Melody Ehsani's Vintage Bedsheets Inspired Her Disney Collaboration Debut
We caught up with Ehsani to find out more about the inspiration behind the collaborative capsule.
A few months ago, Melody Ehsani parted ways with Footlocker after three years as the Creative Director for Women’s Business. Little was known about where the multidisciplinary creative would decide to go next, but whatever it was, we knew that it would continue to be catered towards the female consumer, and act as an evolution of Ehsani’s longstanding legacy within streetwear.
Now, Disney has announced a new collection developed in collaboration with Ehsani, created in celebration of International Friendship Day. Drawing inspiration from themes of friendship and nostalgia, the collection sees Ehsani highlight the most iconic friendship group there is, Mickey & Friends, as the collection sees the likes of Mickey and Minnie Mouse adorning classic, vintage-inspired silhouettes.
“Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse are icons of my upbringing,” Ehsani tells Hypebae. Speaking about the process of creating the collection, which includes a leisure set, baseball shirt, jacket and shorts, Ehsani explained, “We drew inspiration from our upbringing with the characters — referencing everything from vintage bedsheets, toys and apparel to highlighting key themes that reflect the relationship we all have with these characters.”
We caught up with the designer to find out more about how the collection came about and her plans for the future. Scroll down to read the full interview.
You’re about to launch a 10-piece collection with Disney, what drew you to working with the brand, specifically Mickey & Friends?
Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse are icons of my upbringing. The happy nostalgia factor was high — so there was no real debate about whether or not we should do the collaboration, it was just a matter of what direction we would take. There were so many to explore and ultimately I really wanted to lean into the nostalgic memories I have with them.
What can you tell us about the inspiration behind the Mickey & Friends collaboration and your creative process? Where did you begin?
We started off by researching the characters’ backgrounds and making sure there wasn’t anything we didn’t know about them. After that, we worked closely with Disney on what we could do to the characters to put them in our world and celebrate their iconic personalities. Once we had our edges so to speak, we drew inspiration from our upbringing with the characters — referencing everything from vintage bedsheets, toys and apparel to highlighting key themes that reflect the relationship we all have with these characters.
How would you say your background in streetwear and sneakers influenced the design of the Mickey & Friends collection?
You see it mainly through the silhouettes we chose for the apparel, but I think it also comes through in what the characters are wearing. It was fun to play with their looks and stylize them each through the streetwear lens.
Increasingly, sportswear and loungewear appear to be drawing from vintage and retro references within their design. Why do you think that is? What about the vintage aesthetic speaks to you, personally?
I think people pick up on different trends at different times. Personally, when I draw from vintage references it’s because I think it’s something iconic or timeless, very much like Mickey and Minnie’s place in pop culture. I could also be moved by some of the colorways or fabrics being used. I love hunting for unique vintage pieces because when you find that special piece, it feels like a one-of-a-kind discovery or treasure, not just something you can find on the internet.
What’s your favorite design from the collection and why?
The lounge set and matching bucket hat are definitely my favorites. The print itself really does bring back fond memories from when I had a set of twin-sized sheets like this when I was a little kid.
Finally, what’s next for you? What are some of your other goals?
I just had a baby 7 months ago — so I’ve been creative in a whole other way. My only goal has always been to stay inspired and create. Now with my son, I’m figuring out how to most efficiently express my highest self through my craft while raising him.
Take a look at the new ME. | Disney Mickey & Friends collection above, set to launch via Melody Ehsani’s website on July 30.
