Event to Showcase Designer Capsule Collections and Couture Pieces Inspired by the Film, Which Hits Theaters on February 16th
NEW YORK – February 1st, 2018 – Marvel Studios today announced the presentation of Black Panther “Welcome to Wakanda” – a celebration of fashion inspired by the movie – on February 12, as part of New York Fashion Week.
Designers including CHROMAT, Cushnie et Ochs, Fear of God, Ikiré Jones, Laquan Smith, Sophie Theallet, and Tome, who were selected for their dedication to empowerment and individualism through fashion, worked with Marvel Studios to create couture pieces interpreting different characters and themes from the movie, which will be shown the night of the event. The seven bespoke pieces will be installed in an immersive, Wakanda-inspired venue that guests will be encouraged to explore.
Following the event, the one-of-a-kind looks will be auctioned off via CharityBuzz.com in support of Save the Children, an international humanitarian organization that gives children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm.
Additionally, Black-Panther-inspired capsule collections from Brother Vellies, Douriean Fletcher and Josh Bennett will also be on display at the event, each becoming available to shop on their respective websites on February 13.
“Black Panther is visually stunning, from the backdrop of Wakanda to the beautiful, intricate costumes, with fashion and technology playing an important role throughout,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “Each of our partners has taken inspiration from the incredible storytelling, empowering characters and iconic look of the movie, while bringing their own unique aesthetic to the designs.”
Black Panther’s nation of Wakanda may be fictional, but its style is rooted in real history. Oscar nominated costume designer Ruth E. Carter researched every corner of Africa seeking inspiration and studying patterns, colors, beadwork and silhouettes ensuring that the costuming in the film was not only true to the story but that all the looks felt fashion forward as well.
“We wanted to explore and create the afrofuture-idyllic concept with Wakanda and make it a world like we have not seen before in cinema,” said Carter.
Marvel Studios gives special thanks to sponsors including Lexus, whose 2018 LC Inspired car is featured in Black Panther, as well as Redken 5th Avenue and Lancome, who will exclusively create hair and makeup looks together for the event models
“Welcome to Wakanda” pieces inspired by Black Panther can be viewed here.
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About Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media
Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) that brings our Company’s stories and characters to life through innovative and engaging physical products and digital experiences across more than 100 categories, from toys and t-shirts, to apps, books and console games. DCPI comprises four main lines of business: Global Licensing, Disney Retail (including Disney Store), Publishing and Digital Media, and Games, Apps, and Labs. The segment is home to world-class licensing and retail experts, artists, technologists, and storytellers who inspire imaginations and bring the magic of Disney into the daily lives of families and fans around the world.
About Marvel Studios’ Black Panther
Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.
“Black Panther” stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, with Angela Bassett, with Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis.
The film is directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Kevin Feige with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nate Moore, Jeffrey Chernov and Stan Lee serving as executive producers. Ryan Coogler & Joe Robert Cole wrote the screenplay. Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” hits U.S. theaters on February 16, 2018.
About Save The Children
Save the children gives children in the United States and around the world a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We invest in childhood — every day, in times of crisis and for our future. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.www.savethechildren.org/