Designers, models, athletes, and influencers came together on Wednesday, February 6 in honor of Ruth E. Carter’s costume design career.
For over 3 decades, Carter has worked on some of the most influential films in modern U.S. history and the African-American experience. After working with Spike Lee in the 1988 film School Daze, she went on to design costumes for over 40 films and earn three Academy Award nominations for Best Costume Design, including a recent Academy Award nomination for the 2018 box office hit Black Panther.
The New York Fashion Week event and exhibition titled “Next of Kin” was hosted by IMG and Harlem’s Fashion Row. Among the notable guests in attendance were Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz, Dapper Dan, Karen Elson, Miss Universe Catriona Gray, Tess Holliday, Chanel Iman, Karolina Kurkova, Tara Lynn, Cam Newton, Billy Porter, Marquita Pring, Shaun Ross, Bozoma Saint John, and Lucky Blue Smith.
IMG President Ivan Bart, Harlem’s Fashion Row CEO & Founder Brandice N. Daniel, and Chief Marketing Officer of Endeavor Bozoma Saint John led a toast for Carter, recognizing her achievements and those who were involved in making the event happen. Guests lifted their glasses with specialty cocktails provided by Courvoisier as well as select beer and wine options. Once the toast was complete, guests were encouraged to dance along with the DJ playing both old and new school R&B, soul, and hip-hop classics as they socialized and observed the costume installations.
The “Next of Kin” exhibit featured a collection of costumes that were used in movies Carter has worked on and remakes designed to appear exactly as they did on the big screen. Ibrahim Kamara was the collaborator for the exhibit and styled a number of looks that were inspired by scenes from some of the most notable films Carter has designed for. Kamara, a British fashion stylist who has styled for editorials and campaigns for Dior, Stella McCartney, and Nike was also in attendance. The installation included both live models and mannequins, along with props that emphasized the social and political commentary made in many of the films represented by the exhibit. Guests could observe pieces that were featured or inspired by well-known moves such as Do the Right Thing, Selma, Black Panther, Malcolm X, Chi-Raq, and more.
Check out photos from the event below:
