We’re baaaaaaaack! That’s right, y’all: Several of our Black Panther faves—and beyond—returned to the purple carpet Monday night for the much anticipated premiere of Avengers: Infinity War in Los Angeles.
Chadwick, Danai, Angela, Winston and more all turned out in style to debut the next set of adventures for our Wakandan brethren. But the knockout of the night? Everyone’s favorite genius little sister, Letitia Wright (Princess Shuri), who managed to channel the purple flower, vibranium, and the surreal sky of a T’Challa dream sequence in one incredible bespoke suit from Prada.
Matter of fact, it was actually a digitally printed suit paired with a black tulle underlayer, resulting in a marvelous interplay of structure and softness, which Wright’s stylist, Ade Samuel, says was evocative of iconic women like Bianca Jagger. As she told British Vogue:
It was important for me to align Letitia with a designer who represents strong women. ... I love what Miuccia [Prada] does, but I also looked at what Yves Saint Laurent and Coco Chanel did back in the day, because Letitia wanted to represent the fact that young women can look strong and also be smart. ...
Her outfit is like two worlds colliding. You see tulle in a double-breasted suiting world, which is uncommon. It’s almost a dress mixed with a suit.
Sounds like Shuri style, for sure. And like Shuri, apparently Wright is very hands-on when it comes to the designs she wears for public appearances.
“She’s extremely involved,” Samuel told Vogue. “She has a young, fresh take on clothing, and she’s not glued to the idea that a woman has to wear a dress or heels on the red carpet. She enjoys mixing things up and seeing an idea come to life.”
We’ll be watching Avengers: Infinity War come to life soon, but in the meantime, let’s revel in this return of black excellence to the red purple carpet!