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Fashion Inspirations: The Mermaid

Written by Tania Braukamper

Anyone who has read the original Hans Christian Andersen tale The Little Mermaid will know it wasn't all wedding bells and happy endings for Ariel, as Disney would have us believe. The Prince married the human Princess and Ariel died of a broken heart, throwing herself back into the sea to become part of it, and living as a sort of spirit that might some day redeem herself to become a soul.

The mermaid myth has long existed, influencing art and culture throughout time. Typically, the mermaid is pretty and gentle, with long hair and a sweet voice - she is deep and mysterious, and has an innocence which sets her apart from her darker and more seductive cousin, the Siren.

John William Waterhouse's painting, The Mermaid; a 2008 couture outfit by Jean-Paul Gaultier.

Jean-Paul Gaultier clearly had true mermaid tradition in mind when he created his Spring / Summer 2008 Couture collection (you can view the full collection here). Mythical and sweet, he included details like fish-scaling, shimmering fabrics and sequins. A number of red carpet outfits of late have taken up the mermaid influence, from Marion Cotillard's white and silver Oscars gown to Kate Hudson's green off-the-shoulder number (below left).

The perfect accessories to a mermaid-inspired dress? Strands of long necklaces, especially pearls, and long flowing hair. So good-bye to the bright, stiff satin fish-tail dresses of yore (like this one) which lack subtlety and do nothing to evoke the feeling of fairytales and ancient legends. At least I hope it's good bye for a while.

Celebrity Trend Updates

Olga Kurylenko: Chanel Fishscale Dress and Cornrows

Olga Kurylenko in Dolce & Gabbana mermaid gown

Written: 13th April 2008 at 22.54

Comments: Click Jean-Paul Gaultier Haute Couture s/s 2008 to read comments.