It’s been a week since the release of Disney’s The Little Mermaid (2023) and mermaid-core is officially back. For those unaware of what mermaid-core is, it’s a little bit of everything. It’s got the seashells and low-rise skirts of the Y2K revival; the sequin from the 70s disco craze and the pearls and ruffles of the coquette aesthetic. Think the wet look, think iridescence, think sheer. All staples of the mermaid-core aesthetic.
But what I really love about press tours and red carpets is when the outfits are in line with the film, and the Little Mermaid Press Tour definitely did not disappoint. Join me below as I throw a spotlight on my top 5 looks from the press tour and red carpet. This article is issued in fashion interest:)
1. Halle Bailey at the Hollywood Premiere (in Valdrin Sahiti)
This outfit just felt like a dream to me. Halle Bailey really channeled her inner Ariel in this silver liquid-esque Mermaid cut dress by Valdrin Sahiti. The figure-hugging ensemble featured a plunging neckline with seashell-like detailing on the top that almost felt reminiscent of Ariel's purple bralette. With a pair of diamond earrings being her only accessory and her glowy makeup (icy blue eyelids, glossy brown lips, matte contoured skin and ample highlighter), Halle Bailey looked like she just stepped out of the ocean and onto the red carpet.
2. Jourdan Dunn at the UK Premiere (wearing Casablanca)
A large part of the sea is fishing, and who hasn't heard stories of fishermen casting their wide nets in the hopes of capturing a mermaid? Jourdan Dunn dressed in a semi transparent knit dress from Casablanca accurately captured that illusion. The bodycon dress with a daring thigh split had a plunging neckline, which felt more shaping than unnecessarily risqué, and was accessorised with a layered necklace from Boodles. The makeup added some much needed warmth with a face full of Charlotte Tilbury.
3. Halle Bailey at the Australian Premiere (wearing a custom Off-White)
The Little Mermaid star dazzled on the red carpet of the Australian Premiere in a custom ensemble by Off-White. The dress is a figure-hugging satin piece with a floor-length chiffon train, almost reminding me of the fluidity of the ocean. The corset is of an untraditional construction that ties in beautifully with the overall construction of the dress, elevated by the embroidery and pearl beading. The gown was accessorised with a pair of statement earrings and some light blue eyeshadow to match the dress.
4. Stephanie Beatriz at the Hollywood Premiere (dressed in Le Thanh Hoa)
Dressed in a shimmery pink fabric that almost looked iridescent, the Brooklyn 99 star attended the Hollywood Premiere in a custom Le Thanh Hoa. With bow-shaped sleeves and the cascading train, the dress really nailed the mermaid-core theme. The plunging neckline and the asymmetrical bottom of the dress added a fun element to an elegant outfit. The ensemble is completed with statement earrings and butterfly heels, giving the outfit form yet fluidity.
5. Halle Bailey for Disney Night on American Idol (dressed in custom Michael Fusto)
To perform “Part of Your World”, a hit song from the film, on the American Idol, Halle Bailey wore a custom Michael Fusto, titled the “Aphrodite Gown”. Cut in an Italian silk zibeline, the dress has a scalloped shell draping that cascades into a trumpet silhouette. Styled with diamond earrings and a necklace, the ensemble feels like a call-back to Ariel’s iconic scene on the rocks with the waves crashing behind her. Partnered with the visual projections that night, the dress truly transported us under the sea.
Mermaid-core has certainly risen since the film’s announcement, but will it stay? Or is it just a fad? Only time will tell. Till then, do let me know your favourite fit from The Little Mermaid (2023) promotions and tours in the comments below:)