‘Black Panther’ Launches Offical “Wakanda Forever” Wearable Merch Ahead of the New Film’s Release

Already proving its massive cultural influence and box-office dominance, the Black Panther film franchise is ramping up for its highly-anticipated second film installment with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. In conjunction with the film, Marvel Studios has officially partnered with the community-first company Actively Black to co-produce and sell the film’s official wearable merchandise.

Founded by Lanny Smith, Actively Black has grown into a fashion-forward and premium athleisure brand centering on Black style and culture, and advocates for the social justice, health and wellness of the Black community. All of this makes sense for an alignment with Marvel, based on the film’s narrative and upcoming release.

The new collection features men’s and women’s performance wear including joggers, hoodies, tights and shirts. Colorways include grey, purple and black – tying into the color scheme promoted in the film’s costumes, visuals and iconography. Sleeveless hoodies and sweatsuit separates include branded phrases including “Wakanda Athletics” paired with 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 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).

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