PLC DETROIT LAUNCHES RUTH E. CARTER MASTERCLASS by ADIDAS l ePLC; Enrollment Now Open for Global Creatives
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Posted By: P C on April 14, 2026 Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design (PLC Detroit) is once again redefining what access to creative education can look like—this time on a global scale. Michigan's only HBCU and the nation’s only design-focused HBCU has launched the PLC Detroit x adidas x Ruth E. Carter Costume Design program through its ePLC platform, a free digital learning experience designed to democratize design education and open doors for aspiring creatives worldwide. At the center of this initiative is two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, whose groundbreaking work continues to shape how culture, identity, and storytelling intersect across film and fashion. For Carter—an HBCU graduate of Hampton University and PLC Detroit’s first artist-in-residence—this collaboration represents more than a course. It’s a continuation of a long-standing relationship rooted in mentorship and access. “Our relationship with Ruth E. Carter began with a Masterclass, where she guided four PLC students in designing dresses for her awards ceremonies,” said Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, president of PLC Detroit. “In 2025, she collaborated with PLC alumni on the Ruth E. Carter Apparel Creation STU/DEO by adidas. Today, we invite aspiring creatives worldwide to learn from her through our online platform, ePLC. Her groundbreaking career inspires us to open doors for the next generation to shape the future of design.” The four-part video course, hosted on PLC Detroit’s ePLC platform, offers an immersive look into Carter’s creative process—centering on her signature approach to Afrofuturism. The curriculum blends culture, imagination, and storytelling, illustrating how costume design shapes both character development and entire cinematic worlds. “Afrofuturism has always been about expanding our imagination—about seeing ourselves in worlds that honor our past while designing the future,” Carter said. “Costume design is storytelling. It requires research, cultural respect, and the courage to continually evolve your craft.” She emphasized the importance of partnerships like this one, noting that support from institutions like PLC Detroit and global brands like adidas plays a critical role in nurturing the next generation of creatives. “When brands champion creative education, they help open doors for the next generation of designers to discover their voice, shape their vision, and step fully into their purpose,” Carter added. The course is structured into four modules, covering Carter’s creative methodologies—including character development, research techniques, visual storytelling, and strategic problem-solving. Drawing from a career that spans more than three decades and over 70 credits across film, television, and theater, Carter provides practical tools for students to transform ideas into compelling visual narratives. Participants will not only strengthen their creative decision-making but also gain insight into how storytelling can shape both career pathways and personal voice across disciplines. Carter’s influence on film and culture is undeniable. Her work on “Black Panther” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” has garnered widespread acclaim and multiple Academy Awards, firmly establishing her as one of the industry’s most influential visual storytellers. She is also celebrated for her meticulous period work and commitment to cultural authenticity in films such as “Malcolm X” and the recent history-making 16 Oscar nominations for “Sinners,” demonstrating her rare ability to move seamlessly between grounded historical narratives and imaginative world-building. Her collaborations with cinematic visionaries including Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg, Ava DuVernay, and Ryan Coogler underscore her extraordinary ability to weave research, culture, and design into unforgettable characters and worlds. Carter made history as the first Black person to win the Academy Award for Best Costume Design and later the first Black woman to win multiple Academy Awards in the category. Following her nomination for “Sinners,” she also became the most-nominated Black woman in Academy Awards history. This partnership underscores PLC Detroit’s commitment to innovation, industry collaboration, and culturally aware creative education—extending Carter’s mentorship to a global audience through ePLC. Enrollment is now open. For more information and to enroll in the PLC Detroit x adidas x Ruth E. Carter Costume Design course, visit: 👉 https://www.plcdetroit.com/eplc-ruth-carte... About PLC Detroit PLC Detroit, Michigan's only HBCU and the nation’s only design-focused HBCU, provides world-class education in design through industry partnerships and hands-on learning. The institution is committed to inspiring creativity, fostering innovation, and promoting diversity in the design industry. About Ruth E. Carter Ruth E. Carter is a two-time Academy Award–winning and five-time Academy Award–nominated costume designer celebrated for her work on “Malcolm X,” “Amistad,” “Black Panther,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and “Sinners.” With a career spanning more than three decades and over 70 credits, her work continues to preserve history, celebrate identity, and shape the future of Black culture in cinema. About adidas adidas, headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, is a global leader in the sporting goods industry, employing more than 62,000 people worldwide and generating €23.7 billion in sales in 2024. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! 
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P C
Publicist, PCPR Communications Member Since May 2024 |
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