Written by Lewis Cameron

Wed.14.Jan.14

 

On Saturday February 2nd 2013, I wrote a little piece on the rise and rise of Disney as an all-encompassing menswear trend. Entitled ‘It’s Disney Bitch!’, talking Disney Couture, Mickey Mouse motif tees and all things vintage Disney inspired. Fast forward to January 2014 and imagine my surprise when innovative designers Bobby Abley and Katie Eary presented Disney infused collections at their latest catwalk shows for LC:M.  The latter of which I witnessed first hand in an anarchist, punk explosion of pop culture meets full blown rebellion for Katie Eary AW14.

 

Ever wondered how Mickey Mouse would have turned out minus the stable upbringing and Walt Disney parenting? Royal College of Art graduate turned independent designer Katie Eary has painted a captivating ‘street couture’ infused picture of Mickey Mouse gone rogue and I for one absolutely adore it.

 

Contrasting elements that are normally worlds apart the appropriately titled ‘Bi-Polar’ collection found fantasy and adventure mixing with metal and mayhem for Katie Eary AW14.  "All in all, Bi-Polar is a collection about the extremes in our culture, in our fashions, and in our selves. It's a collection that understands that bad can be beautiful, and that beautiful can be bad. And it doesn't fear the darkness that lies behind all of us."

 

And it is full of darkness. Straight jacket sleeves, Mickey motif parachute harnesses, plastic patented shirts, pleated tartan skirts and vibrant leopard print patterns, 70s punk swag received a makeover of  iconic Disney proportions with a haunting anarchist twist.

 

Further highlights included Mickey colour blocked chokers, massive Mickey plastic helmets and bleached and brightly coloured horned, spikey punk hair of the Mohican variety. Not to mention Autumnal layering and simple punk detailing with chunky metallic zips on both blazers and matching latex trousers alongside silk art impressionist t-shirts. Disney truly has never looked quite so magical in its entire 91 year run. We salute you Katie.