The Black Panther film franchise, which has already proven its massive cultural influence and box-office dominance, is gearing up for its highly anticipated second film installment, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Marvel Studios has officially partnered with the community-first company Actively Black to co-produce and sell the film’s official wearable merchandise in conjunction with the film.
Actively Black, founded by Lanny Smith, has grown into a fashion-forward and premium athleisure brand centered on Black style and culture, as well as an advocate for the Black community’s social justice, health, and wellness. Based on the film’s plot and upcoming release, all of this makes sense for a collaboration with Marvel.
The new collection includes joggers, hoodies, tights, and shirts for both men and women. Grey, purple, and black colorways are available, matching the color scheme promoted in the film’s costumes, visuals, and iconography. Sleeveless hoodies and sweatsuit separates feature branded phrases such as “Wakanda Athletics,” as well as graphic emblems of the film’s ‘panther’ mask.
Discussing the new wearable collection, AB Founder, Smith shares: “The Black Panther franchise has become a worldwide cultural phenomenon and has served as a constant source of inspiration in developing Actively Black. Actively Black was created with the intention of uplifting and reinvesting in Black communities around the world, and we hope consumers feel a sense of strength and pride for our community when wearing and interacting with the brand. Black Panther has had a profound and lasting impact on Black culture, and we are humbled to be a part of the film’s second chapter.”
Chiming in on the cultural activism behind AB, Marvel’s Senior Vice President of Licensing, Paul Gitter, says: “Lanny Smith is a true trailblazer and the impact that he’s made through the creation of Actively Black, and its philanthropic work in the Black community, is hugely admirable.”
“We’re excited to bring the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Capsule Collection to life with Actively Black. Through Lanny’s innovative vision, this unique lifestyle collection is a reflection of the creativity and authenticity of this partnership,” Gitter adds.
The new “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” Capsule Collection will be available on the Actively Black website on November 3 in sizes ranging from XS to 4XL. In addition, on November 12, a Wakanda Athletics “Classic Collegian” Collection will be released, followed by a Wakanda Athletics “Performance” Collection on November 25. (Black Friday).
