AFROFUTURISM IN COSTUME DESIGN EXHIBITION TO OPEN AT JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT

by John Russel Jones May 08, 2024

History and culture meet creativity and fashion in an exhibition opening May 11 at Jamestown Settlement featuring the legendary costumes of two-time Academy Award winner Ruth E. Carter. Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design showcases the designer’s creations, chronicling the rich tapestry of the human experience from Jamestown in 1619 through antebellum strife to the radiant promise of Afrofuture. Organized by Ruth Costume Designs and curator Julia Long, the exhibition will feature robust programming and be on display through December 1, 2024.

Ruth E. Carter. Photo by Colin Gray and SCAD FASH Museum

At Jamestown Settlement, Ruth E. Carter’s history-making designs converge with historical attire of the 1600s and 1700s to transcend periods through a unique comparison of clothing styles and dress, from bodices and breeches to tailored suits and heroic feats in fashion.

Costumes designed by Ruth E. Carter and worn during the filming of “Coming 2 America.” Photo by Colin Gray and SCAD FASH Museum.

Ruth E. Carter is the most winning Black woman in Academy history. Her costume designs in Marvel Studio’s Black Panther films fuse traditional and contemporary styles, combine symbolism and storytelling, and incorporate technology to reimagine beauty. She delivers Afrofuturistic pieces that empower the female form, honor ancient cultures, and invoke a deep sense of representation unlike any other costumes experienced on screen.

The Black Panther costume, designed by Ruth E. Carter for Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” is Photo by Colin Gray and SCAD FASH Museum.

A graduate and honorary doctorate recipient from Hampton University, Carter has created thousands of costumes for historical and fictional characters for films such as Amistad, Roots, Malcolm X, Selma, Do the Right Thing, and Coming 2 America. Visitors can view more than 60 of Carter’s original garments while also observing her immersive process, historical research, and attention to detail in every project she brings to life.

The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation designed the historical clothing of an 18th-century self-emancipated enslaved man. The photo was provided by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation.

A Fashioned in History exhibit features the work of Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation tailors who dress as historical interpreters depicting people living in early America. Some of the garments are based on period portraits and surviving garments on display in gallery exhibits at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Hands-on experiences and displays allow visitors to explore the design process for creating historical clothing.

Costume worn by Spike Lee as “Mookie” in the film “Do the Right Thing.” Photo by Colin Gray and SCAD FASH Museum.

Dominion Energy is presenting as a sponsor of the special exhibition with additional support from James City County.

Costumes designed by Ruth E. Carter and worn during the filming of “Malcom X.” Photo by Colin Gray and SCAD FASH Museum.

Entrance to the exhibit is included with admission to Jamestown Settlement: $18.00 for adults and $9.00 for ages 6-12 (beginning July 1, 2024: $20.00 for adults, $10.00 for ages 6-12).