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Disney's Cruella tells the origin story of an iconic Disney Villain - the always fabulously dressed and wickedly witty Cruella De Vil. Eight young Australian designers were inspired by Cruella and her evolution during the punk rock revolution in 1970s London to create their own defiant, sharp and total wish list outfits.
Disney’s Cruella is an all-new live-action feature film about the rebellious early days of one of cinema's most notorious – and notoriously fashionable – villains, Cruella De Vil. The coat-loving, dog-napping, extravagant and oh-so-stylish character first appeared in Dodie Smith’s book in the 1950s and was brought to life in the 1961 animated classic, 101 Dalmatians.
What we've learned from watching Disney's Cruella is that even with the most deliciously loathsome villains, not everything is black and white. There are definitely shades of grey–and pops of red too!
The film reveals how Estella, a gifted, non-conforming young girl with big dreams, evolves into the legendary and intriguing villain we all love to hate. Set in the vibrant punk era of 70’s London, we follow Estella's journey from crime and con jobs with her friends to meeting and working for the world's leading fashion designer, Baroness von Hellman. The devastatingly chic Baroness becomes Estella's nemesis and sets in motion a course of events and revelations that unleashes Estella's wicked side, causing her to become the revenge-bent Cruella and wreak havoc.
We had a ball watching the film. It's Emma versus Emma, which is utterly fabulous to be a part of, and we were riveted by the colourful mix of gritty and lavish production design and fun, energetic visuals that play out alongside a punchy soundtrack–but darlings, wait until you see the fashion!
Academy Award®-winning costume designer Jenny Beavan says, "This film is the biggest thing I’ve ever done. Emma Stone had 47 looks". We’ve become obsessed with the phenomenal costumes in the film, and we’re not the only ones.
Inspired by Cruella De Vil and the 1970s London punk scene, a group of devilishly talented students from RMIT's School of Fashion and Textiles have created their own incredible outfits. Take a look at them in the video below or head to Melbourne Central to see the outfits and concept art on display. The exhibit runs until 11 July, and you can visit Melbourne Central's site for more information.
Estella perceives things in ways others don't, and Cruella challenges the world. Seizing those ideas, the students' designs show Cruella in a different light and draw upon her fashion journey in the film. Like Cruella herself, the outfits capture the DIY, anarchic and disruptive spirit of punk and embrace the outsider, but also represent her duality and vulnerability with softer and intricate elements.
We love the contrast between bold, sharp shapes and delicate embroidery; the disparity of deconstructed and upscaled pieces against tailored and embellished classic fashion: the use of denim–frayed and ripped– with pins, chains and belts versus printed velvet, tulle, floral adornments, and the inclusion of LED lights, punk imagery and iconography, handwritten messages and hand-painted accents.
It's winter, so throw on your best coat, and if you're feeling a touch rebellious or wicked or want to add a little punk to your look, then we have some Cruella-inspired ideas for you. Mix and match from M.A.C's limited-edition make-up collection available for Australian and New Zealand fans, and you can pick up Sally Hansen's range of nail polishes in-store at Priceline in Australia. shopDisney UK has a new adult range of clothing and accessories that screams bold and edgy, as well as outfits for your adorable Disney nuiMOs plush pals. Shipping is free to Australia and New Zealand from shopDisney UK when you spend £120 or more. Conditions apply.
Get movie tickets to see Disney's Cruella in cinemas or order now to watch on Disney+ with Premier Access.
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