Fans flock to watch “Black Panther” dressed in African-inspired fashion

In theatres across the globe fans flocked to see the highly anticipated Marvel superhero film, Black Panther, dressed in African-inspired clothing as homage to Wakanda, the fictional location where the film is set.

The film’s costume designer, Ruth Carter, took her inspiration from Sotho, Zulu and Xhosa traditional garb. Xhosa was also used as the official language for Wakanda and the soundtrack features a few South African songs, including one by Tumelo Ruele.

Black Panther has changed the landscape of superhero films with its predominantly black cast. Journalist, editor and television producer, Jamil Smith had this to say in a recent article in Time Magazine, “Those of us who are not white have considerably more trouble not only finding representation of ourselves in mass media and other arenas of public life, but also finding representation that indicates that our humanity is multifaceted. Relating to characters onscreen is necessary not merely for us to feel seen and understood, but also for others who need to see and understand us. When it doesn’t happen, we are all the poorer for it.”

The film is a smash hit at the Box Office topping $900 million worldwide and has received overwhelming praise for its representation of black culture and vision of Afrofuturism as well as addressing important themes of racism and sexism. It even broke a Twitter record for being the most tweeted about film of 2018, with hashtags such as #WakandaCameToSlay and #WakandaForever.

“Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us.” ✊🏾🙅🏾‍♀️❤️ #WakandaCameToSlay 😜#BlackPanther #WakandaForever #africangirlskillingit #MamaAfrica #AfricanQueen #MelaninPoppin #MyBlackIsBeautiful #BrownGirls #EmbraceYourHeritage #KenyanGirl pic.twitter.com/Elz7ZYCfoo

— Su Zie ✨👸🏽 (@suzannapomade) February 25, 2018

@Ebonyeyes10 #Wakanda #WakandaCameToSlay as promised pic.twitter.com/LIQpD8ANFX

— Danny gal.. (@DanielleYonnie) February 25, 2018

» The Black Panther Movie was INCREDIBLE✨🙌🏽#blackpanthermovie
#WakandaCameToSlay #BlackPanther#WakandaForever #wakandastyle pic.twitter.com/hwYr3rDwnh

— ʝα∂α Watkins🌻 (@JadaDivine09) February 24, 2018

For a feel good experience with an important global message, be sure not to miss Black Panther in theatres. And remember of course, to dress up in proud African style for the occasion!

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What is Ankara?

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Interview with Trip owner and designer Susan Didcott

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Trip Clothing & Accessories are handmade in Cape Town with pride and are available both locally and internationally for immediate delivery. Browse our online store or come and visit us at the Watershed, The V&A Waterfront’s home of African craft and design. Contact us on +27 82 781 6793 or via email at susan@tripclothing.co.za

We create skirts, dresses, tops, head wraps, sweat tops, t-shirts, belts, shoppers, handbags, cosmetic purses and toiletry bags using African print, 100% cotton, denim, canvas, leather, and pu vinyls.

Email susan@tripclothing.co.za directly for wholesale pricing. Note that minimums do apply to wholesale orders.

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Picture: Everett Collection