I see them in swimsuits, runway looks, and wedding dresses — the Disney princess gowns are forever ingrained in my mind. I can't help it. I was born into a family of Disney freaks, and as a fashion girl, part of the magic comes from dreaming about my favorite characters' looks, from Ariel's shiny tail to Pocahontas's fringed mini.
This season, as the designers rolled out their Spring '16 collections at Fashion Week from New York to Milan, I spotted colorful gowns and separates that looked as though they'd been sprinkled with pixie dust — and I knew my favorite princesses would approve. Read on to see 17 modern takes on Disney, straight from the runway.
This gorgeous lavender gown from Fausto Puglisi's Spring runway conjured images of Rapunzel and her long, flowing hair right away. We love how the design's trim — and the popping yellow shoes the dress was paired with — complement Rapunzel's locks, and the ruching detail flatters Rapunzel's slim waist rather than a lace-up bustier.
For Spring '16, Sleeping Beauty's opting for something a little bit more comfortable. This luxe, asymmetrical ZAC Zac Posen gown features a layered strappy look that's a modern update to Aurora's crisp collar, and the satin material would be all the more comfortable for lounging around.
Tiana's lily pad gown is totally gorgeous, but this Spring we're shortening her hemline and brightening the color of her design to a high-shine chartreuse. She'll get a touch of sparkle from the intricate beaded detail on Pamella Roland's dress, and updated edge in the form of a choker, rather than dainty jewels.
How mesmerizing is Ariel in her pink glittering dress? This Gucci gown gave us instant flashbacks to the moment the princess trades in her fins to spend a few days at the castle, lounging around in couture. She's giving up poufy shoulders for bell sleeves, but we think this sexy update might catch Prince Eric's attention.
This season, Mulan's trying on prints for size, rather than a colorblock look. Her long sheath will still be cinched at the waist and neckline with red satin sashes, but this Adeam dress is way more fierce. Luckily, it's just as functional, so Mulan can still show off her sword-fighting skills.
Belle's elegant dress is a bit more breezy when it takes the form of this lightweight Escada gown. While the design still features subtle pleating and a cinched waist, Belle's look is a little more sleek this time around as she trades in an off-the-shoulder silhouette and gloves for spaghetti straps. We have a feeling she'll find it a lot easier to dance around the ballroom.
When we saw this movable, lightweight Tory Burch dress take the runway, we had to give Belle's casual blue-and-white dress a facelift for Spring '16. Belle's keeping her long sleeves and her subtle V-neck silhouette, but rather than an apron, she'll wear a true blue leaf print, and she'll accessorize with pearls instead of a bow. Oh and, Belle, it's time to give up your old gray flats for a pair of peep-toe ankle-strap heels.
Belle's casual look could also take the form of this denim Adam Lippes apron. She may be giving up her hair bow, but she's exchanging it for fringed flats that are functional but totally worthy of a modern-day street style star.
For Spring '16, we saw an unbelievable amount of color from Victoria Beckham, who usually tends toward neutral tailored separates. We love how this suede blue tank meets a pair of wide-leg trousers in a way that's reminiscent of Snow White's dress. The good news is, this slouchy, updated look is still totally sophisticated. All that's missing is the red bow.
Jasmine may have always loved to bare her belly in a crop top, but this forgiving Escada jumpsuit is her color — and we doubt she'll mind the extra material or the addition of a regal train. She can still tie her hair back and let her design take center stage as she's whisked away on the magic carpet.
A modern interpretation of Anna's coronation dress takes the form of this green glittering Naeem Khan gown, which features updated cap sleeves instead of an off-the-shoulder silhouette and sexy slits. The geometric embroidery feels just as regal, and Anna's accessories get a major update when she nixes her hair ribbons for a coordinated head scarf and statement earrings.