I took Sophia to see Disney’s new live action version of Cinderella because the animated version is one of her favorite princess movies. I wasn’t sure how much I’d enjoy the movie since I’m not a big princess fan. Boy, was I wrong. Not only is the new movie lush and magical, the costumes were gorgeous and fit each character perfectly. For a former costume designer and sewist, the costumes designed by Sandy Powell were my favorite part of the live action Cinderella.
About a week ago, Disney Parks invited us to a special screening of Cinderella. This handsome guy announced our family before we entered, much like the opening scene to the ball. He was hilarious: “Introducing the Lam family, from the land of Near and Far!” Good thing we dressed up for the occasion!
Speaking of dressing up, Cinderella’s ball gown is totally dreamy and gorgeous. I admit to studying it during her dance with Prince Kit and trying to figure out what fabrics the costume designer used. The way it shimmered and floated as she twirled. Even I wouldn’t mind wearing a dress like that for one evening. And let’s not forget about all the other gowns at the ball.
Did you notice that the stepsisters’ ostentatious gowns coordinated? The two always seem out of place in their surroundings because they think themselves better than everyone else.
And let’s not forget about the hidden Mickeys in their crinolines (metal base to give dress skirts volume).
Of all the costumes, Cate Blanchett’s evil stepmother dresses were the best. Her costumes were more structured than the other women’s to represent her rigid, intense character. Her skirts were slim and snug, but she knew how to work them. But Powell gave her dresses a full overskirt to mimic the silhouettes of everyone else’s dresses. Just one look at the stepmother and we know that she is not afraid to break the rules and stand for what she believes.
Since we’re on the subject of Cinderella, I had to share one of our favorite photos from our Disney World vacation last year–right in front of Cinderella’s castle. No, this castle doesn’t make an appearance in the live action movie, but Magic Kingdom’s version makes for a great backdrop.
We’re hoping to return to Disney World soon because Sophia wants to visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for a princess hair appointment. We didn’t get a chance to meet Cinderella at the Princess Fairytale Hall, saw Rapunzel and Snow White. Maybe next time we can catch Cinderella!
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Cinderella photos courtesy of Walt Disney Studios.