Crafting Royalty: Carl Ulysses and the Legacy of Black Panther
From the first moments of Marvel’s Black Panther, the powerful presence of Carl Ulysses is stitched directly into the screen. As young King T’Chaka arrives in California to confront his brother N’Jobu, it’s not just the dialogue or tension that captures attention—it’s the costume.
“He wears a sash and belt draped in a way that doesn’t scream kente at first glance,” Ulysses recalls. “The red, yellow, and maroon kente was piped in purple leather. We used a lot of leather elements because in Africa, skins are traditional garments.”
These subtle but culturally rich choices defined Wakanda’s visual authenticity, establishing a world that felt both ancestral and futuristic. Ulysses’ artistry, combined with Ruth E. Carter’s vision, was crucial to building the regal and resonant universe audiences embraced worldwide.
A Superhero for the Culture
“I loved comic books growing up,” Carl says. “But Black Panther was the one hero that looked like me. Seeing that come full circle is surreal.”
As the youngest tailor on the Black Panther team, Carl Ulysses created custom looks for King T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) and T’Chaka, including:
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The robe T’Challa wears to reclaim his throne
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The shorts used in iconic battle scenes against M’Baku and Killmonger
“We had to design for movement and symbolism. These pieces had to function, not just look good on mannequins.”
From Riverdale to Hollywood: A Nontraditional Path
Raised in Riverdale, Georgia, Carl initially dreamt of becoming a Major League pitcher. But a shoulder injury derailed that plan. Despite earning a biology scholarship at Morehouse College, it didn’t take long to realize medicine wasn’t his calling.
During a medical rotation at Duke University, Carl witnessed enough trauma to shift paths. He returned to Atlanta and eventually pivoted toward fashion, encouraged by a classmate who saw potential in his sketches.
His first sewing project? A full jacket and pants suit, completed in a beginner’s class that wasn’t expecting much from him. It turned out beautifully.
“Other students made pillows and T-shirts. I made a suit. That sealed it for me.”
Learning the Craft: Tailoring Over Theory
Carl attended American Intercontinental University, only to discover it focused on womenswear. Unwilling to compromise his vision, he left school and apprenticed under a tailor, learning menswear from the ground up.
His breakout moment? Designing a leather double-breasted vest for the late Mychael Knight, a Project Runway contestant. A chance encounter with Knight’s stylist led Carl to design for Janelle Monáe—his first celebrity client.
$500 and a One-Way Ticket to New York
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, fashion opportunities in Atlanta began drying up. With just $500 in his pocket (which quickly became $350 after paying overweight luggage fees), Carl moved to New York City.
There, he styled Jessica Biel, Elizabeth Banks, and worked under Jane Rosenthal, founder of the Tribeca Film Festival. His résumé soon expanded to include buying roles at Ross and Macy’s, until one call changed everything.
The Road to Wakanda Begins
In 2013, Carl’s friend Kevin Mayes, Head Tailor for Black Panther, called with an invitation: “Move back home. Work in film.”
Carl returned to Atlanta just as Georgia’s film tax incentives created a surge of industry jobs. His first movie gig? Barely Lethal, followed by:
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Miracles from Heaven
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All Eyez on Me
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Detroit
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Captain America: Civil War
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Barbershop: The Next Cut
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Game Night
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The Bobby Brown Story
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Nappily Ever After
On Black Panther, Carl worked closely with Ruth Carter, helping create a cinematic world rooted in African history and reimagined for the future.
“They brought back beads, talismans, dogon masks. We were modernizing real culture—not just imagining it.”
Designing for the Culture—and for Love
Despite his Hollywood résumé, Carl still tailors for private clients—especially grooms. During our interview, a client arrives for a wedding fitting. The navy-blue slacks and burgundy velvet jacket are striking, but the real magic lies in the detail: a Bible verse embroidered inside the collar.
“I love adding personal touches. Weddings are sacred moments—and tailoring is about telling someone’s story.”
What’s Next for Carl Ulysses
From superhero royalty to red carpets and wedding aisles, Carl Ulysses is tailoring moments that matter. His career is not just about clothing, but about crafting cultural significance, uplifting Black identity, and dressing our dreams.
And as he says with humility:
“Maybe someone else wanted this opportunity, but I knew I had to prove I could bring Ruth Carter’s vision to life. I had to deliver.”
Connect with Carl Ulysses
📍 Atlanta & NYC
👔 Tailor | Costume Designer | Cultural Stylist
📷 Instagram: @CarlUlysses
🌐 Website: [Coming Soon]
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