Empire
by
Abstract: The popular television show Empire has attracted a huge following for its over-the-top storylines, memorable characters, catchy music, and distinctive fashions. In particular, Taraji P. Henson’s character “Cookie” stands out, partly for her character’s emotional complexity, as well as for her eye-catching fashions, which blend haute couture with signature markers of urban style. In this essay, Racquel Gates analyzes the ways that fashion on Empire conveys important information about race, class, and politics both on television and in American culture more broadly.
This essay may be found on page 23 of the printed volume.