Reimagining Disney Stories: Beauty and The Beast | Of Leather and Lace - A Blog by Tina Lee

1991 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

I was less than 4 years old when the original Disney animated movie Beauty and the Beast came out. Although I don’t remember when I first saw the movie, I remember watching it so many times over the years that I can memorize every melody and every character’s expression. I was mesmerized by the enchanted rose, in love with the beautiful castle, inspired by Belle and touched by the Beast. Perhaps it was because I was younger, more naive, or hadn’t seen many movies, but in my memory the animated movie flowed seamlessly from the beginning to the end.

I recently had the chance to rewatch the 1991 movie on a plane ride and have to say it’s still just as good to me. I love the fact that there was a heroine like Belle to look up to more than a quarter of a century ago. The raw emotions and innocent moments displayed by beast still touches me so much.

2017 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST REMAKE

The moment I saw the trailer for Beauty and the Beast in 2016 I knew I had to do a “Reimagining” post inspired by the movie. This remake stars Emma Watson as Belle and I was thrilled! She is a strong, educated, and stunning woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind – the perfect candidate to play Belle.

 

* SPOILER ALERT *

The 2017 remake, directed by Bill Condon, was no less of a musical and visual feast and most details as well as the main plot line stayed true to its original counterpart. I went into the theater hoping this would be the case and was not disappointed at all. However, there were some stories added and some details changed which were superfluous in my opinion. For example, the addition of the story of Belle’s mother and changing her father to be an artist rather than an inventor didn’t do anything for me. (But I did wish they elaborated more on the prince’s childhood because that seemed to play a part in the castle’s servants being turned into animated household objects) Also, Emma Watson is an amazing actress but there were times where she looked almost too young to play the character Belle (especially next to Gaston, played by Luke Evans).

I’m not sure if it’s because I know the original storyline too well that it took me a little while to get into the movie. But once I did (at the “Be Our Guest” dinner scene), the movie started getting better from there. Some of my favorite parts of the movie, though, was whenever Gaston was singing. Luke Evans really did a spectacular job portraying the ultra narcissistic brute. For some reason, all the Gaston songs felt more animated and were more entertaining. His character was definitely the most believable of them all.

Another part of the movie that really touched me was the portrayal of all the prince’s servants. The movie did a great job at depicting the relationships between these characters and the “real life” version of these objects (which is actually CG animation) were so beautifully intricate and ornate. I loved the emotions portrayed through these characters (all played by amazingly talented actors and actresses) and when they started to turn into inanimate objects it really was a sad moment. Maybe even sadder than the Beast almost dying.

All in all, the movie followed the old one closely and was a visual and musical extravaganza. It was definitely a feel good movie that leaves you feeling uplifted and happy. I can omit the details that weren’t necessary or some unexplained/changed parts because a real life remake of a classic animation really couldn’t get much better than this! The Beauty and the Beast brought back so much nostalgia and childhood memories that I just loved being able to relive the moment.

Reimagining Disney Stories: Beauty and The Beast | Of Leather and Lace - A Blog by Tina Lee Reimagining Disney Stories: Beauty and The Beast | Of Leather and Lace - A Blog by Tina LeeReimagining Disney Stories: Beauty and The Beast | Of Leather and Lace - A Blog by Tina Lee

REIMAGINING FAIRY TALES: THE PROCESS

Getting together all the clothing and props needed for this post and researching the story of Beauty and the Beast was so fun. As soon as I saw the trailer I went scavenging online for an appropriate yellow gown. The ruffles and the off-the-shoulder elements were important factors. Surprisingly, there was a total shortage of gowns that fit the bill. I ended up finding a few options from ASOS that were a modern interpretation of the gown worn by Belle.

As for the shoes, I had chosen these Dolce & Gabbana metal cage heels as a part of my birthday gift late last year. They were love at first sight!! In my mind, there was no other shoe more perfect than this one to depict the intricacies of the castle’s decor.

I found this gorgeous suite (located in Brooklyn) via Peerspace. I knew I had to find a space that had a high end look but was versatile enough for me to change into multiple looks for the blog. There will be many more shoots to come from this gorgeous chic location, so stay tuned!

Reimagining Disney Stories: Beauty and The Beast | Of Leather and Lace - A Blog by Tina Lee Reimagining Disney Stories: Beauty and The Beast | Of Leather and Lace - A Blog by Tina Lee Reimagining Disney Stories: Beauty and The Beast | Of Leather and Lace - A Blog by Tina Lee Reimagining Disney Stories: Beauty and The Beast | Of Leather and Lace - A Blog by Tina Lee Reimagining Disney Stories: Beauty and The Beast | Of Leather and Lace - A Blog by Tina Lee Reimagining Disney Stories: Beauty and The Beast | Of Leather and Lace - A Blog by Tina Lee Reimagining Disney Stories: Beauty and The Beast | Of Leather and Lace - A Blog by Tina Lee Reimagining Disney Stories: Beauty and The Beast | Of Leather and Lace - A Blog by Tina Lee Reimagining Disney Stories: Beauty and The Beast | Of Leather and Lace - A Blog by Tina Lee Reimagining Disney Stories: Beauty and The Beast | Of Leather and Lace - A Blog by Tina Lee Reimagining Disney Stories: Beauty and The Beast | Of Leather and Lace - A Blog by Tina Lee

| Photography by Austin Donohue |

| Photos Taken at The Regal Suite |

– OUTFIT DETAILS –

Yellow Gown by ASOS

Decorative Caged Heel Shoes by Dolce & Gabanna

Gold Clutch by YSL (Similar here)

Earrings by Chanel

Pearl Ring by Dior

Rose Garden Palm Bracelet by Bernard Delettrez

Pearl Bracelet by Momo’s March


Did you enjoy the movie Beauty and the Beast?

And what do you think of my interpretation of Belle?

Let me know in the comments section below : )