“Beauty and the Beast: 30th Anniversary” is a true fairy tale. The live action special, available to stream on Disney+, is a star-studded event, with talents like HER (née Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson) as Belle, Josh Groban as the Monster , Shania Twain as Mrs. Potts, Short Martin as Lumière, David Alan Grier as Cogsworth, screen legend Rita Moreno as narrator, etc. Speaking to POPSUGAR, costume designer Marina Toybina shares how it feels to work with names such an impression and how she creates some of the show’s gorgeous, spotless outfits — over 300 in total.
“What a wonderful experience [working with H.E.R.]”, Toybina said. “We respect and love each other so much, and when I finally got the chance to share the artwork with her, she was super excited.”
“Every outfit has something extraordinary and special about it.”
For HER, who made history as the first Black woman to play Belle on screen, her role in the film was an opportunity to showcase her unique personality and Filipino heritage. hers. With her guidance, Toybina embroidered the word “Bel” on Baybayin, an ancient Filipino script, along the edge of Belle’s apron. “It’s just a nice touch, and what makes the outfit so much more special,” said Toybina. “I really wanted to find a way to represent her and have that memorable moment.”
Inspired by Disney’s 1991 animated film — as well as countless theatrical productions of “Beauty and the Beast” and live action movies 2017 starring Emma Watson — Toybina embarked on a series of costumes that showcase the uniqueness of each character. “Each outfit has something extraordinary and special about it,” she said, adding that each outfit is also a work of love.
In an effort to give each character a new life, Toybina experimented with materials, combining up to 15 different upholstery and non-traditional fabrics to create costumes for characters like Cogsworth and Mrs. Potts. . Letting the unique textiles speak for themselves, Toybina has brought a “beautiful, classic side to the whole show” that reflects both a distinctive 18th-century aesthetic and individual attention. she goes to every detail. From beaded evening gloves and sparkly shoe buckles to gem-set buttons and handmade silicone accessories, every inch of the cast’s wardrobe is considered.
Image source: ABC / Christopher Willard
While the Beast’s costume – over 10 feet tall and weighing several pounds – was the hardest to put together, Toybina and her team worked most passionately to create Belle’s striking look, the outfit she wears while serving the audience with “Tale as Old”. as Time” with Groban. For the look, Toybina crafted a golden yellow evening gown using a backing gown with satin, chiffon and four organza backings. completed just a few hours before the live performance.
“It’s not just a story about the perfect ending moment like in a fairy tale. It’s so much more about the artist behind the character.”
A few minutes after the song, SHE flips away for a quick change of clothes, reappearing in a modern version of her character’s classic evening gown. The ensemble, which took months to create, features a custom high-waisted pair of pants tucked under a corset and a pair of panties. yellow sunglassesHer signature accessory.
The look also features a 1956-style custom stained glass Stratocaster guitar inspired by the enchanted rose Beast keeps in the glass. “HER naturally embodies Belle’s confidence, creative spirit and forward-thinking personality, so we knew we had to create an exceptional guitar that could match the uniqueness of both. these two inspiring women,” Helena Ngo, Fender Artist Marketing Manager told POPSUGAR, adding that HER kept the guitar as a memento after the show. “Our talented product teams took care of this build, taking advantage of custom matte graphics and carefully applying it to the acrylic body to help HER bring this rock star princess to life. , continuing the legacy of inspiring the next generation of guitarists.”
While the ensemble is a tribute to the Belles of the past, Toybina notes that the final ensemble is also a nod to HIS and the uniqueness she brings to the stage. “At the end of the day, I think the transition is more [about] let her shine her own light,” she said. “It’s not just a story about having a perfect, fairy-tale moment. It’s more about the artist behind the character. . . I think what makes it so special is that at the end we convey that she’s a beautiful artist.”
In the meantime, take a look at some of the gorgeous costumes worn by the cast from the 30th anniversary special “Beauty and the Beast”.
