When couture takes the Mickey

The characteristic round ears, the widest (happiest) smile and a million ‘totful’ memories – when Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse, little did he know that the mouse would grow from the most recognisable trademark in the world, to an unstoppable icon in fashion. As he turns 88 this month, we look back on why he’s a global couture favourite and why, he’s not fading away anytime soon.

Whether it’s Marc Jacob’s cropped and bedazzled Mickey sweatshirts, Jeremy Scott’s sunglasses complete with the trademark ears, Comme des Garcon tees, Coach’s statement handbags, Dolce & Gabbana shirt dresses or Opening Ceremony’s bright whimsical capsule, designers have long had an affinity with the mischievous rodent. Indian designers like Satya Paul, Manish Arora, Nitin Bal Chauhan and Shilpa Chavan, too, couldn’t keep away from the Disney beloved. Why? According to the company, it’s apparently the character’s pop cultural appeal. Celebrating personal style and expression through fashion has often served as cornerstones for their characters. So what better way than to celebrate it with high-flying fashion house collabs? Forget runways, Mickey’s popping colours and graphic ease makes it a hot favourite on the street style circuit too.
Take a hint from blogger-turned-designer Chiara Ferragni on how to be a fan. Not only does she show off her wrist tattoo of the mouse to her seven million followers on Instagram every chance she gets, but she also launched a collection of Mickey flats under her eponymous shoe label!

As she created a lookbook with an Indian brand whose collection of Mickey pieces screamed bold and fun, Bengaluru-based fashion blogger Nilu Yuleena Thapa says that she wouldn’t settle for anything less. “My style quotient is quirky and consists of graphics. This fits comfortably into it,” says the Big Hair Loud Mouth blogger.

You obviously don’t have to go all-out designer to slip Mickey into your wardrobes (because, for starters, not everyone can afford it). Channel your inner Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw vibes and pick a simple tee. And pssst. One simple trick to not looking like a cartoon yourself is to hunt down vintage pieces.
We asked city-based stylist at Looksmash, Nishka Guleria Naidu to inspire and help us celebrate the Mouse’s birthday month. “Go for a fitted, classic Mickey Mouse crop-top in red paired with an flowey, a-line midi skirt in the same color as the top. The monotone will create a great visual effect and the mixed silhouettes complement each other. You could also try a black and white Mickey Mouse tee, with black denims and grey loafers. Monotone is key to nailing the look since it will balance out the quirky prints,” she suggests. So, what are you waiting for? Take the Mickey ‘Mou’t!