The Black Panther Runway Recap

Wakanda Forever: The Afrofuturist Takeover of Vogue World 2025

Entertainment Desk - On October 26, 2025, the Paramount Pictures backlot in Los Angeles was transformed into a cinematic runway for Vogue World: Hollywood. While the event celebrated a century of film and fashion, the undeniable climax was the Afrofuturism segment, which saw the world of Black Panther leap from the silver screen onto the high-fashion stage.

Guided by the vision of two-time Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, the showcase was more than a runway show—it was a powerful tribute to the cultural legacy of Wakanda.

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The Return of the Queen

The evening’s most electrifying moment came when Angela Bassett made a surprise appearance, reprising her role as Queen Ramonda. Walking with the regal poise that earned her an Oscar nomination, Bassett wore the original, intricate purple gown designed by Carter for the U.N. meeting scene in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

The ensemble remains a masterclass in detail:

• The Crown: A 3D-printed isicholo (a traditional Zulu hat), created in collaboration with designer Julia Koerner.

  
  

• The Symbolism: Vibrant purple velvet woven with golden Wakandan hieroglyphs, signaling the ultimate intersection of tradition and technology.

  
  

• The Jewelry: Striking gold pieces designed by Douriean Fletcher, framing the Queen’s sculptural silhouette.

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Warriors on the Runway

Bassett was joined by a formidable vanguard that bridged the gap between the film’s cast and the fashion world’s elite.

• Danai Gurira, the MCU’s Okoye, led a fierce formation of models, reminding the audience of the Dora Milaje’s disciplined strength.

  
  

• Teyana Taylor stunned the crowd in a custom "warrior-chic" look modeled after the Dora Milaje’s red-and-bronze battle armor. Though not in the films, Taylor’s legendary "ballroom" walk brought a modern, high-energy edge to the Wakandan aesthetic.

  
  

• Damson Idris and Jodie Turner-Smith rounded out the segment, with Turner-Smith wearing a futuristic, chartreuse Diotima creation that blended Caribbean craftsmanship with Wakandan-inspired boldness.

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The Ruth E. Carter Legacy

The 2025 show served as a live retrospective of Ruth E. Carter’s groundbreaking career. By bringing these costumes to the Vogue runway, the event highlighted how Carter’s "Afrofuturism" has shifted global fashion trends. Her work doesn't just reference African history; it imagines a future where Black heritage and advanced technology coexist seamlessly.

"Seeing that legacy reborn on the Vogue runway, and through the women who carry it forward, is exactly what we need to see." — Vogue 2025 Commentary

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Impact and Charity

Beyond the glamour, the show stayed true to its Hollywood roots. 100% of the ticket proceeds from the event were donated to the Entertainment Community Fund, specifically supporting costume professionals and industry workers impacted by the recent Los Angeles wildfires.