Frozen, the 2013 animated film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, became a massive success, grossing over $1.2 billion worldwide and earning numerous awards, including two Academy Awards. The film tells the story of two sisters, Elsa and Anna, in the kingdom of Arendelle, and their journey to reconcile their relationship and save their kingdom from eternal winter.
One of the most memorable aspects of the film was the stunning costume design, particularly for Elsa. Elsa’s iconic blue dress, created by costume designer Brittney Lee and visual development artist Jin Kim, became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless cosplays and Halloween costumes. But what role did Elsa’s costume design play in the success of Frozen, and how did the design team create such a memorable look?
Importance to the Character and the Story
Elsa’s costume design was integral to the development of her character and her role in the story. From the beginning of the film, it is clear that Elsa is different from the other characters, as she has the ability to create ice and snow. Her powers are a metaphor for her emotional state, as she struggles to control her feelings and fears and keep them hidden from the world. Her costume is a physical manifestation of this struggle, reflecting her inner turmoil and eventual transformation.
In the early part of the film, Elsa wears a simple light blue dress with a high collar and long sleeves. The dress is meant to hide her powers and her emotions, as she tries to conform to her parents’ expectations and be a good princess. However, as she becomes more overwhelmed with her powers and the pressure to keep them hidden, the dress becomes more constricting and uncomfortable, symbolizing her struggle to contain herself. When she accidentally reveals her powers during the coronation ceremony, her dress becomes torn and frayed, representing the unraveling of her control.
As Elsa flees into the mountains and begins to embrace her powers, she creates a new dress out of ice and snow. This dress is a stark departure from her previous costume, as it is revealing and sparkly, reflecting her newfound confidence and liberation from societal expectations. The dress’s ethereal quality emphasizes the magical nature of Elsa’s powers and her transformation into the Snow Queen.
However, as Elsa’s powers spiral out of control and she unwittingly plunges the kingdom into eternal winter, her dress becomes darker and more menacing. The ice crystals on her dress become sharper, reflecting her anger and fear, and the long cape suggests a regal yet intimidating presence. The progression of Elsa’s costume design reflects her emotional journey throughout the film, culminating in her realization that love is the key to controlling her powers and reconciling with her sister.
Techniques Used to Create the Design
Creating Elsa’s costume design was a collaborative effort between the costume designer, Brittney Lee, and the visual development artist, Jin Kim. The design team utilized a variety of techniques to bring the character to life, including research, sketching, and 3D modeling.
The design team first researched traditional Scandinavian clothing and architecture, as well as modern fashion trends, to create a unique and cohesive look for the film. They also looked to the character’s backstory and emotional journey to inform the design, as discussed in the previous section.
Once the research was complete, the design team sketched numerous designs, experimenting with different shapes, colors, and fabrics. They focused on creating a silhouette that was both elegant and practical, allowing for freedom of movement and the ability to animate the character’s movements realistically. The team also played with texture and patterns, using beading and embroidery to add depth and detail to the costume.
Finally, the design team used 3D modeling to create a digital version of the costume, allowing them to see how the design would look in various lighting and movement situations. This process allowed them to refine the design and make any necessary adjustments before creating the physical costume.
Impact on Popular Culture
Elsa’s costume design has had a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring countless cosplays, Halloween costumes, and fashion trends. The dress’s iconic blue color and sparkly details have become synonymous with the character and the film, and the design has become a cultural phenomenon.