Barneys has teamed up with Disney’s animation know-how to create a highly entertaining fantasy film for its Christmas windows.
The animated short called Electric Holiday, to be shown at Barneys’ Madison Avenue store in New York, features Minnie Mouse staring longingly at a Lanvin dress, before she is transported to a fashion show with some of the fashion industry’s very real favorite characters.
Front-row favorite Sarah Jessica Parker, model Naomi Campbell, music icon Lady Gaga and Vogue‘s Anna Dello Russo are just a few faces that were given Disney’s animated treatment.
Balenciaga’s Nicolas Ghesquière, Carine Roitfeld, Cathy Horyn, Bryanboy and Lanvin’s designer Alber Elbaz also agreed to participate.
WWD called the concept, which was a year in the making, “kitschy, clever and absolutely adorable”.
Mark Lee, Barneys CEO explained: “Disney came up on a very short list of dreams – thinking about if we could do anything, what would we do?
“They represent magic and Barneys New York holiday needs to be part magic and part surprise.”
Luis Fernandez, senior vice president of creative for Disney Consumer Products, added: “We thought, <<A huge force in fashion and a huge force in animation. What better than for these two companies to get together and do something for the holidays?>>”
Once on board, both teams brainstormed their dream narratives, and a wish list of fashion personalities.
WWD commented on Anna Wintour’s palpable absence, writing: “Noticeably absent is one top American editor, but otherwise Lee said cooperation was forthcoming.”
All the fashion character participants were asked to sign off on rights to their soon-to-be drawn animated selves, and once they had agreed to be included, all artist interpretation was at the discretion of Disney – no facial features, or waistlines could be redrawn.
Mark Lee said: “We were unable and unwilling to give approval.”
Few of the participants have seen the finished product, which will be unveiled on Wednesday November 14.
