Costume design for the movie “The Little Mermaid” and its influence on the fashion world

The latest live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid” was released on May 26, 2023, directed by Rob Marshal; It is a fantasy and musical film. This movie is adapted from the original version of the animation in an interesting way. Actually, on the other hand, it is close enough to the animation space; But on the other hand, it has a respectful distance from the original concept of challenging Disney stories. In fact, in this movie, there is no news of showing the stories of saving the princesses by a prince.
Critics believe everything you thought and knew about mermaid animation; With the differences between this live-action fantasy and its old animated counterpart, it has been questioned. This time, the story of the movie will make you laugh and cry by inducing a feeling of being alive. It also reminds you of the opportunity to love each other without any grudges.
Next, in Sarak’s Closet Magazine, we will discuss the creation and design of the costumes of the movie “Mermaid” and tell you about its effect on the world of fashion and the styles of spring and summer 2023.

Introducing the costume design of The Little Mermaid movie

There is no doubt that Halle Bailey is stunning as Ariel, and her melodious voice gives her a magnificent performance. But what is very effective in creating the atmosphere of the film; Featuring Colleen Atwood. Oscar-winning fashion designer.
The fantasy and creative world created by Atwood, which seems to be mixed with digital art; It has created a special visual effect. The Little Mermaid’s set and costume design is in the main costumes section of the Atlantica Festival.

Combining mermaid movie costume design with hand and digital art

The film designer about the clothes the actors had to wear while submerged in water; “Most of the items are digitally designed so they don’t hinder the actors’ movement,” he says.
But all the digital elements of the film, such as the mermaid’s tail and torso, were first designed with real material by Colin Atwood so that the digital artist could better communicate with each of the costumes for a more accurate performance.
The only suit that was actually used underwater; Javier Bardem’s costume was the actor who played King Triton. Also, an interesting accessory that got a lot of attention in the movie is King Triton’s crown. Since in the creation of the atmosphere of the movie Mermaid, all the materials were intended to be from the sea; This was challenging for Colin Atwood. What crown could be both like a real crown and reminiscent of an item from the heart of the ocean?
He presented this crown of fake shark teeth and seaweed plated with gold. He also designed dresses from materials such as pineapple fabric for Ariel’s wedding dress and ultra-transparent organzas that allow light to pass through. The issue of sustainability is evident in the custom design of this film because the material used in it is completely compatible with the sea.

The mermaid movie is a reminder of the concept of sustainability in the world of fashion and life

The film combines fascinating topics including ocean conservation, awareness of plastic pollution, sustainable resource use and climate change awareness. It also provides a unique platform to start discussions and raise awareness and support for a sustainable world.
The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluting industries for the environment. The inspiration of the mermaid concept from the heart of the ocean in the world of fashion reminds us of environmental issues and the underwater world, so that we pay more attention to the damage of human activities to aquatic habitats.
Therefore, the arrival of mermaids in the world of fashion makes the concept of sustainability in fashion more colorful. Previously, brands in recent seasons drew inspiration from oceans and aquatics to portray the concept of sustainability; Now, the entry of mermaids into the world of fashion also shows the attention of brands to sustainable fashion.

Live action remake of “Mermaid” and how it is present in the world of fashion and brands

As a fashion concept in fashion shows, on the stage of catwalks and among the attractive looks of celebrities, mermaid created a commotion in the spring and summer of 2023. In Resort 2023 collections, collections were seen that included elements with a mermaid theme. Brands presented a complete aquatic fantasy in its glory and creativity.
In fact, the mermaid dress and trend in fashion is not limited to the shell body and glamorous tail; Rather, with all its elements, it has been a source of inspiration for designers and brands in the 2023 collections. In general, in recent years, the ocean and aquatic creatures have been considered for the design of collections.
Combining the mermaid concept with their own design style, brands presented collections with specific goals. Navy blue, from sea floor green to ultra violet, iridescent, and metallic shimmer—inspired by the mother-of-pearl lining inside seashells—are part of the mermaid’s color palette. Designers have used these items in fabric making collection.

