Modern Disney Woman

Designing Dreams

Fashionista.  Humanitarian.  Fangirl.  Mom.  Now all these facets of a woman’s personality can be woven into one colorful tapestry with Petunia Pickle Bottom’s diaper bags.  Inspired by Mary Blair’s “It’s a Small World” concept art, this stylish collaboration with Disney is sold at Nordstroms and benefits UNICEF.  Also inspired by the iconic attraction is a mother and baby luxury skin care line from Basq, made with ingredients that the company says “capture the fine skin care elements from cultures around the world.”

World of Wonder

Disney rarely misses an opportunity to showcase the talents of skilled artists and craftsmen, and the interiors of their cruise ships are no exception.  The gorgeous art nouveau atrium of the Disney Fantasy will have you at hello.  The Disney Dream features art deco design and stunning artwork.  The Disney Magic boasts a one-of-a-kind chandelier by renowned glass sculptor Dale Chihuly, the Disney Wonder a shimmering mural of the Little Mermaid.

With such wonderful things surrounding you on the Disney cruise ships, I imagine you’d be quite content to stay at sea.

Celebrating Stars

All hail the King of the Rogues.  Johnny Depp is continuing his relationship with Disney, despite recent production hiccups for their Lone Ranger project.  The affair began with his iconic portrayal of Jack Sparrow in four Pirates of the Caribbean films (with number five possibly on the way); made a quirky turn with Depp as the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland; and now blossoms with him taking on co-producership of The Night Stalker for Walt Disney Pictures.

Here’s hoping Disney taps Depp’s deep well of talent for a long, long time.

Designing Dreams

When permeating their films with gorgeous color, Disney undoubtedly possesses the master stroke. Opi has shrewdly captured some signature Disney palettes and mixed them into their nail lacquers.  Films like Alice in Wonderland, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and The Muppets, even the Disney Princesses and Disney Villains, have lent their recognizable hues to the polish brand. 

Yet another way for a manicurista to display her Disney pride is with the growing trend of nail art.  Check out some of the more impressive designs here and here. 

At last, you can have magic at your fingertips!

Designing Dreams

Noir must use some dark magic when creating their jewelry for Walt Disney Signature…for each piece will hold you spellbound.  The results of collaborations for films such as Fantasia, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Muppets are bewitchingly beautiful. 

Whether for good or evil, these are charms are fit to be wielded by a fashion sorceress.

Art of Imagination

Who says dressing up like your favorite animated character is just for little kids and major nerds?   Not serious cosplayers like Traci Hines, who is enjoying internet stardom with her disney-everywoman role play caught on camera.  And when intricate costumes, well done makeup, proper lighting, lovely models and great photography combine, cosplay can even become an art form.  Such is the case with Ryan Astamendi’s Disney Princess photo series, which has received recognition from Disney. 

Thanks to the mainstreaming of cosplay and photographers like Ryan, our inner Disney princesses are free to come out of the closet.

Art of Imagination

Fairy tales are all about transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, and Disney has certainly learned to harness that power over the decades.  From the grand spectacle to the smallest detail, the Disney Parks can inspire awe in young and old alike.  The 2011 addition to Tokyo Disneyland, Cinderella’s Fairy Tale Hall, is no exception.  The walk through exhibit includes exquisite paintings and dioramas made from wood, glass and paper that bring Cinderella’s story to life.  Megan Brain, who created a paper sculpture of Cinderella’s first encounter with the Prince, describes her incredible piece here.

Aesthetic proof that from humble beginnings come great things.