The recent FT piece about the value of Disney to high-end brands (Fashion Takes The Mickey) caught up with those which have engineered hook-ups with the House Of The Mouse in recent years: Dolce & Gabanna, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Iceberg, Neil Barrett, Manish Arora, Hayden-Harnett, Capellini, Cory Grosser, Chopard, Tommy Hilfiger…
A Disney apparatchik is quoted: “We would never work with a designer that was too edgy or irreverent.”
Once upon a time they weren’t so purse-lipped.
Lest we forget – since it isn’t mentioned – the first design stable in the world to license Mickey, Goofy and their chums into fashion was London boutique Mr Freedom, run by the subject of my next book, Tommy Roberts with his partner Trevor Myles.
These sexy and spectacular images (which have emerged during research into Roberts’ archive) show just how times have changed.
Great story. What else will your research reveal? Can’t wait for the book!
There’s so much – like the first independent UK boutique concession within a larger chain store: Mr Freedom at Peter Robinson at Oxford Circus (the precursor to Topshop so the blueprint for what is now industry standard). And talking of Blueprint, Tommy on the cover of that in 1984 for an interview about Practical Styling…it just keeps on coming…
Fantastic Paul. I recently gave Tommy a Practical Styling postcard and printed carrier bag, his eyes lit up!
Hello Ian
So did mine when he showed me them – will ensure they have pride of place in the book.
PG
Just checked it – thanks for alerting me Martin. Hopefully will speak to him next day or so – maybe tomorrow while you’re there?