Angela Bassett shut down the Paramount Studios backlot on October 26 at Vogue World: Hollywood 2025. The legendary actress reprised her role as Queen Ramonda from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Her appearance reminded everyone why Black creativity leads global style conversations.
Bassett wore the original gown designed by Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter. The deep purple velvet masterpiece caught studio lights as she moved down the runway. Her walk told a story of legacy, luxury, and lineage that left the audience mesmerized.
Angela Bassett Embodies Wakandan Royalty
The purple velvet gown hugged Bassett’s frame perfectly. Gold embroidery traced intricate patterns along the bodice and sleeves. The designs looked almost symbolic, like treasures from Wakanda’s royal archives.
A sweeping cape followed behind her like a queen’s entourage. It added drama and flair to every step she took. Her tall, sculptural headpiece completed the iconic look with undeniable presence.
The star embodied both heritage and high fashion simultaneously. Under the bright lights of fashion’s biggest stage, Black Panther came alive again. This time, the world of Wakanda appeared at one of the industry’s most prestigious events.
Ruth E. Carter Leads Afrofuturism Theme
Oscar-winner Ruth E. Carter led Vogue World’s Afrofuturism theme for the evening. Her vision brought Wakanda’s aesthetic to life on the runway. The legendary costume designer proved once again why her work resonates globally.
Carter’s designs have forever changed how the world views African-inspired fashion. She proved that culturally rooted design can be both global and luxurious. Her collaboration with Vogue World created one of the night’s most powerful displays.
Teyana Taylor Commands Attention as Dora Milaje Warrior
Teyana Taylor delivered a surprise appearance that stopped the show. She slipped into a red-and-bronze suit modeled after Dora Milaje battle armor. The molded leather bodice featured metallic details throughout the design.
The silhouette was bold and unapologetic in every way. Taylor looked born of the warrior tribe despite never appearing in the films. She commanded the runway with statuesque presence and flawless motion.
An everyday symbol of sexiness, strength, and poise, Taylor’s soldier strut made perfect sense. She embodied unapologetic culture with every step she took. Danai Gurira, the original Dora Milaje general, also returned to glide in fierce formation.
Jodie Turner-Smith Delivers Futuristic Wakanda Glam
Jodie Turner-Smith brought one of the night’s boldest Wakanda interpretations. She looked confident, fierce, and completely in control throughout her walk. Her deep melanin glowed beautifully under the studio lights.
Turner-Smith wore a custom Diotima creation by designer Rachel Scott. The chartreuse bodysuit featured rich brown striping and intricate details. Crochet thigh-highs paired with the bodysuit blended bold design with undeniable sex appeal.
Gold cuffs and beaded jewelry framed her entire look. The handcrafted accessories echoed the beauty and pride seen throughout Black Panther’s world. Fresh off her role in Disney’s Tron: Ares, the actress continues making waves.
Hollywood Meets High Fashion at Vogue World
Vogue World 2025 transformed Paramount Studios into a celebration of culture. The event merged film, fashion, and storytelling in unprecedented ways. Legendary costume designers collaborated with luxury fashion houses for the showcase.
Ruth E. Carter worked alongside Colleen Atwood and Catherine Martin. Together they partnered with McQueen, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, and Balmain. Each act brought unexpected star cameos and Hollywood glamour to the runway.
The collaboration merged Hollywood storytelling with haute couture seamlessly. Every segment featured fashion that told a story. However, the Afrofuturism act stood out among all the night’s displays.
Why the Wakanda Segment Hit Different
The Black Panther-inspired looks carried special significance for many viewers. The Afrofuturism act became one of the evening’s most powerful moments. It showcased how African-inspired design continues influencing global fashion.
Black Panther forever changed perceptions of culturally rooted fashion. The film proved that African aesthetics belong on the world’s biggest stages. Its impact on fashion and culture continues growing years after release.
Seeing this legacy reborn on the Vogue runway felt necessary and timely. The women who carried Wakanda’s spirit forward deserve recognition. Their presence demonstrated that Black creativity shapes fashion’s future direction.
Black Women Leading Fashion Innovation
The Wakanda showcase highlighted Black women’s influence on style evolution. Angela Bassett, Teyana Taylor, and Jodie Turner-Smith each brought unique energy. Together they created an unforgettable moment in fashion history.
Their appearances proved that Black women define beauty standards worldwide. They showed power, grace, and innovation on fashion’s biggest platform. Each look celebrated heritage while pushing boundaries of contemporary style.
The runway became a space for cultural celebration and recognition. Black women’s contributions to fashion deserve this level of visibility. Their creativity continues reshaping how the world understands beauty and elegance.
Afrofuturism’s Growing Influence on Fashion
Afrofuturism has moved from niche concept to mainstream influence. Vogue World’s dedicated segment proves the aesthetic’s staying power. Major fashion houses now embrace African-inspired designs and themes.
The movement blends African culture with futuristic imagination and technology. It creates visual narratives that honor tradition while looking forward. Black Panther brought Afrofuturism to millions of viewers worldwide.
Now fashion’s elite platforms celebrate these aesthetics prominently. The shift represents progress in representation and cultural appreciation. Afrofuturism offers endless creative possibilities for designers and artists.
The Cultural Impact of Representation
Seeing Wakanda on the Vogue World runway matters deeply. It shows that Black culture belongs in fashion’s most prestigious spaces. Representation at this level influences the entire industry’s direction.
Young Black designers and creators see possibilities for their own work. They witness their culture celebrated rather than appropriated. This visibility creates pathways for future generations of fashion innovators.
The night proved that diversity enriches fashion rather than limits it. Black women’s presence elevated Vogue World’s entire presentation. Their contributions reminded everyone why inclusivity makes fashion stronger and more exciting.
