Personal style is a combination of a personality and style. My take on a few films with fairy tale and animation characters who are stylishly inspiring.
Cinderella, 2021: The new Cinderella has a fabulous fairy godmother played by Billy Porter, who redefined the red carpet in real life with radical gowns. In the film his glitter gold pants are magic. He is the godmother of all attitude. But when he gives Camila Cabello as Cinderella the glass shoes, and she asks him if they could be made comfortable, he says: “Women’s shoes are as they are, even magic has its limits.” Whoa!
Inside Out: This flick is mind-blowing, quite literally. It is about the emotions in a little girl’s brain. Riley’s emotions are Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness, all assigned with their own specific colour. But only Joy has a distinct glow around her, because she is unattached to anything external. So she glows. Style takeaway: the better you feel, the more you glow.
Tangled: Flynn Rider is as close to a real person and as far from a prince as one can be. He is a thief who turns a new leaf with charm and endearing wit. He is far from a guy who is trying to woo a princess, but eventually Rapunzel’s curiosity and excitement do him a ton of good. His personality is the thing, but if one were to take a style cue, khakhi pants, white shirt and brown boots would be it and a satchel in lieu of a laptop bag.
Once Upon a Time: The evil queen is high fashion genius. Lana Parrilla has the most exotic costumes in this ABC Studios production, a fairy tale spilt into modern times. Push-up bejewelled bras making a bold statement with plunging necklines. Elaborate and structured ornate gowns, beaded hair and head accessories, gloves and umbrellas. Velvet, silk, lace, leather fabrics. Statement jewellery. The make-up is top notch too. The list is long and her exuberant confident personality takes the look to a majestically exotic level. Style cue: low necklines, burgundy and something lacy. Let’s not forget to accessorise and sizzle.
Miguel from Coco
Coco: Miguel is a fun kid with musical aspirations and a whole lot of guts. Coco is a delightful movie, which itself inspires colourful fashion. Mexico is known for its music and its colourful culture. Cottage core fashion is what we are looking at here. Gypsy skirts and embroidered tops. Frills and layers and lots of colours. Miguel is very basic but very stylish. A white vest, jeans and a red hoodie.
Zootopia: Lt Judy Hopps is a rabbit girlboss and the lead in this Disney production. She is determined and wide-eyed, ready to take chances. Nick Wilde, her foxy partner who becomes her friend eventually, is the con-artist cool guy.
The police look can be brought about by fitted trousers, well-fit shirt and a vest jacket. Plus a semi-wide belt. Judy does cute casuals too, think check shirts and denims. Nick is laid back with an untucked shirt and tie look and relaxed trousers. His cool devil may care demeanour adds to the X factor.
The columnist, a personal stylist, speaks her mind on everything about fashion. Contact: @sanikakakirde
