The much anticipated second movie in the Black Panther franchise, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is out in the cinema next week, with the first movie asserting box-office dominance, and a large cultural impact. It’s surely going to be an exciting time for the franchise and Marvel.
In conjunction with the film’s release, Marvel Studios has teamed up with community-first company Actively Black. Together, they will co-produce and sell the movie’s official wearable merchandise.
Actively Black is founded by Lanny Smith, and has grown into a premium athletic and leisure brand focusing on Black style and culture. The company is also a huge advocate for the social justice, health and wellness of the Black community. Actively Black and Marvel’s union certainly makes sense based on the narrative of the film and its release.
The new collection has men’s and women’s performance wear ranging from hoodies, joggers, shirts and tights. There are a variety of colours available including grey, purple and black – The colour scheme promoted in the film’s costumes, visual style and overall iconography. Sleeveless hoodies and sweatsuit separates include branded phrases including “Wakanda Athletics” paired with graphic emblems of the film’s ‘panther’ mask
While 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.”
Broaching the topic of 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 for purchase on November 3 on the Actively Black website, with sizes ranging from XS to 4XL. Additionally, a Wakanda Athletics “Classic Collegian” Collection will drop on November 12, followed by a Wakanda Athletics “Performance” Collection dropping on November 25 (Black Friday).
The new “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” Capsule Collection is available now on the Actively Black website, with sizes ranging from XS to 4XL. Further lines will launch throughout November including a Wakanda Athletics “Classic Collegian” Collection and a Wakanda Athletics “Performance” Collection.
For more details, visit https://activelyblack.com