Characters in Disney: The Fascination of Costume Design
Feelin' Gotta See It: The Must-Visit Disney Costume Exhibition Hitting Seattle!
gear up, folks! prepare to embark on a mesmerizing journey through the magical world of Disney's costuming with the much-anticipated Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume exhibition! previously, only lucky guests at the Disney D23 Expo had access to this enchanting collection. now, it's your turn to immerse yourself in over 70 stunning original pieces, spread out across more than 6,000 square feet of museum space!
grab your tickets and head over to the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle, Washington, where this exhibition is currently holding court, open to the public until April 17, 2022.
I telling ya, you're in for a treat.
I was one of the lucky ones who managed to secure a spot at the exhibition earlier this month, and I can only describe my experience as nothing short of magical. This exhibition takes you on a captivating tour of the Disney universe, highlighting the costumes of some of our favorite heroes and villains alike! and guess what? you'll recognize some pieces fresh from memory, like those from 2019's Dumbo, skillfully designed by the legendary Colleen Atwood. other costumes are a stunning blast from the past, like Mary Poppins' iconic traveling dress, designed by Bill Thomas, and worn by the unforgettable Julie Andrews in the 1964 film.
the exhibit's curator shared their thoughts on the importance of costuming in Disney films, stating, "Costuming is an essential element of storytelling, and Heroes & Villains exemplifies the richness of character we hope our films portray."
as I made my way through the exhibit, I was left breathless upon encountering the costumes of Brandy and Whitney Houston from the film Cinderella. yes, you heard that right! those exquisite costumes are right here for you to ogle in person! designed by Ellen Mirojnick, these pieces don't just capture our hearts, but taking in Whitney Houston's Fairy Godmother dress in the flesh is a breathtaking experience you won't soon forget.
following in close succession, I came face to face with the tantalizing trio of The Sanderson Sisters, or rather, their costumes from Hocus Pocus, designed by Mary Vogt. And hey, there's even the vacuum! this showstopping display, including the disheveled ensembles worn by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, is worth the admission fee alone.
one of my all-time favorite costumes-the legendary Queen Narissa dress from Enchanted, worn by the fabulous Susan Sarandon, designed by the exceptionally talented Mona May-also made an appearance in the exhibit. experiencing the intricate detail in this piece firsthand left me with a palpable wave of emotion. the colors and dragon scale textures are a sight to behold.
don't get me started on Cruella! the exhibition even features costumes worn by the incredible Glenn Close in 101 Dalmatians and 102 Dalmatians, to the delight of every Dalmatian-loving fan out there! plus, with costumes showcased from all 11 Oscar-winning and nominated designers involved in the exhibition- which include Colleen Atwood, Jenny Beavan, Jacqueline Durran, Anthony Powell, Sandy Powell, Bill Thomas, Paco Delgado, Gary Jones, Jeffrey Kurland, Judianna Makovsky, and Anna Sheppard-you're in for a visual feast.
though I'd love nothing more than to dish all the deets on every single costume in this exhibition with you all, part of the magic is rediscovering some of your favorite Disney costumes that have touched your heart over the years. each design, with every color, textile, and sketch, radiated joy and nostalgia that only Disney can evoke. So if you're a lover of costume and Disney, don't hesitate to heed my advice and sprint, not stroll, to the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, Washington, to experience the mesmerizing Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume exhibition.
Grab yourself some tickets right here:
WHERE: Museum of Pop Culture 325 5th Ave N Seattle, WA 98109
WHEN: Open through April 17, 2022 // Summer hours beginning May 27: Every Day 10:00am-6:00pm
TICKETS: Special exhibition fee of $6, plus general museum admission // MoPOP Members enjoy free admission (mopop.org/membership)
Experience the magic of Disney's costumes, cross pollinating lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and entertainment.
Keep an eye out for your favorites, like Colleen Atwood's costume design in 2019's Dumbo, or the iconic Mary Poppins' dress from the 1964 film.
Engage with intricate designs and stunning details in person at the Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume exhibition on social media or home-and-garden magazines.
