GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fine art photographer Gray Malin has released a new series inspired by the ultimate global style icon, Minnie Mouse, set within Hollywood’s iconic landscape – the red carpet. The series is a limited run release along with a piece of video art, a first-ever production for Malin. The release coincides with #RockTheDots an annual celebration of fashion muse Minnie Mouse and her signature polka dot style tied to National Polka Dot Day on January 22nd – and fittingly falls in the midst of Hollywood’s Award Season.
Malin released the new video art and ‘Leading Lady’ image celebrating Minnie Mouse via his Instagram account ahead of an event in Hollywood to unveil the full series: https://www.instagram.com/p/BPXe9xbF7ej/
Since her first on-screen appearance in “Steamboat Willie,” Minnie Mouse has made an undeniable impact on the entertainment and fashion industries. With Minnie serving as the muse, Malin, known for his unique aerial compositions, took inspiration from her Hollywood and fashion history to stage a photograph embracing these core tenets through a classically styled black tie affair atop a spectacular red carpet. Malin utilized white parasols to illustrate Minnie’s trademark polka dotted dress and give a nod to Hollywood glamour.
“Minnie Mouse has helped make polka dots famous all over the world, and I am continually inspired by her impact on fashion and pop culture,” said photographer Gray Malin. “Her red with white polka dot dress and the classic red carpet have always been symbolic of Hollywood to me. I consider Minnie one of Hollywood's most iconic leading ladies, so the red carpet seemed like a fitting setting for a collection that celebrates her timeless style."
The video piece showcases the movement that comprises the key stills of the series. Malin used his artistic eye to create a glamorous visual that highlights Minnie’s fun-loving personality and the glitz of Tinseltown from a whole new perspective.
Working with choreographer Mary John Frank, the carpet comes to life in a dance number driven by the opening and closing of the parasols, infusing movement into Minnie’s iconic polka dots. Sixty dancers glide across the red carpet, showcasing the hustle and bustle of awards season to the tune of original music, with the final frame including a star turn by entertainment’s leading lady herself – Minnie Mouse.
“Minnie Mouse has been captivating audiences, and inspiring artists and designers for decades,” said Josh Silverman, Executive Vice President, Global Licensing at Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “Gray Malin’s incredible ‘Red Carpet’ series, with Minnie as muse, is the perfect marriage of fashion, art and entertainment.”
Prints are available for purchase on the Gray Malin website: www.graymalin.com
Rock the Dots on National Polka Dot Day (January 22)
For decades, Minnie Mouse has not only delighted fans on screen and off, but she has also served as a muse for glamorous fashion houses such as Commes des Garcons, Lanvin and Kate Spade, inspiring countless fashion collections. Minnie’s classic look, rooted in perfect polka dots, has been continuously reimagined by the fashion industry with admiration, and fans have taken to celebrating Minnie’s impact on style with National Polka Dot Day (January 22).
This year, in celebration of this legacy and an upcoming collaboration between designer Olympia Le-Tan, Disney and Uniqlo, Olympia Le-Tan designed a custom dress and clutch handbag for Minnie Mouse which she will wear to a Hollywood dinner. The original polka dotted dress and clutch take inspiration from Olympia Le-Tan’s Minnie-themed collaboration with Uniqlo which will be available globally in Uniqlo stores this Spring.
Furthering the celebration, fans can “rock the dots” with custom coffee sleeves found at Los Angeles’s famed Alfred Coffee & Kitchen during the month of January. Guests can also look for murals with Minnie’s iconic polka dots outside the Melrose Place, Silverlake and Studio City locations.
Additionally, on National Polka Dot Day (January 22), Disney fans are encouraged to Rock The Dots with Disney Parks from Coast to Coast. Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort and Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort invite guests to dress in their polka-dotted finest to honor Minnie’s style. Both locations will celebrate with photo opportunities, entertainment, a commemorative button, discounts, giveaways and more. Visit the Disney Parks Blog for more details on how to rock the dots in the coming weeks at Disney Parks and Resorts.
Follow @MinnieStyle on Instagram and rock your dots in celebration of Minnie Mouse and National Polka Dot Day using #RockTheDots and #MinnieStyle.
About Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media
Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) that brings our Company’s stories and characters to life through innovative and engaging physical products and digital experiences across more than 100 categories, from toys and t-shirts, to apps, books and console games. DCPI comprises two main lines of business: Disney Consumer Products (DCP), and Disney Interactive (DI). The combined segment is home to world class teams of app and game developers, licensing and retail experts, a leading retail business (Disney Store), artists and storytellers, and technologists who inspire imaginations around the world.
About Gray Malin
Gray Malin is a modern day fine-art photographer and New York Times best selling author. His work hangs in homes across the world and is owned by private and public collectors. Malin’s early notable work, Prada Marfa (2010), put him on the radar of fashion and art enthusiasts. He since has created private collections in remote locations such as Antarctica, Namibia and Bhutan while also developing commercial recognition for inventive aerial beach, ski and park scenes from around the world. Malin is also well known for his conceptual fine-art series like Gray Malin at the Parker which features exotic animals living within the famed hotel. His first public art installation is currently on view on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, curated by the City of West Hollywood. Malin has collaborated with global brands such as Veuve Clicquot, Sperry Top-Sider, and Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, engaging diverse audiences to experience his work in new ways. Malin's first monograph, BEACHES, documenting five years of work spanning twenty cities over six continents was recently awarded the accolade of New York Times Best Seller.
