To commemorate a yearlong celebration of the courage and kindness embodied by Disney’s most beloved princesses. Disney has teamed up with eight of Malaysia’s leading designers and Her Highness Princess Zatashah to launch an exclusive couture collection unveiled at Disney’s Ultimate Princess Celebration.
For this collaboration, twelve bespoke gowns and jumpsuits have been designed by famous local designers Alia Bastamam, Celest Thoi, Fiziwoo, Innai Red, Khoon Hooi, Melinda Looi, Mimpikita, and Variante.
Supported by Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Zatashah binti Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Royal Patron of Make-A-Wish Malaysia. These collectors’ pieces were auctioned off in December 2021. The revenue from the auction will go to Make-A-Wish Malaysia, which grants life-changing wish experiences to critically ill children in Peninsula and East Malaysia.
Take a closer look at the Disney princess-inspired bespoke designs created by the designers below:
Mulan by Melinda Looi
Melinda Looi, inspired by Mulan, has created a modern, bold and sophisticated couture outfit reminiscent of armour with a stylish twist. The outfit ensembles feature gunmetal sequins to create an armour-like look, paired with a coat with the Chinese character for “loyalty” and is completed with a corset and heavy crepe trousers to symbolise how Mulan courage in the face of adversity and strength to step outside of tradition-bound society.
Elsa by Melinda Looi
Melinda Looi was also inspired by Queen Elsa which have designed the couture outfit with a two-in-one combination to encapsulate the elegance of Elsa. The two-in-one outfit features a lavish satin and tulle dress that resembles snow in the wind. Its standout feature is its oversized reversible crop jacket with thread embroidered snowflakes. Plus, the dress has a slit that can be zipped down to create an evening gown and has a hidden pocket at the jackets that can reveal an ivory tulle and soft lace cape. Elsa’s transformation inspired these transformative looks as she bravely embraced her fears, unique power and gift.
Anna by Leslie Variyan
Leslie Variyan has come out with a couture jumpsuit inspired by Anna’s bubbly and energetic personality. The jumpsuit features a combination of fabrics and different textures. While the bodice is beaded in lace with a skin-tone underlay offering a stunning contrast to reflect Anna’s optimistic outlook and unshaken confidence in every situation.
Cinderella by Celest Thoi
Inspired by Cinderella, a princess who knows about stitching and sewing, Celest Thoi has designed a Cinderella dress that provides five different looks in one piece. A pencil-cut sweetheart strapless dress with an A-line overlay skirt and cascading lace illusion bodysuit is ideal for daytime wear, while soft tulle off-the-shoulder straps on a nude tulle illusion bodysuit with lace is ideal for evening wear. The dress’s many transformations of the piece echo Cinderella’s firm belief that kindness can change the world in endless ways.
Aurora by Celest Thoi
Celest Thoi designed a dusty pink gown in glamorous silk chiffon, with an A-line tulle skirt with rose gold stardust to represent Aurora’s natural grace. The outfit is paired together with the embellished layers of pearls as well as crystals on the sheer cape. Lastly, the outfit is complete with bespoke accessories like the signature studded flats and silver flower bag. Evoking the romantic optimism of Aurora’s character, the piece invites others to make their heart’s wishes and dreams a reality.
Ariel by Hafizi Radzi
The ariel dress by Hafizi Radzi Woo and Izree Kai Hafiz of Fiziwoo have taken inspiration from Ariel after becoming human and beginning her journey on land. They use heavy cotton linen to resemble her makeshift outfit, and the design resembles shell-like lines, a nod to the princess ocean roots. The dress’s unique shape reflects Ariel’s bravery in pushing boundaries and seeking out new experiences with great resilience.
Moana by Izrin Ismail
Capturing the spirit of the trailblazing, nautical heroine Moana, this dress includes coral and sand-hued lace on soft nude tulle. It features pleats that resemble the pattern of the sunray. Its upper bodice is made of draped tulle and adorned with turquoise crystal beads in an overlapping halter pattern. The dress represented Moana’s deep connection to the ocean and her bravery through challenges and desire for exploration.
Belle by Izrin Ismail
The inspiration of Belle inspired ensemble by Izrin Ismail has combined Malaysian elements into the design with a Kebaya top paired with a tea-length tulle pleated skirt with scalloped tiers reminiscent of Belle’s famous yellow ball gown. Plus, Izrin also incorporated a fully embellished red rose on the Kebaya top to represent a symbol of Belle’s ability to see the inner beauty in every person.
Rapunzel by Khoon Hooi
Inspired by Rapunzel, Khoon Hooi designed a minimalist corset-fitted dress out of indigo silk-satin in lame velvet. With the help of detachable floor-length fringes, the dress transforms into a grand evening look with a tinge of boho chic. The piece, which is adorned with Plexi flowers and crystal beadings along with the band, is inspired by Rapunzel’s creativity and imaginative spirit that guides her on her adventures.
Snow White by Khoon Hooi
Khoon Hooi created his interpretation of Snow White’s iconic blue and yellow gown by combining silk taffeta and brocade. The brocade is elegantly woven together with a plum blossom floral design to represent Snow White’s caring and joyful personality.
Jasmine by Nurul Zulkifli
Using the inspiration of Jasmine’s strength and courage, Nurul Zulkifli designed a turquoise and nude silk crepe pantsuit that honours the beauty of her culture while exuding the elegance of her modern spirit. The piece mixes her determination and desire to be independent with her sense of wonder, which leads her to discover a depth of richness and experience outside her palace walls.
Pocahontas by Alia Bastamam
Taking inspiration from Pocahontas’ free spirit, the flowing two-way ensemble is made from heavy crepe and includes an asymmetrical draped neckline. Its high slit is framed by curtains and tassels embellished with sequin, gold, and aqua tassels inspired by the princess necklace. This ensemble is to represent Pocahontas’ empathy and kindness to walk in the footsteps of a stranger.
