Welcome to the fashion section – I am afraid, like the rest of the world we’ve come down with Alice fever!
Who can resist the promise of another tantalising 3D film, Johnny Depp in yet more baffling make-up caked sexiness, and of course the clothes!
Alice is the new black, don’t you know darling – or (gasp) did you not see the Vegas flash mob?
Tutut.
Disney Consumer Products have gone into overdrive over Tim Burton’s latest cinematic creation, and began their tour de force with a flash mob, stunning Magic fashion trade show visitor’s a few months ago with “Mad tea at Three”. Cirque d’Alice sprung literally out of nowhere and re-created her wonderland, making it clear that DCP are definitely targeting the fash-pack with this latest project.
And we don’t mind at all – not when it’s inspiring a whole host of designers. Queue Stella McCartney’s new jewellery line, that was available from stores as of last month (February). The British designer has designed a limited edition limited edition necklace and bracelet in her trademark palette of neutrals, blacks and browns. Slung from a brass chain, famous Alice motifs such as a rabbit, a Mad Hatter’s hat and playing cards all give a nod to Disney’s latest film.
The designer experience does not stop there, fret not. Renowned jewellery designer and Council of Fashion Designers winner, Tom Binns, has designed an exclusive collection of pieces for Walt Disney Signature line. The high-end pieces are centred around Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Red Queen, the White Queen and the White Rabbit, and are priced between $1,000 and $2,000! For those of us who aren’t willing to part with the equivalent of a deposit on an Alexander Wang bag, Binns has also just released a more affordable line in collaboration with Disney Couture, so we can all get our Alice fix.
DCP has not stopped there. In preparation for the release of the film this month, the corporation has joined forces with Bloomingdales in New York, to create a unique window display in their flagship 59th Street store. Props from the set of the film, as well as the specially designed pieces by Binns, and dresses by Sue Wong who created a couture line for Walt Disney Signature, decorated the window, complemented by a special exhibit inside the store. Pam Lifford, Executive Vice President, for Global Fashion and Home at DCP said: “The arresting settings and characters in Tim Burton’s interpretation of Alice In Wonderland provided great inspiration and have made it possible for us to work with this renowned group of designers to create a truly unique collection of lifestyle products that will continue to position Disney at the forefront of fashion trends.”
And it is not just the other side of the pond that has come down with Alice mania, Printemps, a department store in Paris, has taken a similar step in Bloomingdale’s footsteps. This month their entire window display has been dedicated to the storybook star, with more than a hint of true Parisian chic. Mannequins with rabbit heads, are draped in the couture from such designers as Haider Ackermann, Manish Arora, Chloé, Ann Demeulemeester, Christopher Kane, Nicholas Kirkwood, Maison Martin Margiela, and Bernhard Willhelm, creating the perfect whimsical display. As a tribute to the legendary Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Ladurée and Printemps have even installed a tearoom with long community tables, so that you can host your very own tea party!After all of the leather and studs of last season, what better way could there be to awake the pastel ribbonned child in all of us?
And lest you’re seeking any more inspiration to tulle-up, all I have to say to you is US Vogue 2003, Annie Leibovitz and Natalia Vodianova.
That in mind, we hope you enjoy our homage d’Alice in the form of our first photoshoot which you can see in the issue.
So the only question left on everyone’s lips is:
What who you will be wearing to the tea party?
By Laura Morrison
Tags: alice in wonderland, flash mob, vogue
