Disney and Kitsch

During class this week, we discussed Kitsch and how what seems to be popular is then absorbed by society in such as way that it is elevated to the realm of high culture. I’m not entirely sure if my topic is a perfect example of this transformation, but I figured that it is worth a try anyway.

When I think of Disney and the Disney brand, what jumps to mind are images of Mickey Mouse, the classic animated films, or the token picture of families in front of Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World. What does not jump to my mind are the designs of Kristie Kelly, the Los Angeles based couture wedding dress designer to the stars.

Now in its fourth collection, Kristie Kelly’s Disney Fairy Tale Wedding Designs include bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, jewelry, and a line called Princess Blossoms for the little ones included in the bridal party. The seven animated princesses that the line draws inspiration from are Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Ariel, Jasmine, and Giselle. (Browse all the designs here: http://www.disneybridal.com/index.html)

Disney commissioned this line as part of its Fairy Tale Wedding package since Disney World hosts an average of 2300 weddings a year. Cinderella’s Castle also serves of the number one location for questions to be popped.

The dresses themselves appear elegant but there are definite touches that reflect their inspiration. Especially with the Ariel themed gowns that appear to fish tails. The prices range upwards from a couple hundred dollars for the bridesmaid dresses to a few thousand for the gowns.

Despite being a huge Disney fan, I cannot help but wonder how many women really want their wedding dress modeled after an animated character? These characters have long graced children’s clothing, lunchboxes, toys, and sheet sets, but now Disney wishes to elevate their statuses by imposing reflections of them on a ceremony that is meant to be a hallmark of adulthood.