carpet was a regal purple, the theme of African royalty was interpreted in a variety of stunning ways. A celebration of all things Black pride, including a lot of nods to African heritage through dress, accessories and hair; something that runs through the costume design of the film.
*I’m late with this post as I’ve had stomach flu this week (fun!) so I wanted to give a dedicated “Out of the Box” rather than select a few images. So there will be two “Out of the Box” columns today. Scrolling through these photos and the Black Panther reactions definitely helped make me feel a bit better.
Plus a couple of other appearances from the Black Panther cast this week. And Happy Black History Month! Technically this red carpet was in January, but this post is in February as is the release of the film. 
In the color of royalty; a true fashion queen! Lupita Nyong’o is a vision in custom Atelier Versace. The gold metal bodice ups the regal levels and as per stylist Micaela Erlanger “There’s definitely a nod to her warrior character Nakia here, without being costumey. It’s a really glamorous take on our vision and it’s very fierce, certainly.” I would definitely agree with this sentiment. 
And because Lupita always picks a dress that looks good in motion. 
Yellow fringe is not an easy look to pull off, but Angela Bassett looks born to wear canary Naeem Khan. Lots of bold gold accessories add to the look, as well as nodding to the heritage that Black Panther celebrates.
At the Black Panther junket, Angela Bassett put another fantastic spin on the bold accessory/bold jumpsuit theme. 
It is going to get a bit much if I keep using the word queen, but Janelle Monáe is serving up the royal dress code in a kufi cap that looks like a crown and tribal inspired necklace. The Christian Siriano gown, complete with ruffled sleeves is perfect for the occasion. Look for more Monáe in the other “Out of the Box” this week. 
Pleats! You know I have strong feelings about pleats and they are all good. Issa Rae is doing a great job of showing off the colorful aspect of her Rosie Assoulin frock. 
Danai Gurira brings the ruffled drama in pink and black Viktor & Rolf. Gurira plays Okoye, the head of the Dora Milaje—the all-women secret service agents for Black Panther—and her character isn’t one for wearing frocks (even if she ends up having to wear one). I spoke to costume designer Ruth E. Carter recently and I am looking forward to sharing what she said about the Dora Milaje and the rest of the costumes with you soon. 
And at Jimmy Kimmel Live! Gurira wore a fabulous Diane Von Furstenberg red and silver geometric print dress that I now also want to see on The Good Fight. 
One of the main talking points from the early reactions is that Letitia Wright’s Shuri (T’challa’s sister) is a highlight and I cannot wait to see her in action. Wearing a very pretty Bibhu Mohapatra floral gown that is a sheer delight rather than a nightmare.
Now to some of the men of the evening; Daniel Kaluuya mixed his Ugandan heritage with his British. Wearing a velvet Burberry blazer over a traditional kanzu is a powerful look.
Here comes the king! Chadwick Boseman looks like royalty in gold floral Emporio Armani.
David Oyelowo always steps up on the red carpet, this is certainly no different. Wearing traditional African dashiki dress (and wife, Jessica also went strong on the pattern front) paired with Louboutin loafers shows how to mix designer with heritage. A visual feast. 
What a suit! Bold orange Gucci and Donald Glover continues his fabulous suit reign. 
Michael B. Jordan’s nod to the African royalty theme is more subtle, but the double-breasted Calvin Klein suit with gold collar tips and another pair of Louboutin loafers to drool over is just as effective.
Sterling K. Brown is working that black turtleneck look while wife Ryan Michelle Bathe goes for a short pattern explosion in Kutula. 
Costume designer Ruth E. Carter showed that she doesn’t just make other people look good. Carter also summed up the vibe of the night to USA Today:
“I was hoping for this. All of the award shows I was watching on TV, I was like, ‘Oh, you wait until Black Panther’ red carpet rolls around. It’s a celebration.”
Yara Shahidi’s Etro gown is an ethereal wonder; the embroidery and tassels nod to the occasion as does her natural hair. Shahidi is a regular fixture here and this is a new favorite look.
Emily V. Gordon’s metallic Dress the Population frock and t-bar heels is also a new favorite ensemble in an award season filled with great looks. Kumail Nanjiani subtle check suit is bringing the purple. 
Sequins continue to be big and Cobie Smulders is bang on trend in Markarian.
Ending this incredible red carpet event with the man of the hour. Director Ryan Coogler is set to deliver something very special and he nodded to the heritage that was being celebrated through a print scarf. And Taika Waititi went the purple accessories route. Seriously, I am a few days late but I couldn’t not dedicate an entire post to this celebration.
TV Ate My Wardrobe 
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