“Who says we have to grow up?” Walt Disney once asked, and rightly so. After re-experiencing the magic of Disney with the release of Beauty and the Beast , earlier this year, there has evidently been a surge in the popularity of Disney-inspired clothing and accessories, for adults. And we cannot stop obsessing over all that the fashion world is offering those, like Peter Pan, who’d much rather live in Neverland.
According to Shrestha Runthala, Myntra Fashion Stylist, “Millennials love everything that sparks nostalgia and the success of Pokémon Go and chokers justifies this statement. And since Disney is a significant part of the millennial childhood, it is the perfect throwback trend. It holds universal appeal and resonates at an emotional level. All of us have favourite Disney characters and we’re all up for embracing them when it is trendy to do so. Designers understand this only too well and are enthusiastically tugging at our nostalgic heartstrings.”
Disney collaborations are nothing new in the fashion world. And giving an adult spin on childhood classics seem to come to designers quite naturally. Prior to the release of Beauty and the Beast , Christopher Kane’s limited-edition of ready-to- wear pieces and accessories featuring t-shirts embellished with roses, teacup and saucer charms, and dresses fit for a princess, caught the fascination of Disney fans.
Since 2010, American shoe manufacturer, Vans, has been coming out with a variety of Disney inspired series. Their 2015 ‘Young at Heart’ series paid homage to Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, Goofy, and Winnie the Pooh, across a range of apparel and accessories for adults, kids, and toddlers. Vans’ Disney Princess series featuring all-time favourite princesses, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, and an all over print version featuring other timeless beauties such as Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty. More recently, brands like Koovs have collaborated with Disney, and the collection of clothing, bags, and footwear, is a real treat.
Shrestha points out that “Disney’s collaboration with numerous brands (high street and luxury) has given us an exciting array of clothes, shoes and other trinkets to choose from. Disney princesses’ inspired dresses are picking up steam in fashion circles. However, character print tees and sweatshirts rule the roost at the moment. In footwear too, character print flip-flops and sneakers are favourites.”
“Tees provide a great canvas to experiment and flaunt the Disney trend. With statement tees back in vogue, Disney tees can be worn in various ways. Disney inspired shorts and sleepwear are also a great way to flaunt your fascination. Sneakers and tote bags with Disney prints are trending as they add the quirk factor,” states Kamakshi Kaul, Vice President-Design, Max Fashion.
Shrestha says, “Men can overdose on tees, denim jackets, and sneakers with bold Disney graphics. These always make a statement. They can also try sweater vests with character patterns if they’re daring and digging Gucci’s take on this trend,” she adds.
Kamakshi suggests “pairing Disney print tees with cute denim shorts or a tulle skirt. Light layering of a tank top with a cropped Disney tee and a pair of patchwork denims, is also a cool and casual way to carry off the Disney inspired look. Men can flaunt this cool and casual trend by pairing a Disney tee with joggers and a long line shrug. High top Disney inspired sneakers are also a great way for men to flaunt this trend.”
For those who love customised accessories, Srishti Bagaria, proprietor of and artist at Esbe (Mumbai), that creates and retails custom hand-painted products, says: “There has been an increase in the number of Disney-themed orders I’ve been getting. Mickey Mouse seems to be a favourite among adults.”
As for a shoeaholic like me, now that I’ve got my jet black Minnie Mouse eared low-top trainers, my inner tweenaged self wouldn’t mind being gifted a pair of Oscar Tiye ankle strapped silk satin stilettos created by Italian designer, Amina Muaddi, that come in exciting colours featuring Minnie’s ears on the Achilles Tendon, when worn. Now if only some benevolent soul had £415 to spare!