Designing from big brands to emerging talents in mermaid style

Collection of famous brands inspired by mermaids

The spring 2023 collections from Blumarine and David Koma were clear examples of this idea and style. In these collections, slim-fit dresses with fishtail edges and shell accessories are used. Other brands, such as Tom Ford and Valentino, presented maxi dresses with scale-like sequins in the fashion show. In these clothes, shades of color similar to sea blue, soaked in glitter and the wet effect of water on the mermaid dress were evident. Gabriella Hirst and Simon Miller also referred to the aesthetics of mermaids under the oceans with crocheted dresses. The mermaid theme is romantic and spiritual and infuses the same style and feeling into the collections and clothes. Posts that are full of mermaid figures published on social media; It has become an attractive canvas for fashion brands. For example, in February, Diesel designed a mermaid tail with a custom logo for the cover of Bailey’s Diesel The face.

Design ideas of young talents in the style of mermaid romanticism

Before the release of the mermaid movie, its cover style appeared as an attractive spring and summer trend among styles. Resort 2023 runways, with the design of items where the footprints of mermaids can be seen well; was displayed. Items such as sequined and shiny fabrics with the symbol of fish scales, angular skirts with a fish model or lace shirts with the symbol of a fishing net were depicted among the looks.
An excellent example of fashion items designed according to the concept of a mermaid is executed by fashion designer Masaba Gupta. Emerging designers have also been inspired by the life under the sea due to the re-release of the live-action mermaid. fanci is a 24-year-old Vietnamese designer who has presented body-hugging, casual and comfortable clothes and worn famous models like Bella Hadid.
Similarly, the Turkish designer Siedres, inspired by the romanticism style of the mermaid, presented his imaginative items in the summer of 2023. These items evoke a Mediterranean feel and 70s styles. Along with these designs, Albanian designer Haters created a metallic blue dress for Billy at the Los Angeles premiere of The Little Mermaid, and it sparkled.

The effect of the mermaid movie on the coverage of celebrities and youth

Rob Marshall presents the latest live-action adaptation of the famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid. This musical fantasy film was not only influential on the cinema screen, but also had a significant effect on the style and clothing trends of celebrities and young people this season.
In fact, celebrities have also caught mermaid fever, with many looking to dress up like Ariel for the red carpet. For example, at the 2023 SAG Awards, Quinta Brunson wore a sleek black gown with a white scalloped neckline. Also at the 2023 Golden Globes, Michelle Williams wore a silver embellished one-shoulder gown with mermaid-like pleats.
Even at the Oscars 2023 party, Miranda Kerr had a beautiful style in a blue silk shirt. In addition to him, Naomi Campbell wore a charming look with a shiny white shirt and a single top in the shape of two shells on the chest. She also showed a mermaid presence in fashion with a skirt in the shape of fish scales.
At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, there were also hints of mermaids among celebrities’ styles, from sequinned ocean blue dresses to billowing skirts. Fan Bingbing wore a fish skirt and a shimmering pearl blue dress that resembled a mermaid’s shell bodice.

Spring and summer 2023 youth style according to mermaid trends

Since young people were eager to watch their childhood entertainment live again; They showed this style in their cover and style in the summer of 2023. Therefore, once again, accessories such as necklaces, pearl bags, and shell bracelets returned to the fashion cycle. Also popular are sandals with pearl straps with a shiny blue slip dress or bustiers with chunky sequined skirts similar to fish scales.
Hair color inspired by blue, purple, green and pink spectrum is seen among the spring and summer trends this year, which is influenced by the visual effects of the mermaid movie. The fancy colors have everyone eager to try out the 90s-style rainbow range. This trend has also involved many celebrities, Hollywood celebrities and old ladies; Because this color spectrum looks beautiful next to natural gray hair as a highlight.
In this regard, Generation Z, who are the influential pioneers in determining fashion trends; They welcomed the return of the icons related to the mermaid movie and played a big role in its popularity. In fact, the color trend of summer items is inspired by the waters of the ocean, the spectrum of purple blue to pale blue and magenta to bright pink.
Among the makeup trends, we can mention lifted eyebrows, mascaraed eyelashes with light blue to dark blue eyeliner along with matte color, peach blush and cinnamon lipstick. These trends are reminiscent of the oceanic mood and cruise style. It can also be said that powder creams do not have much place in the mermaid make-up style. Colorless sunscreens, hydrating moisturizers, and brightening highlighters are trending; Because they show the freshness and vitality of the skin like a mermaid just coming out of the water.

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