Next Generation Black Panther | Wide Leg Leather Jumper Illustration

Because my focus isn't that great and with the height of the Black Panther movie and all of it's anticipated greatness, I became inspired and started to think about how the black panther style would translate today, where today embodies the acceptance of uniqueness and the growing appreciation of living in your own "blackness," no matter what that may look like. What would the next generation black panther wear at today's protest?

The intention was to keep the black and leather of the original Black Panther Party uniform because it's both iconic and perfectly displays the strength in black and of black. Thinking of today's Black Panther though, while still very strong and black, they're fights are intersectional involving race, gender and sexual identity equality. While still strong, I think there's a softness or more visible compassion that's been added.

And with this next generation black panther look, I wanted to keep it strong but soften the hard edge of the typical uniform. The leather flare legged jumper makes the outfit a little playful and the white graphic tee of the woman symbol relaxes the look and carries the cause of feminism and celebrates black queendom. Afro's were very much a statement in the movement and while the acceptance of fro's is still being fought for in more places than it should be right now, I wanted to switch it up with an all black head wrap, inspired by Tracee Ellis Ross at the 2018 Golden Globe Awards where she worked black to protest in the Times Up protest.

What do you think of the design? What do you see a next generation black panther wearing? Let me know in the comments!