Snow White Costume Design Honors Disney Tradition
If there’s one thing Disney does best, it’s telling stories through fabric and detail. In the new live-action Snow White, the costumes are more than beautiful—they help tell the story. Every stitch and texture reveals something about the characters. The film’s Snow White costume design brings Disney’s heritage into a fresh, reimagined light.
From embroidery to color palettes, nothing is accidental. These designs echo the legacy seen in The Art of the Disney Costume, our deep dive into Cinderella and other live-action princess films.
Stitching a Fairytale with Real History
Costume designer Sandy Powell, a three-time Oscar® winner, is no stranger to Disney princesses. She previously designed the gowns in 2015’s Cinderella. This time, she focused on blending the look of the original animated Snow White with historical fashion from the 16th century.
Director Marc Webb explained that Powell began her work by visiting the Disney Archives. She studied early artwork and dug into historical references. These details gave her the tools to build something both nostalgic and new. The result is a classic Snow White dress with deeper texture, intricate embroidery, and movement-ready design.
Costumes That Define Character
Snow White’s outfit still features its signature colors—red, blue, and gold—but now it includes richer fabrics and more dimension. Each detail adds meaning. Rachel Zegler’s dress was created not just for beauty, but for storytelling. When she sings and dances, the dress flows to match her spirit.
The Evil Queen, played by Gal Gadot, brings a darker elegance. Her cloaks and gowns use velvet, metallics, and sharp silhouettes. The contrast in style highlights her cold ambition. Powell’s design choices for the Queen show power, envy, and danger—without saying a word.
The dwarfs, Jonathan, and even background characters all wear custom costumes too. Each look helps expand the film’s world.
A Shared Legacy of Design
The care seen in Snow White’s costumes mirrors what we explored in our feature on The Art of the Disney Costume. From Cinderella’s sparkle to Belle’s golden gown, Disney consistently delivers high-detail design. Snow White’s look continues this tradition with grace and imagination.
This level of artistry isn’t new for Disney. It’s part of what makes these princess stories timeless. Each costume, from sketches to fabric selection, is made to feel like it belongs in a fairytale—yet stands up to modern storytelling.
Threads of Tradition
Costume design isn’t just visual—it’s emotional. Disney’s live-action films often start with a well-known look, then reshape it with care. In Snow White, Powell and her team struck the perfect balance. They honored what came before while inviting audiences to see the characters in a new light.
When Snow White premieres on March 21, fans will see that the legacy Walt Disney began in 1937 still shines—just with new fabric, new detail, and a bold, fresh voice.
