Remember when your one aim in life was to become a Disney princess and meet a prince? Well it might not have all worked out that way, but at least you haven’t turned into a frog like the most recent princess, Tiana (voiced by singer and actress Anika Noni Rose). Disney’s The Princess and the Frog marks the 49th film in the Walt Disney Animated Classics line, and is proving as popular as some of the greats like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Not only was it a return to the fairytale narrative, but it featured the first ever African-American princess.
Set to the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties in New Orleans, the film has a Broadway style complete with the flapper dresses and vibrant jazz of the times. Tiana is a strong young woman, working two jobs to save enough money to open her dream restaurant. But her plans are ruined when she foolishly kisses a frog, and instead of him becoming a prince she becomes an amphibian. Whilst trying to get back to New Orleans and their human forms, love blossoms on the lily-pad and the pair fall for each other.
The film has inspired both hugely successful children’s merchandise and more grown-up fashion, with designer William Tempest creating a wedding dress inspired by Tia’s own. Tempest says: “I was a huge Disney fan when I was younger and absolutely love the films. My favourites have to be The Jungle Book and Snow White [and the Seven Dwarfs], so it is really exciting and a great honour to be collaborating with Disney. The dress is very sculptural and constructed from fabric that has been folded like origami.” The gown is beautiful, but it’s a bit special for us so we’ve found something a bit more casual for you to show your royal aspirations.
Model, actress and fashion designer Kidada Jones (daughter of legendary composer Quincy Jones) has teamed up with Disney Couture to create a range of gorgeous jewellery inspired by Disney’s latest princess. The Disney Couture range is “both laid back and glamorous”, bringing a touch of childhood innocence to some very cool accessories.
Our favourite piece from the range is a braided charm bracelet in a bright aqua green colour, perfect for spring/summer. It’s got gold chains entwined with the fabric and gold charms inspired by the film in the shape of frogs, trumpets, leaves and musical notes, as well as a simple gold fastening.
Other pieces include a necklace with multiple fairytale charms on a double blue ball chain and a pendant with ‘Love always finds a way’ engraved on it, and one with flower and tarot card charms. We also love the lotus flower inspired gold hoop earrings and ring, as well as the stretchy charm bracelet.
With the bright colours and floral themes these elegant pieces are perfect for the boho-floral trend we’re seeing for spring this year. If the dolls and bedspreads are starting to seem a bit childish then this is the perfect way to show your love for Disney in a more sophisticated way. And they make great gifts for any The Princess and the Frog fans, as they come in a beautiful Disney Couture bag.
Are Disney films like The Princess and the Frog only for children?
So, what do you think? Add your 2 cents now!