The Art of Ruth E. Carter
Costuming Black History and the Afrofuture, from Do the Right Thing to Black Panther
by Ruth E. Carter
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Pub Date 02 May 2023 | Archive Date 01 May 2023

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Description
The definitive, deluxe art book from costume design legend and Oscar Award winner Ruth E. Carter.
For three decades, she has shaped the story of the Black experience on screen—from the ’80s streetwear of Do the Right Thing to the royal regalia of Coming 2 America. Her work on Marvel's Black Panther not only brought Afrofuturism to the mainstream, but also made her the first Black winner of an Oscar in costume design. Includes sketches, mood boards, films stills, and behind-the-scenes stories from beloved movies, including Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Foreword by actress Danai Gurira
Available Editions
EDITION | Hardcover |
ISBN | 9781797203065 |
PRICE | $40.00 (USD) |
PAGES | 152 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews

This pictorial and written history of The Art of Ruth E. Carter is so interesting and beautiful. Carter's story is vivid and textured, just like her work. The projects she chooses to work on are full of purpose, and the research and thought put into each detail is evident by viewing the completed costumes.
I have seen many films where she has been the costume designer, but rarely does one get to stop, observe, and discuss these looks and the decisions made behind them until a book like this comes along. I applaud Dana Gurira for lifting up Carter's work and putting it in this space, to be viewed as art by a true artist.
I recommend this book to artists, designers, historians, and fans of popular culture, and especially an introduction into Black culture and history due to the projects she undertakes. Projects with a purpose. A true icon and master of her craft.
I just reviewed The Art of Ruth E. Carter by Danai Gurira. #TheArtofRuthECarter #NetGalley

This timeline of Ms. Ruth's creative fashion brilliance through the years in Black Entertainment was nostalgia at its finest! Her Filmography from the 80s with Spike Lee's SCHOOLDAZE to the ICONIC Black Panther Franchise, Ms. Ruth continues to carve her name in history. Learning about her creative process starting from the sketches, to the picking of the fabric to bringing it to life for all the characters was detailed and impressive. This is a great Coffee Table Book and a #MustHave Collectors Item! The pictures of the sketches and the finished fashion items were absolutely stunning!
#TheArtofRuthECarter #NetGalley #ARC #BlackMemorabilia #BlackCinema

Academy Award winner Ruth Carter was disappointed when she was asked to handle costumes for a production in which she had hoped to perform. It is a cliche, but when one door closes, another opens. In this case, Ruth’s extraordinary but latent talent for storytelling through costume was set free. This book follows her career from that pivotal moment in college through some of the most iconic films of our times in which she worked with industry giants such as Spike Lee, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Eddie Murphy, Angela Bassett, and Halle Berry. Carter discusses the challenges she faced in each project and walks the reader through her creative process with accompanying sketches and stunning photography. She demonstrates a deep commitment to authenticity and respect for the cultures she represents in her work. This creatively designed book would make a wonderful addition to anyone’s library and is especially suited for gift giving.

Absolutely loved getting a deeper dive into the world of the costume designer on films. You could sense Carter's dedication to her craft in the words on the page, but even more so in the images and drawings included in the book. Highly recommend!

Absolutely stunning book both verbally and visually. I am so glad that Ruth E. Carter did not get the acting job because her true gift lies in her eye and artistic costuming. Thank you for writing this book and for NetGalley offering this book to its members.

Ruth E. Carter’s narrative notes and visuals are ideal for readers who appreciate art, film, and stylistic vision. I loved how Carter draws attention to design choices, and this book is wonderfully timely with the release of Wakanda Forever.

Ruth E. Carter is a costume design LEGEND. I know that she has done some amazing work through the years but I had forgotten how extensive it is. Her Oscar was long overdue. I loved seeing her sketches and hearing about her creative process. How important it is for Ruth E. Carter to ensure that her creations stay true to the culture, time period, etc that is being represented in the film. Oh I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy of the book!

Amazing! Bravo! I gained a better understanding of the behind the scenes that's involved with costume designing. Additionally, I was not aware of all the iconic classic films Ms. Ruth was behind, many of my favorite films. The amount of in-depth research and detail that is behind each look I was left in awe. After reading this book I now want to rewatch these classic films and look more closely at the details of the costumes. This is a book you need for the bookshelf!