Costume designer Tsigie White has transformed STARZ’s “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” into a vibrant fashion time capsule of early 1990s New York. Her meticulous approach blends authentic period details with contemporary flair. The show’s fourth season continues to showcase her talent for using clothing as a powerful storytelling device that reflects character growth and the cultural moment.
Authentic ’90s Street Style Captures Hip-Hop’s Golden Era
White’s design process involved deep research into archival street photography, vintage magazines, and music videos. She even studied personal family photo albums to capture the true essence of ’90s fashion. “The early ’90s was such a rich time for fashion, especially in New York,” White explained. “I wanted the costumes to reflect the lived experiences of people from that era.”
The influence of hip-hop legends like Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, and Jodeci shines through in the show’s bold prints, layered styling, and statement accessories. White also drew inspiration from classic films such as Juice, New Jack City, and Boyz n the Hood. These sources helped ground the costumes in the authentic street style of Queens during this pivotal time in hip-hop culture.
Character Evolution Through Fashion Choices
Each character’s style journey reflects their personal growth and changing circumstances. “In the beginning, Kanan’s style reflected his youth and innocence,” White noted. “But as he matures and gets deeper into the game, his look becomes more structured, his color palette darkens and his overall presence sharpens.”
This thoughtful approach extends to all major characters. As the storylines intensify, the wardrobe shifts to reinforce themes of power, survival, and ambition. The visual transformation supports the narrative, helping viewers understand character development without a single word being spoken.
Power Dressing: Raquel Thomas’s Commanding Wardrobe
For matriarch Raquel Thomas, White created a wardrobe built around dominance and authority. “I thought of her as a superhero villain,” she revealed. “Her wardrobe is about dominance—sharp lines, leather, metal accents and tailored pieces that command attention.”
Every outfit chosen for Raquel exudes confidence and power. The structured silhouettes and bold materials visually reinforce her position as a woman navigating and conquering a male-dominated world. Her fashion evolution mirrors her growing influence and the hard choices she makes throughout the series.
Familiar Faces: Making Uncle Marvin and Jukebox Relatable
White approached Uncle Marvin’s style with cultural recognition in mind. “Every Black family has an ‘Uncle Marvin,'” she said. “The way he walks, talks and dresses—it’s all intentional. I wanted viewers to see his character and instantly say, ‘I know this man.'”
Meanwhile, Jukebox’s wardrobe represents her journey of self-discovery. White designed her looks to evolve from blending in to expressing her true self. “As she starts to find her voice—both in music and in her identity—her style becomes more androgynous, more expressive.” This thoughtful styling helps communicate Jukebox’s struggle for authenticity in a world that tries to define her.
Overcoming Vintage Fashion Challenges
Creating authentic ’90s looks presented unique challenges for White and her team. “One of the biggest challenges was sourcing multiples,” White admitted. Finding identical vintage pieces for scenes requiring multiple takes proved difficult. Often, her team had to recreate items from scratch.
Additionally, body types have changed since the early ’90s. “Vintage clothing often has smaller cuts, so we had to alter, tailor or remake garments to maintain both period accuracy and proper fit.” Rather than viewing these as obstacles, White embraced them as opportunities for creativity and precision in her craft.
Looking Forward: Season 4 Fashion Evolution
Fans can expect the same attention to detail and bold choices in the show’s fourth season. White confirms that the timeline remains in 1992, allowing for continued exploration of this rich fashion period. Her designs will maintain the “90s realness” viewers have come to love while supporting new character developments.
When asked which fashion trend from the series she’d like to see make a comeback, White didn’t hesitate: “Leather sets. They were everything back then, and they still are.” Through her work, White isn’t just recreating nostalgic looks—she’s celebrating the lasting cultural impact of ’90s fashion while giving it new life on screen.
