Angela Bassett made a stunning surprise appearance at the Vogue World: Hollywood runway show on October 26, captivating the audience with her runway walk as she reprised her iconic role as Queen Ramonda from the Black Panther franchise. This presentation marked the fourth installment of the fashion event that first debuted in 2022.
The 67-year-old Oscar winner donned the same elegant gown that her character wears during a pivotal scene in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” which takes place at a U.N. meeting in Geneva. Bassett’s appearance on the runway at Paramount Pictures Studios in Los Angeles delighted attendees as she showcased the exquisite design by Ruth E. Carter. The gown shimmered in vibrant purples, a color symbolizing royalty and adorned with Wakandan hieroglyphs intricately woven in golden threads down the center and sides. Featuring a striking halter silhouette highlighted by a sculptural gold collar, the outfit was a breathtaking tribute to African heritage.
Completing her regal look, Bassett wore Ramonda’s distinctive 3-D printed crown and an isicholo, a traditional Zulu hat for married women. Carter collaborated with artist Julia Koerner to create the 3-D elements, enhancing the authenticity of the ensemble. The actress accessorized with stunning gold jewelry designed by Douriean Fletcher, including ornate earrings and a necklace that perfectly complemented the gown.
Within the theme of Afrofuturism, Bassett walked during a section that highlighted the innovative ways Carter and others have reinterpreted traditional African fashion for cinema. Ruth E. Carter has made history, becoming the first Black costume designer to win an Academy Award for her work on “Black Panther,” and she further solidified her legacy with another Oscar for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
Vogue World: Hollywood serves not only as a platform to merge film and fashion but also to give back, as 100% of ticket proceeds are directed to the Entertainment Community Fund, supporting costume professionals impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. This year, the show was celebrated as a love letter to Hollywood, featuring an eight-piece capsule designed by Jerry Lorenzo, which pays homage to iconic Los Angeles landmarks.
The star-studded event also featured performances by Doja Cat and Gracie Abrams, with appearances from notable figures such as Cynthia Erivo, Hailey Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Karol G, Ayo Edebiri, Dakota Johnson, and Gwyneth Paltrow, adding to the allure and recognition of this fabulous gathering. Through these grand events, the synergy between film and fashion continues to be highlighted, ushering in new opportunities for artists and designers alike.