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[Pictures] At the ‘Black Panther’ premiere, it’s a regal night of stars and standout looks

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If you’ve ever wondered how kings and queens of the fictional, futuristic nation of Wakanda might dress, look no further than Marvel Studio’s “Black Panther” premiere in Los Angeles on Monday night. In keeping with the “royal attire” theme dictated by the evening’s invitation, stars and attendees hit the purple-hued carpet in a kaleidoscopic display of regal, Africa-inspired fashion.

Taking cues from the film’s costumes (which were envisioned by Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter), Lupita Nyong’o channeled her warrior character, Nakia, while wearing a purple, custom-made Atelier Versace chiffon gown with gold metal hardware harness details reminiscent of armor. Chadwick Boseman, who stars as Wakandan ruler T’Challa, looked every bit the part in a black and gold blazer by Emporio Armani.

TOPSHOT-US-ENTERTAINMENT-FILM-PREMIERE-BLACKPANTHER
Lupita Nyong’o at the “Black Panther” premiere. Valerie Macon / AFP/Getty Images
US-ENTERTAINMENT-FILM-PREMIERE-BLACKPANTHER
Lupita Nyong’o Valerie Macon / AFP/Getty Images

“We talked about what the movie meant and how strong it was and wanted to give that same powerful feel to Letitia’s look on the red carpet,” says the stylist, who drew upon her own Nigerian roots while researching the theme before landing on the ethereal, embellished number for Wright. “Letitia plays such a riveting character and she brings a light to the role. Keeping her fresh and young was the idea.”

But it wasn’t just the cast who took the dress code to heart for the occasion. Styled by Jason Bolden, “grown-ish” star Yara Shahidi wore a youthful, tasseled white Etro gown and Christian Louboutin sandals, while British-Nigerian actor David Oyelowo wore a traditional dashiki. “Insecure’s” Issa Rae also got the warrior memo, opting for a sophisticated, pleated white Rosie Assoulin dress with a rainbow-colored panel, paired with metallic Giuseppe Zanotti shoes.

Fresh off the Grammys stage, where she delivered a powerful speech in support of the Time’s Up movement on Sunday, actor and musician Janelle Monáe worked with stylist Alexandra Mandelkorn to put her own spin on the theme while staying true to her own sartorial sensibility that she’s cultivated over the years. That meant “something black and white, but also something sculptural and avant-garde that felt very regal,” explains Mandelkorn, who worked with Monáe to select a look from Christian Siriano’s pre-fall 2018 collection that fit the bill. Dressed in a billowing skirt paired with an architectural top featuring two-tone sleeves, Monáe topped off the ensemble with an Erickson Beamon tribal choker and a traditional black kufi cap embellished with gold embroidery.

“It looks like a crown,” says Mandelkorn. “It was very fitting for the theme.”

More looks on the purple carpet

 
“Black Panther” costar Winston Duke on the purple carpet. At right, “Black Panther” costar Danai Gurira, center, with the Dora Milaje actors at the premiere of “Black Panther” at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Jan. 29. Jesse Grant / Getty Images for Disney (left); Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images for Disney

Michael B. Jordan, Angela Bassett and Daniel Kaluuya

 
“Black Panther” costars Michael B. Jordan, from left, Angela Bassett and Daniel Kaluuya at the film’s world premiere in Hollywood. Jesse Grant / Getty Images for Disney; Valerie Macon / AFP/Getty Images

Chadwick Boseman

The Los Angeles World Premiere of Marvel Studios' BLACK PANTHER
“Black Panther” costar Chadwick Boseman at the world premiere of “Black Panther.” Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images for Disney

Janelle Monáe, Yara Shahidi and Chloe X Halle

 
Janelle Monáe, from left, Yara Shahidi and Chloe X Halle at the premiere of “Black Panther.” Rich Polk / Getty Images for Disney; Jesse Grant / Getty Images for Disney (center and right

Letitia Wright, Issa Rae and David Oyelowo

 
“Black Panther” costars Letitia Wright, from left, Issa Rae and David Oyelowo on the purple carpet at the “Black Panther” premiere in Hollywood. Jesse Grant / Getty Images for Disney; Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images for Disney; Valerie Macon / AFP / Getty Images

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Feelgood Frequencies: Why CR Srikanth’s “Dancing in the Dark – VS Pop™” Is The Sonic Hug You Didn’t Know You Needed

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If you’ve been looking for a track that feels like a warm, nostalgic hug wrapped in shimmering synths, CR Srikanth’s new single “Dancing in the Dark – VS Pop™” might be exactly what you need. It offers a beautiful balance of emotional depth and danceable energy, pulling you out of your head and into a place where you can just breathe, feel, and move. In a world that often feels overwhelming, this track delivers a sense of calm and release.

Srikanth, a US-based Indian composer and sonic storyteller, has carved out a unique musical space with his self-created genre, VS Pop™ (Very Smooth Pop). Drawing from vintage 1980s synthpop, ambient soundscapes, and cinematic orchestral touches, he’s crafted a style that feels both familiar and forward-thinking. “Dancing in the Dark” continues that evolution. It is at once intimate and expansive, polished yet deeply human.

The track features vocals from Junior Paez, whose delivery adds emotional texture to the lyrics. There’s a quiet honesty in lines like “Don’t you think you’re losing your mind again?” and “Hold on, I’ll take you a little higher tonight.” These words speak to the chaos we often feel inside, but instead of staying stuck there, the song encourages movement, connection, and hope. It is music that acknowledges the darkness but chooses to dance through it anyway.

The production is rich with shimmering arpeggiators, retro synth bass, and crisp electronic drums. It brings together nostalgia and futurism in a way that feels effortless. Imagine flickering neon lights, soft motion blur, and the kind of energy that makes you want to close your eyes and sway. It is cinematic but never overwhelming. Every layer serves the emotion at the heart of the track.

What makes “Dancing in the Dark” so appealing is how well it adapts to your mood. Whether you’re heading out for a solo night drive, setting the vibe for a weekend gathering, or simply lying on your bed in need of a reset, this song fits the moment. It never pushes too hard, but it always lands exactly where it needs to. There is something comforting about how sure of itself it feels.

CR Srikanth is not just making music for the sake of it. He is building emotional landscapes for listeners to get lost in and to find themselves again. With “Dancing in the Dark – VS Pop™,” he offers more than just a catchy tune. He gives us space to reflect, to feel seen, and to find joy in the act of simply moving forward. So press play, turn it up, and let yourself be lifted. This one’s for the heart, the soul, and the feet.

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