Minnie Mouse gets her first designer gown with 'mature' Lanvin creation

The bejewelled hourglass gown, with long sleeves and padded shoulders, was unveiled at a catwalk show in Disneyland Paris over the weekend.

Gone was the oversized hair bow that has been the signature of the character since she was created in 1928. In its place, the catwalk presentation showcased a red tiara.

"Walt Disney was the one that actually designed Minnie. It's the first time an actual designer has come into the picture and designed a dress for her," Lanvin's designer Alber Elbaz told The Associated Press following the show.

"It was a great challenge and responsibility to do. I just wanted her to shine... I wanted to give her a crown in red, and the dress in blue, (a signature) for Lanvin."

The dress won applause from the celebrity-filled front row, including French actress Virginie Ledoyen and Russian model Natalia Vodianova.

But the more mature look - which also did away with Minnie's famed white bloomers - did not impress everyone.

"It's definitely more mature. It looks a bit mother of the bride," said spectator Matthew Gallagher. "I preferred the polka dots."

Traditionalists will be pleased to know that Minnie will be allowed to keep her red and white look for normal events.

The cartoon character has also kept her full hourglass figure. Last October, images destined for Barneys New York shop window were criticised after Minnie became a long, lean high-fashion model.

Dubbed "skinny Minnie", the short film featured the mouse-fatale in a hot-pink, ruffle covered Lanvin dress - with longer legs, leaner arms and daintier gloved hands.

"We're not here to transform people," said Elbaz. "We love her the way she is."

Edited by Sarah Titterton

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