Mickey Mouse turns 90: Disney teams up with SCAD faculty and students to create special streetwear collection
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To commemorate Mickey Mouse’s 90th birthday, the Walt Disney Company teamed up with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) to create a new fashion collection of “athleisure” and streetwear inspired by the world-famous cartoon character.
The 16 distinct “Past, Present and Future’” looks reflect Mickey’s journey from 1928 up to today - and 90 years into the future. Streetwear is currently the fastest growing category in the fashion industry, meaning its global significance is now firmly established.
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A number of SCAD students from different disciplines were chosen to participate in a customised 10-week course facilitated under the “SCADpro” programme, which provides unique collaborative learning experiences. The aim is to pair students with industry partners, enabling them to gain real-world experience, create imaginative design solutions, and build stellar portfolios.
In this instance, the students received one-to-one mentoring from the Disney creative team, along with support from SCAD faculty members, to create an eye-catching collection “for millennials by millennials”.
“Working closely with the Disney team was an enriching educational experience for our students and resulted in a fashion collection of the highest calibre,” said Jaime Tapias, director of SCADpro.
The need for sustainability was a key consideration in the production process, with students asked to use recyclable materials donated by HKRITA (the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel). Indeed, several looks in the collection made full use of “upcycled” denim and Levi’s jeans. The programme concluded with an interactive showcase to present all the apparel items to leading Disney executives.
“By envisioning the spirit of Mickey Mouse taking to the streets of Hong Kong, I was able to create a unique embodiment of his character by playing with silhouettes, layers and fabrics,” said SCAD Hong Kong fashion student Sharon Law. “It has been a very exciting journey and an honour to work with my peers, the Disney creative team and SCAD faculty to create a fitting tribute to this cartoon legend.”
Tapias noted that the students enjoyed being part of this international celebration where they could show what Mickey Mouse meant to them as a generation. He added that SCAD’s comprehensive approach to art and design education ensures students can rise to the challenge of working on projects for high-profile companies. The courses are intellectually rigorous and expect professional standards, while also encouraging students to be innovative in exploring ideas and opportunities.
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Having helped to launch many successful careers in the creative field, SCAD celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2018. Besides practical training, it will continue to give students different types of real-world experience through lectures, demonstrations and workshops led by industry professionals and acknowledged experts.
Learn more about the programmes on offer at scad.edu.hk