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What Makes Cinderella's Investment-Worthy Dress Valued Over $100,000? Explore the Allure
In 2015, film enthusiasts were mesmerized by Disney's live-action adaptation of Cinderella. Beyond the compelling storyline, the film scored high with the enchanting blue gown worn by the leading lady. However, creating this masterpiece demanded commendable investments in both material and craftsmanship, subjecting the protagonist to numerous trials and tribulations.
According to Vogue's research, the charming blue gown was crafted by Sandy Powell. Director Kenneth Branagh personally invited her to join the project, acknowledging her talent, a sentiment echoed even by the maestro Martin Scorsese. Powell revealed that Cinderella's dress drew inspiration from the 1940s-50s era and was influenced by Alfred Hitchcock's film Rebecca.
Cinderella's gown, in reality, had up to 8 different versions, each valued at a staggering $12,000. Sandy Powell had to brainstorm to design a dress with its unique charm while staying true to the animated original. The dress comprised 8 layers with various shades of blue, crafted from the lightweight yumissima material to achieve a fairytale-like, floaty, and elegant appearance.
Notably, the outermost layer of the dress was made from delicate silk and adorned with over 110,000 sparkling Swarovski crystals – the renowned, longstanding leader in the world of gemstones. Subsequently, the Cinderella team sought Swarovski's expertise to enhance the iconic glass slippers of the leading lady. These shoes, too, came in 6 different versions, requiring approximately 150 hours to complete.
Lily James not only dedicated herself to the meticulous design process but also made significant sacrifices. She adhered to a strict diet, consuming only liquid foods to maintain her 'ant-like' waist. Additionally, the actress dealt with a series of tightly laced corsets, to the extent that co-star Richard Madden could embrace the beauty with just one arm. Lily James found herself breathless after hours of filming dance scenes while wearing the corset, along with the voluminous layered green gown.
From here, diverse opinions began to surface around the corset, suggesting it as a constraint to the beauty and freedom of women rather than a tool for simple enhancement. A prime example is the corset forcing Lily James to conform to achieve the princess-like figure on screen.
Fortunately, after all the challenges, the gown became a significant factor in the success of Cinderella 2015. The current audience still favors the film for its meticulousness, asserting it as the most stable and high-quality Disney princess adaptation, especially in terms of costumes and settings.
Image Source: Disney
