Kenneth Branagh's Cinderella Is One For The Ages

By Aimee Mahmoud

A timeless tale of magic, romance, and courage; Cinderella is truly a story for the ages. Ever since the announcement of award-winning director Kenneth Branagh's live-action adaption of the beloved fairy tale, fans have been up in arms about what approach Disney Studios has in mind for their future films. With Academy award-winning stars like Cate Blanchett in the role of Lady Tremaine, and Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother, film-goers can expect a dazzling aesthetic complimented by what are presumed to be celebratory performances. Newcomer Lily James has been cast in the titular role, sure to bring the grace and charm needed to embody what is arguably one of the world's most cherished characters.

Much like in the spirit of 2014's Maleficent, this live-action adaption of the Disney classic features an ensemble cast and set design that is truly a feast for the eyes. Though the origins of the classic Cinderella tale are vague at best, historians have placed the tale of Rhopodis, set in ancient Greece, as the first recorded Cinderella story. Virtually hundreds of Cinderella variants are in existence; spanning dozens of countries and cultures, dating from ancient times to the modern age! Admittedly, Cinderella's story boasts a certain appeal and mystique that even grown-ups find irresistible. The fairy tale's take on good versus bad, and how virtue must always be rewarded encourages us to chase our dreams and remain true to our hearts. Today, we're mostly familiar with 1950's animated Disney version, Cinderella. Simply one of Disney's finest productions, this particular version literally set the stage for every future Cinderella film, theatrical production, costume, and tribute to come! However, digging deeper into the Cinderella mythos, it's fascinating to explore the early origins of what is truly the world's favorite fairy tale.

The story of Cinderella was first widely exposed to the Western world in Charles Perrault's 1697 Mother Goose Tales, under the name Cendrillon, meaning 'the little cinder girl'. Since then, Cinderella has become an iconic fairy tale character, and what some have dubbed the 'ultimate princess'. Her trademark blue ballgown and blonde up-do in the animated 1950 Disney movie certainly served to cement every little girl's expectations about the archetypal fairy tale princess! It's therefore no surprise that Cinderella costumes remain in high demand all year-round! After all, girls of all ages enjoy dressing up as their favorite childhood heroine - hellllooooo sexy spin-offs! Of course, news of a big-budget live-action adaption of the Cinderella classic carries a lot more clout than just an array of wonderful costumes. Whatever the direction that Disney wishes to take with reviving some of their enduring classics, film-goers are sure to be in for a pleasant surprise. As with all Disney adaptions, audiences both young and old can expect to be taken to that special place; one where magic and wonder reigns supreme. 

Our Enchanting Princess Women's Costume (pictured far right) is the perfect outfit to tribute the upcoming Cinderella movie. You can purchase it here.