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The definitive, deluxe art book from costume design legend Ruth E. Carter.
Ruth E. Carter is a living legend of costume design. For three decades, she has shaped the story of the Black experience on screen—from the '80s streetwear of Do the Right Thing to the royal regalia of Coming 2 America. Her work on Marvel's Black Panther not only brought Afrofuturism to the mainstream, but also made her the first Black winner of an Oscar in costume design. In 2021, she became the second-ever costume designer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In this definitive book, Carter shares her origins—recalling a trip to the sporting goods store with Spike Lee to outfit the School Daze cast and a transformative moment stepping inside history on the set of Steven Spielberg's Amistad. She recounts anecdotes from dressing the greats: Eddie Murphy, Samuel L. Jackson, Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Chadwick Boseman, and many more. She describes the passion for history that inspired her period pieces—from Malcolm X to What's Love Got to Do With It—and her journey into Afrofuturism.
Carter's wisdom and stories are paired with deluxe visuals, including sketches, mood boards, and film stills. Danai Gurira, beloved for her portrayal of Okoye in Black Panther, has contributed a foreword. Fans will even get a glimpse behind the scenes of the sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
At its core, Carter's oeuvre celebrates Black heroes and sheroes, whether civil rights leaders or Wakandan warriors. She has brought the past to life and helped us imagine a brighter future. This book is sure to inspire the next generation of artists and storytellers.
MAJOR ICON: Ruth E. Carter is behind some of the most iconic costumes on screen, not least the opulent Black Panther looks that won her an Oscar. She's worked with some of the biggest names in cinema, from Spike Lee to Ava DuVernay. Her popularity goes beyond those interested in fashion and film—she is also a role model for women of color and creative entrepreneurs.
INCREDIBLE VISUALS: This gorgeous book includes an amazing array of images. Film stills reveals the details that make Carter's costumes so special. Sketches and mood boards illuminate her artistic process and the way she collaborates with actors, directors, and other fellow crew members. This book is a feast for the eyes.
COMPELLING STORY: Taken as a whole, Carter's three-decade career is not just a collection of great films; it tells a story. Whether comedies or period pieces, biopics or superhero blockbusters, her films have shaped the narrative of the Black experience in American cinema.
BEHIND THE SCENES OF BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER: The book will include a chapter on the sequel to Black Panther, which was the top-grossing superhero film at the time of its release. Fans will love seeing behind the scenes of the original and the new movie, discovering the artistry and passion that went into creating Wakanda.
Perfect for:
Ruth E. Carter is a living legend of costume design. For three decades, she has shaped the story of the Black experience on screen—from the '80s streetwear of Do the Right Thing to the royal regalia of Coming 2 America. Her work on Marvel's Black Panther not only brought Afrofuturism to the mainstream, but also made her the first Black winner of an Oscar in costume design. In 2021, she became the second-ever costume designer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In this definitive book, Carter shares her origins—recalling a trip to the sporting goods store with Spike Lee to outfit the School Daze cast and a transformative moment stepping inside history on the set of Steven Spielberg's Amistad. She recounts anecdotes from dressing the greats: Eddie Murphy, Samuel L. Jackson, Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Chadwick Boseman, and many more. She describes the passion for history that inspired her period pieces—from Malcolm X to What's Love Got to Do With It—and her journey into Afrofuturism.
Carter's wisdom and stories are paired with deluxe visuals, including sketches, mood boards, and film stills. Danai Gurira, beloved for her portrayal of Okoye in Black Panther, has contributed a foreword. Fans will even get a glimpse behind the scenes of the sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
At its core, Carter's oeuvre celebrates Black heroes and sheroes, whether civil rights leaders or Wakandan warriors. She has brought the past to life and helped us imagine a brighter future. This book is sure to inspire the next generation of artists and storytellers.
MAJOR ICON: Ruth E. Carter is behind some of the most iconic costumes on screen, not least the opulent Black Panther looks that won her an Oscar. She's worked with some of the biggest names in cinema, from Spike Lee to Ava DuVernay. Her popularity goes beyond those interested in fashion and film—she is also a role model for women of color and creative entrepreneurs.
INCREDIBLE VISUALS: This gorgeous book includes an amazing array of images. Film stills reveals the details that make Carter's costumes so special. Sketches and mood boards illuminate her artistic process and the way she collaborates with actors, directors, and other fellow crew members. This book is a feast for the eyes.
COMPELLING STORY: Taken as a whole, Carter's three-decade career is not just a collection of great films; it tells a story. Whether comedies or period pieces, biopics or superhero blockbusters, her films have shaped the narrative of the Black experience in American cinema.
BEHIND THE SCENES OF BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER: The book will include a chapter on the sequel to Black Panther, which was the top-grossing superhero film at the time of its release. Fans will love seeing behind the scenes of the original and the new movie, discovering the artistry and passion that went into creating Wakanda.
Perfect for:
- Fans of Ruth E. Carter, Black Panther, Spike Lee, and all the icons of Black Hollywood
- Art, fashion, and film students
- Young women and Black creatives looking for inspiration
- Followers of Hollywood fashion trends and devotees of costume and clothing design
- Film buffs building their coffee table book collection
5 Reviews
4.0

Lauren Shales
Created 12 months agoShare
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Jhstack
Created about 1 year agoShare
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“Solid and detailed look into Ruth Carter's film history and design archives. Also a reminder of a number of films I still need to check out. (e-galley from NetGalley)”

Suzie
Created about 1 year agoShare
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“Title: The Art of Ruth E Carter
Author: Ruth E Carter
Release Date: May 23rd, 2023
Page Count: 143
Format: Netgalley
Start Date: April 28th, 2023
Finish Date: April 28th, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
I really loved reading about and seeing the amazing work that Ruth E Carter has provided to many popular movies. It was like a time capsule of her work through the years. I mean that about the writing and the photography sprinkled throughout the entire book. What I love the most is that the good and bad was talked about. She talked about her struggles and successes. Because of reading this, I now have a list of movies I want to watch and rewatch. I feel like I will be seeing them all from a different light now.”

CJ Opal
Created almost 2 years agoShare
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“As a set costumer, I was so excited when I found out this book was in the works. Ruth Carter is such an inspiration, and it was joyous to follow her journey from working on indie sets to designing for Black Panther, becoming a two time Oscar winner in the process. Hearing about her on set struggles, and her growth in her self confidence was so relatable. I found myself laughing along with her mishaps, and cheering for her triumphs. Her voice in this book is honest and humble, she truly seems to be exactly the type of designer you want to work for and with. I cannot wait to gift this book to my costume designing friends.
I received an advanced digital copy from NetGalley.”
About Ruth E. Carter
Ruth E. Carter is one of the most renowned and celebrated costume designers working today. In addition to her win for Black Panther, she's been nominated for two other Oscars and an Emmy. She has costumed more than forty films over the course of three decades. Her work is currently the subject of a traveling exhibit. She lives in Los Angeles.
Other books by Ruth E. Carter
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