Popsugar Fashion Halloween Costumes 2022 How to Dress as The Woman King Agojie Warrior For Halloween How to Transform Into an Agojie Warrior From "The Woman King" For Halloween 28 October 2022 by Sarah Wasilak Image Source: Ilze Kitshoff As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work. Viola Davis and Thuso Mbedu star as Agojie warriors in "The Woman King," which is based on the all-woman army that protected the West African kingdom of Dahomey in the 19th century. Created by Gersha Phillips and her wardrobe team, "The Woman King" costumes are inspired by research and tweaked to appeal to a younger audience, making them the perfect Halloween costume to DIY. Every detail of the Agojie warrior outfit is intricate and purposeful. Rather than constructing loose, baggy shorts as were traditional in battle, Phillips went for a fitted look to make the costume feel contemporary. The palace tunics layered on top incorporate shades of turquoise and gold, woven by Barrydale Weavers in South Africa. The decorative cowrie shells had monetary value and were used for protection, and the gold jewellery they wore was said to be gifted from the king. The leather belts functionally held their weapons while also helping to create a striking silhouette. With costumes so thoughtful and symbolic, it's no wonder that the cast wanted to hold onto them as mementos. Phillips revealed that director Gina Prince-Bythewood gave the actors who played Agojie their weapons to keep, wrapped in beautiful boxes after filming ended. "I think they probably have them displayed somewhere really nicely," Phillips said. "Viola had even asked me for the arm cuff [she wore], and I have it for her. I just haven't given it to her yet." Content creators and cosplayers are in awe of the costumes as well — and they are already dreaming up their own takes on the Agojie uniform. See a few real-life examples ahead, then shop the essentials you need — as guided by Phillips — to dress up as an Agojie warrior yourself for Halloween. Related: 9 Ideas For Killer "House of the Dragon" Halloween Costumes Agojie Warrior DIY Halloween Costume View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jahara (@jaharajayde) Cosplayer and artist Jahara Jayde leaned into a literal interpretation of the look, fastening cowrie shells in her hair and accessorising with brass jewellery. Her rope pays homage to the weapon Thuso Mbedu's character Nawi uses during battle, and her printed scarf-turned-halter top and wrap skirt are uncanny re-creations. Agojie Warrior DIY Halloween Costume View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tashira Halyard (@politicsandfshn) Content creator Tashira Halyard took a fresh approach to crafting her Agojie costume, opting for head-to-toe leather to keep her look thematic. A printed bag served to add dimension and the shape of her belt lent a fierce warrior aesthetic. Finally, she was sure to add gold jewellery. Shop the DIY Essentials Image Source: etsy.com Phillips suggests using a printed scarf ($24+) to tie up into a bandeau or halter. If you'd rather create one from pieces you already have on hand, try dyeing a few old white T-shirts with tea or coffee, then cut them on the diagonal until you have about a yard and a half of fabric to fashion into a top. printed scarf $24 from etsy.com Buy Now Image Source: etsy.com To make the Agojie skirt, use an oversize scarf with a bold print ($10, originally $13). Or, dip a potato or sponge into white paint to use as a stamp for creating your own pattern on a cloth or towel. Alternatively, you could wear biker shorts to mimic the pants worn underneath the warriors' striped training tunics. scarf with a bold print $10 from etsy.com $13 $10 Now 23% off from etsy.com Buy Now Image Source: ashleystewart.com If you have access to an African fabric store, Phillips suggests decorating a simple, wide brown belt ($18, originally $30) with miniature brass pieces or square plates that you can likely find in a crafts bin — just use fabric glue so it stays secure. wide brown belt $18 from ashleystewart.com $30 $18 Now 40% off from ashleystewart.com Buy Now Image Source: anthropologie.com In the film, actual gourds were used for adding embellishment and decorations to the belts, which you could pick up at any grocery store. If you have a corset belt ($90) with some extra loops and buckles, it'll be easier to tie on leather strings and ornamental finishes. corset belt $90 from anthropologie.com Buy Now Image Source: etsy.com Shells were used for monetary exchange and for protection in battle in the West African kingdom of Dahomey, and the king would often gift them to his warriors. You can buy these in bulk ($4) and add them to jewellery, pouches, and clothing. Viola Davis's character Nanisca wears them on her breast plate and the crossbody strap she fastens over her tunic. buy these in bulk $4 from etsy.com Buy Now Image Source: amazon.com While you'll see mostly gold jewellery used throughout the film, Phillips says the wardrobe team actually used plenty of brass. Many warriors wore arm cuffs ($6), and Viola Davis actually asked to take one of hers home from set. arm cuffs $6 from amazon.com Buy Now Image Source: anthropologie.com Phillips says that the pieces Nanisca wears in the film are meant to be gold, because the king would receive gold pieces from the visiting dignitaries or the Queen of England, then gift them to his warriors. A pack of hammered cuffs ($48) would work nicely to achieve the look. pack of hammered cuffs $48 from anthropologie.com Buy Now Image Source: amazon.com Rope is one of the first weapons in battle the trainees are taught to use in the film. Purchasing some natural hemp rope ($10, originally $13) from Amazon is smart so you can go hands-free, but Phillips also recommends cutting makeshift knives and daggers out of cardboard or really thin plywood, which was often used on set during fittings. Scroll down for more photos of "The Woman King" cast. natural hemp rope $10 from amazon.com $13 $10 Now 23% off from amazon.com Buy Now Viola Davis as Nanisca in "The Woman King" Image Source: Ilze Kitshoff Viola Davis as Nanisca and Thuso Mbedu as Nawi in "The Woman King" Image Source: Ilze Kitshoff Viola Davis as Nanisca in "The Woman King" Image Source: Ilze Kitshoff Halloween Costumes 2022Fashion ShoppingThe Woman KingDIY Halloween CostumesEasy Halloween CostumesHalloween Costumes For WomenScreen StyleFashion InstagramsViola DavisDIY