From Sketch to Screen: The Evolution of Elsa's Iconic Costume

Disney's Frozen is one of the most beloved animated films of recent times. The movie's central character Elsa, the Snow Queen, is not only an iconic Disney princess but also a fashion icon. The character's blue, glittery gown has become one of the most recognisable and sought-after costumes in the world. But how did the iconic costume come to be? In this article, we will explore the evolution of Elsa's costume from its inception to the final product seen on screen.

The Concept:

The process of creating Elsa's iconic costume began with the concept stage. The film's art director, Michael Giaimo, was tasked with creating a costume that would reflect Elsa's character and personality. Giaimo wanted the dress to be a reflection of the character's isolation and the ice powers she possessed.

Giaimo drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including the Northern Lights and snowflakes, to create a gown that would embody the character's icy powers. He also looked at traditional Norwegian clothing for inspiration, adding a touch of Scandinavian style to the design.

The Sketches:

Once the concept was decided, it was time to begin sketching the dress. Giaimo worked closely with the film's animators and costume designer, Brittney Lee, to create the perfect design for Elsa's gown.

The first sketches of the dress featured a high collar and sleeves made of ice crystals. The skirt was full and flowing, with a train that trailed behind. The dress was made up of layers of blue fabric, with the top layer covered in glittering snowflakes.

As the sketches developed, the dress began to take on a more ethereal quality. The sleeves became more delicate, resembling icicles, and the skirt became more streamlined. The fabric became lighter and more translucent, creating an almost otherworldly effect.

The Fabric:

Once the sketches were finalised, it was time to choose the fabric for the dress. Lee wanted a fabric that would capture the shimmering, mystical quality of ice. After much experimentation, she settled on a fabric called "crystal organza."

Crystal organza is a lightweight, sheer fabric that has a slight shimmer to it. It is perfect for creating the appearance of ice and snow. Lee chose a variety of blues, from light to dark, to create a gradient effect on the dress. The bodice was made from a more structured fabric to provide support and shape.

The Embellishments:

To add a touch of glamour to the dress, Lee decided to add glittering snowflakes to the top layer of the skirt. The snowflakes were hand-cut from a glittery material and sewn onto the dress one by one.

Lee also added a touch of drama to the dress by adding a long, flowing cape. The cape was made from the same fabric as the dress and was lined with a pale blue satin. The cape added a sense of grandeur to the dress and made Elsa look even more regal.

The Result:

The final result of Elsa's costume was a dress that perfectly captured the character's icy powers and regal bearing. The dress was a stunning blend of Scandinavian tradition and Disney magic.

The dress has become one of the most iconic costumes in film history, inspiring countless Halloween costumes and cosplay outfits. It has also had a significant impact on the fashion world, with designers using the dress as inspiration for their own collections.

Elsa's iconic costume is a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity. It took the vision of the film's art director, the talent of the animators and costume designer, and the perfect choice of fabric and embellishments to create a dress that is now synonymous with Frozen.

The evolution of Elsa's costume from concept to final product shows just how much thought and effort goes into creating a costume for a beloved film character. It also shows the importance of attention to detail in creating a truly iconic costume.

Elsa's costume is more than just a dress; it is a work of art that has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of people around the world. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of Disney.