Walt Disney and Netflix as Shapers of Contemporary Style
Clara Tosi Pamphili argues that Walt Disney, not fashion, is the true father of contemporary style. Disney's archetypal characters—princesses, villains, animals—have conditioned our aesthetic archive more than any fashion brand. The article draws parallels between Disney's visual storytelling and today's Netflix series, which create character-driven narratives that influence style. Tilda Swinton is quoted calling Netflix "the home of modern and ambitious authors," referencing the platform's production of Bong Joon-ho's Okja. The film's costumes, designed by Catherina George and inspired by Chanel's 2015 Seoul show, exemplify this cross-pollination. The article also notes that cinema has always influenced style more than fashion, citing Edith Head's work with Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn.
Key facts
- Walt Disney is described as the father of contemporary style.
- Disney's characters are archetypes that have conditioned aesthetic references.
- Netflix is called the new world of stories and serial novels.
- Tilda Swinton said Netflix is 'the home of modern and ambitious authors'.
- Okja was one of the first Netflix-produced films, premiering at Cannes with controversy over theatrical distribution.
- Okja's costumes were designed by Catherina George, collaborating with Tilda Swinton.
- The costumes were inspired by Chanel's 2015 Seoul show, which featured hanbok-inspired designs by Karl Lagerfeld.
- Edith Head is cited as a costume designer who created iconic looks for Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn.
Entities
Artists
- Clara Tosi Pamphili
- Walt Disney
- Federico Fellini
- Giulietta Masina
- Edith Head
- Grace Kelly
- Audrey Hepburn
- Tilda Swinton
- Bong Joon-ho
- Catherina George
- Karl Lagerfeld
- Ji Hye Park
Institutions
- Netflix
- Walt Disney
- Chanel
- Monsanto
- Artribune
- Cannes Film Festival
Locations
- Seoul
- South Korea
- Rome
- Italy