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WOMEN WE LOVE: Ruth E. Carter

Written by Morgan Glicksman. Published: March 12 2021

 

What better way to celebrate Women’s History Month than to celebrate some of our favorite women making money moves? One woman who deserves a special shoutout is Ruth E. Carter. If you’ve seen Coming 2 America, Black Panther, or Dolemite Is My Name, then you’ve probably seen some of her incredible work. Ruth is the insanely talented mastermind behind the costume design for these movies and countless other blockbusters.

 

We’re not the only ones who think she’s the best of the best. In 2019, she received an Oscar for her costume designs in Black Panther, and just this year, she got her very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! And What’s even cooler than getting your own Star? Making Walk of Fame history! She’s the second costume designer AND the first Black costume designer to ever receive a Star. The last time a costume designer got their own star was over 60 years ago! But, this isn’t the first time she’s made history. Her 2019 Oscar win made her the first Black woman to win an Oscar for costume design. How cool is that?

 

She’s worked with film legends like Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg, and John Singleton and she’s designed costumes for some of your favorite stars including Denzel Washington and Jane Fonda.

 

Her latest work, Coming 2 America, premiered on Amazon Prime Video last Friday (March 5) and marks her 7th time working with Eddie Murphy! The incredible work she did in showcasing the fashions of the fictional kingdom of Zamunda are nothing short of mind-blowing. I think it’s safe to say she’s quite the legend when it comes to the costumes of Hollywood. Last year, SCAD (The Savannah College of Art and Design) even devoted an entire exhibition to showcasing her incredible and historic work!

 

 

 

What’s next for Ruth? Well, she’s currently working on the costume design for Black Panther 2, but you’ll have to wait until next summer to see it. Fingers crossed she gets to take home another Oscar!

 

If you want to see more of her in the meantime, check out "Abstract: The Art of Design" on Netflix (Season 2, Episode 3). You’re welcome.