Have you seen Black Panther: Wakanda Forever? Even if you haven’t, you’ve likely felt this blockbuster’s echoes throughout the pop culture world. Fashion also feels the effects as the costuming and outfits showcased in this visual treat inspire others to aspire. Recently, while listening to the Color of Fashion podcast, I listened as TV Stylist Michelle Washington discussed the cultural influences of this film. I just knew I had to track her down and ask her to weigh in on what we might expect as Black Panther influences movie-going audiences.
Interview with Michelle Washington
Shop LC: The original Black Panther movie made a tremendous impact. We’re still feeling it. Before we dive into the sequel, could you set the stage for us?
Michelle: The fascinating ripple effect of Black Panther (2018) was the positive impact of culture and the African diaspora. It wasn’t the 70s, “The revolution will not be televised” or “Black is beautiful,” but a much-needed silver-screen representation of a Black superhero, of the elegance of African culture and dismissing negative stereotypes. The feeling and message resonated around the world as everyone from every background found something in the movie that made them want to have a piece of Wakanda to remember. This was done by paraphernalia, including jewelry.
Shop LC: During your podcast, you dove into some of the details surrounding the influences of costuming – and there were some surprising tidbits! I won’t spoil them here but will direct them to your podcast instead. What’s in store now that the Black Panther sequel is out?
Michelle: With Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), we see the same happening as Latin diaspora, and Latin futurism is introduced through Namor and the Talokan empire. The beautifully creative influences of Mesoamerica were uniquely captured, leaving the audience (and MCU) fans with the desire to take home a piece of the underwater world and feel connected. There are already jewelry trends popping up! Some in the form of cosplay and independent artisan jewelry. Other jewelry has appeared in the form of licensed items from companies working with Marvel, which will soon be translated into fine jewelry.
Thanks, Michelle!
Mesoamerican Influences
The Mesoamerican influences are on full display. What caught my eye was using materials like jade, pearls, and bone. It was refreshing to see contemporary interpretations of these ancient jewelry-making materials by the production team.
Notably, serpents featured heavily in the jewelry of the fictional Talokan people. As we discussed previously, serpents are an important motif in Aztec and Mayan culture. Additionally, many of the pieces are carved or inscribed. You can tell at a glance that each piece carries a rich cultural meaning.
For instance, we’ve previously discussed the meaning of jade in Chinese culture. And most of us make a quick connection between the two. However, jade also occurs in South America, and it was a precious stone to the Aztecs and Mayans.
From what we know, Aztecs valued jade quite highly and reserved its use for royalty (and gods) only. Even then, it was just for special occasions. Mayans gave jade a religious meaning, which related to life for them. For both they and many more Mesoamerican cultures, the value of jade transcends its earthly value.
There is still much to learn about these ancient cultures, and no doubt we’ll continue to see them impact the mainstream. Watching these long-overlooked and under-appreciated influences make their mark is exciting!
Find licensed Marvel jewelry at Shop LC.
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