Mouse couture

Using one of Disney’s most charming, independent and timelessly stylish characters as her muse, fashion designer Suzaan Heyns has introduced her brand-new autumn/winter range, entirely inspired by Minnie Mouse.

First launched and unveiled at London Fashion Week in 2012, the Inspired by Minnie campaign saw 11 international designers creating unique “Minnie Mouse Must Haves” – once-off garments and accessories inspired by Minnie Mouse.

Celebrating Minnie Mouse’s timeless appeal, the renowned designers included Michael van der Ham, Giles, Richard Nicoll, Lulu Guinness, Katie Hillier, Tatty Devine, Bunney, Husam el Odeh in collaboration with Luke Hersheson, Terry de Havilland, and Piers Atkinson, who creatively interpreted her signature bows and trademark polka dots. The phenomenon continues as the campaign rolls onto the African continent at this year’s SA Fashion Week.

“It is has been an incredible adventure working in collaboration with Disney. I have loved the process of taking inspiration from Minnie Mouse as an existing pop culture icon,” says Heyns. “My interpretation transforms some of her iconic attributes into a collection that is elegant, sophisticated and fun.”

Picture. Gareth Gilmour

Six of the bespoke garments and accessories will be auctioned at a later date in conjunction with a nationwide search for an aspi-ring fashion designer to win a design apprenticeship with Heyns in Johannesburg.

“Minnie Mouse continues to inspire women the world over and we are thrilled to continue the Inspired by Minnie campaign by bringing her fashion-savvy to South Africa in this unique and exciting collaboration with Suzann Heyns,” says Christine Service, manager for The Walt Disney Company Africa.

“Minnie Mouse and her style continue to inspire fans. Surpassing trends, Minnie Mouse’s iconic silhouette, signature bows and polka dots always remain in style, which is why she is as rele-vant today as the day she first appeared on the fashion scene.”