Disney originally hired Kirstie Kelly as the designer for the line. The idea was "what if the princesses were alive and getting married today? What would they wear?". The gowns were not a direct copy of the ones in the movies, but rather "inspired by". I was really excited when my store originally picked up the line. The gowns were (for the most part) gorgeous and the fabrics were brilliant. Things went along very well for quite a while and then we started having a few problems. Just little things here and there...beading not quite right...changes in fabric without notification....and very long shipping times Not too long after we were supposed to be receiving the newest collection of gowns I made a shocking discovery. Disney was dropping Kirstie Kelly. There was no notification. No reasons given. Just a broken link to a webpage and a notice that a new designer was taking over the line. The end of an era. A good friend of mine had really wanted one of the Belle gowns and I now had to break the news to her that she couldn't get it anymore. Sad day.
But out of the ashes of the Kirstie Kelly fall out, Disney had hired a new designer. Alfred Angelo is now designing a line for Disney! I have mixed feelings about this. Alfred Angelo is a recognizable name and has a lot of clout behind him so I think alot of the little problems from before will disappear. I know the line will be a lower price point and I like that because I'm all about the budget. I like that the new line will be accessible to pretty much every price point. I do know that I will miss the awesome fabrics from the previous collection and I will miss the amazing people that used to work for Kirstie Kelly. But I have seen a preview of the gowns that are coming and for the most part, I like them and I think Brides will like them too...and the price.
Here are the new gowns and my impression of them. Keep in mind, I have yet to see them in reality as they have not arrived in store yet so things may change once that happens.
In case you couldn't guess, this is Ariel. Pretty much what I was expecting. Mermaid cut, sweetheart neckline. I am intrigued to see what it looks like standing up. I think this will be great on taller girls, but really tough on shorter girls and very tough for the plus size girl.
Belle has always been my favorite and to me this gown falls short of the mark. I can see where the influence comes from but am a little less than impressed with the execution. To me, Belle is a pick up skirt. While the overlay is nice, I would like to see a little more. Just not doing it for me.
I really need to see this one in person because I am just not getting Cinderella from this. But that could just be the photo. I expect a full ball gown and this is looking a little flowy to me, but once again it could just be the picture. I do think it will be a good gown for all body shapes with the cross detail at the waist.
Love the idea for this gown. Jasmine is represented very well through this. However I can already tell you I dislike the fabric. This is going to snag, show your underwear and require a deluxe bottle of static guard at all times. That being said, I think this will be an awesome gown for destination weddings. You can't see it in this photo but the back is amazing!
This is my favorite of the collection. I don't know what it is about it but I love it. I hope the shoulder strap is optional to open it up to more Brides tastes, but this is going to be a very flattering style.
While many people are not going to get this gown at first, I think it may be the best thought out of the collection. The stand away flowers on the bust and skirt are apple blossoms. Brilliant idea. This may be a hard gown to wear if you have a short torso, but should work well to hide hips and other problem areas.
Once I get to see them in person, I'll review them again...until then the fashionista in me bids you adieu!
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