Who is Ruth Carter?

One of the best aspects of Awards Season is the recognition of the artists behind the scenes. It was while I was watching Essence Black Women In Hollywood Awards that I first learned of Ruth Carter, an academy award-nominated costume designer and Visionary Award recipient.

With nearly three decades in film, Ruth frequently collaborates with Spike Lee, having worked on almost all of his projects. Other notable directors she has worked with include Steven Spielberg, Lee Daniels, Robert Townsend, John Singleton, and Ava Duvernay, in her most recent work Selma. She received academy award nominations for Malcolm X and Amistad for best costume design.

Crew members like Ruth Carter are key players in any film, particularly the period pieces of which Ruth has worked on many.

The costume designer creates a story through wardrobe that allows characters to come to life. Naturally, Ruth says she loves fashion; however, being a costume designer necessitates more than a love of fashion. Ruth is required to be a critical reader, who can dissect a script picking up context clues along the way. She must be a researcher, examining those clues and hunting for complementary information, both factual and emotional, that offer credibility and authenticity to the story being told. Ruth must also have a clear vision of the big picture and understand that even the smallest piece is essential to complete the puzzle.

Working well with others is a basic. She has to be a trusted partner to directors, writers and actors.  Her influence is demonstrated as she presents her recommendations in a passionate expertly-crafted sell. Ruth must also be professional and emotionally-in-check, especially when dealing with superstars, like Oprah, in their most intimate moments – in their skivvies!

Combing the web, reading article after article, made me very excited to learn more about Ruth. She is a well-respected artist, with vast experience, who is committed to her craft. Last but not least, as a champion of higher education and a big cheerleader for HBCUs, I was proud to learn Ruth is a graduate of Hampton University.

Thanks to Essence and OWN TV for introducing me to Ruth Carter.

Xo,