I can still remember the first time I saw the Black Panther movie trailer. My friend and I were at a dine-in movie theater, fancy, I know! I was browsing through the menu for something to munch on when the Black Panther movie preview caught my eye. The epic music and flawless cinematography sent chills running down my spine. I didn’t know what I was looking at but I couldn’t take my eyes off of it. Then I saw one black A-list actor after another. For a moment, I couldn’t understand why they were all together on one screen. All of this melanin in one action movie? Could this be real?
Backstory about me.
I grew up with three older brothers and no sisters. Collecting comic books and cards was a Saturday morning tradition in our household. We also didn’t and still don’t miss any Superhero movies. It doesn’t matter if it’s Marvel or DC, we are going to see it. It is tradition and you don’t break tradition.
Black Panther is a special Superhero movie, however, because of its storyline. The epic is taking place in a futuristic Africa and the cast members represent the Motherland well in all of its beauty. As in all Superhero movies there is a crisis but this time the fate of mankind hangs in the balance to be saved by a black man. To say that seeing so many of my favorite actors, who look like me, on the same screen is exciting, would be an understatement. Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong’o, Chadwick Boseman, Forest Whitaker, Sterling K. Brown, Daniel Kaluuya, and Michael B. Jordan, what’s not to love?
Models poses during the MARVEL Black Panther fashion week celebration “Welcome to Wakanda” at Industria on February 12, 2018, in New York. / AFP PHOTO / ANGELA WEISS
As you can see, I already have high hopes for this film and now my expectations are even greater since attending the Black Panther: Welcome to Wakanda, NYFW event. The exclusive event was hosted by Marvel Studios to celebrate the fashion inspired by the movie.
Bespoke pieces by designers Cushnie et Ochs, Ikiré Jones, Tome, Sophie Theallet, Fear of God, Chromat and LaQuan Smith were auctioned for Save the Children. Furthermore, capsule collections by Brother Vellies, Josh Bennett and Douriean Fletcher created for Black Panther were on display.
The details and craftsmanship that went into each piece was beautiful. True fashion is not only in the design of a garment but also in the execution of it. As a seamstress, I know when I am in the presence of a work of art and the fashions I saw last night were exquisite.
For the occasion, I wore a darling printed playsuit by ethical and sustainable brand, Mayamiko. The Gaia playsuit was the focal point of my look. I chose it because it is fabulous and was made in Malawi inspired by African artisanal tradition and prints. How fitting! 
To make the look winter-friendly, I layered the heart neckline romper with a button-down shirt, black tights and suede booties. I wore a sequins jacket for added texture. To take the ensemble to the next level, I planned to incorporate face paint. I felt that my ode to Black Panther would not be complete without it. You see, from the moment I first saw princess Shuri, played by Leticia Wright in the movie, I knew I had to recreate her look. Unfortunately, I ran out of time to redo my makeup last night but I will give Princess Shuri’s look another go when I go see the movie.
The event took place at Industria NYC nestled between the Meatpacking district and West Village. To see more behind-the-scenes check out the #BlackPantherNYFW hashtag!
I can’t wait to see the movie on Friday! Are you planning to see Black Panther? Let me know on social media. Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest
