How to get Maleficient Style

Disney's Maleficient opens today. The elegantly dark villain of Sleeping Beauty takes center stage in one of my most anticipated movies this summer.  I started geeking out when I first saw Angelina Jolie's Maleficient costume in the poster.

The twisted shiny leather horns with stingray cap, the deep red lipstick, the sharp edged cheek implants... Yes.  Spanish costume designer Manuel Albarran is known for his fashion looks specializing in leather and corsetry.  He collaborated with legendary Hollywood costumer Sandy Powell, milliner Justin Smith and Rob Goodwin on some of the pieces as well. Creature effects and make-up legend Rick Baker created the cheek implants.  Angelina Jolie was inspired by Lady Gaga's look from a few years back and they echo the extreme look of the original animated version.

Maleficient's signature horns made have evolved from 15th century headpieces called horned hennins according to artist Claire Hummel.  She did a series of illustrations depicting popular Disney characters in historically accurate garb based on their story's time period.  She dated Sleeping Beauty's character around 1480 based on the houppelandes and the horned hennins were also a big trend earlier in the century.

The pieces in the film involved a lot of structure.  Manuel Albarran constructed metal bases wrapped in leather for the horns.  The dramatic wings and collar required layers and layers of hand dyed feathers carefully attached to a bone spine.

So how does a civilian get this look? There are basic costumes inspired by the Disney at costume shops and Ebay.  More involved hand-made costumes can be found by designers on Etsy.

HSN is launching their Maleficient collection this week.  Their top designers have created collections inspired by the movie.  Josie Natori was inspired by the forest and flora of Sleeping Beauty, designing lingerie with a beautiful botanical print.  Jewelry designers Ranjana Khan and Heidi Daus made intricate jeweled pieces with a darker edge inspired by the motifs in the film.

Of course, I was drooling with anticipation for the launch of the  M.A.C. Cosmetic's Maleficient collection.  If you are looking for the dramatic eyelashes and deep red lipstick, this is where you find it.

Whether you are a sleeping beauty or mistress of the dark, it's nice to know you have plenty of style choices for a fairy tale ending.

Film still from movies.disney.com, HSN Maleficient collection photos by Mariana Leung

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Best Embroidery on the Academy Awards Red Carpet

Platinum and diamonds was the clear red carpet winner at the Academy Awards.  The best Oscar dresses where in shades of nude, crystal and white.  As always, Ms. Fabulous chooses the best use of beading and embroidery on the red carpet.

Jessica Biel looked stunning in Chanel.  The fitted dress was embroidered in sequins in of different shapes to reflect a pattern, then topped with shredded chiffon at the bust.  Angelina Jolie looked like a Goddess in her beaded Elie Saab.  She bravely showed off her post-surgery chest with barely there, gradated lines of crystal and metallic beads.

Oscar winner Cate Blanchett was a vision in an amazing Giorgio Armani.  The highly dimensional embroidery was a mix of organza petals, metallic pailettes, dripping beads and Swarovski crystal.  Kristen Bell's dramatic gown was by Roberto Cavalli.  The bodice was a highly textured layered applique lace accented with beads.

I know the Academy Awards are supposed to be a celebration of talent.  Can I help it when these ladies kill it with a fantastic Oscars red carpet show?

Jordan Strauss/AP, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America),Jason Merritt/Getty

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