HUGE thanks to Erica for this wonderful contribution!
So many times has the beloved children’s book, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” penned in 1865 by British author Lewis Carroll, come to life. The story, which follows the topsy-turvy tale of a plucky young girl who tumbles down a rabbit hole and finds herself in a wonderous world full of peculiar and fantasical creatures, has been reinterperated throughout the decades through many mediums, such as comic books, TV series, animation, plays, TV films, feature-length films… and yes, even porn!
Here is the first short-film version of “Alice” by a British film-maker. This breathtaking silent film was made in 1903 – over 100 years ago!
In 1951, the Walt Disney Animation Studio released their animated version of “Alice in Wonderland.” This classic cartoon-style Alice is most likely the most easily recognized version, as well as the most famous.
The official poster for Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland,” 2010.
This month though – and just in time for spring – famous American filmmaker Tim Burton put his own dark and quirky spin on Wonderland through the March 4th release of Disney’s 3D live-action & CGI film, “Alice in Wonderland.” His reimagining of Alice’s story is more or less of a sequel, and presents Wonderland in a darker, more wacky tone, rife with whimsical but terrifying beasts (the jabberwocky!!!) and gothic imagery.
Suffice to say, full-blown Alice mania has peaked this 2010 – nearly 145 years after the printing of Lewis Carroll’s original narrative – infiltrating pop culture on all fronts, including fashion, music, beauty, and more!
FASHION HAS GONE MAD
The runways for this spring season were simply bubbling over with all kinds of Alice references and inspiration, including frocks with lots of lace and sweet floral prints, dark dramatic gowns that will make you lose your head, and quirky, edgy styles fit for a Mad Hatterette. Oh, and don’t forget all the bow headbands!
Here’s a look from Luella S/S 2010. She’s very Alice in that frothy blue frock and golden hair topped off with a big babydoll bow!
A look that would make a hatter go mad from the Vivienne Westwood S/S 2010 Collection.
Here is international designer Sue’s Wong’s fabulous “The Red Queen” gown. Off with their heads!
Retailers have also been hot to jump down the rabbit hole with affordable Alice-themed clothing such as t-shirts, hoodies, dresses, and more! Hot Topic, Urban Outfitters, and Fred Flare are just a handful of some of the retailers offering wearable wonderland wardrobes.
But don’t forget about the most important part of your wonderland wardrobe – accessories!
Couture jewelry designer extraordinaire Tom Binns has created an exclusive (and expensive) limited-edition “Alice in Wonderland” collection for Disney this season. The above “A Smashing Time” teacups necklace retails for a whopping $1,000! That’s one hell of an expensive tea party.
Whimsical jewelry designer Tarina Tarantino also released her limited edition “Acid Alice” collection featuring classic Alice scenes hyper-saturated in neon hues!
This whimsical and sparkling rose necklace is from Swarovski’s “Alice in Wonderland” line, which features pieces inspired by all the different characters of Wonderland.
MUSIC’S GOLDEN AFTERNOON
Even music this season has not escaped Alice mania. “Almost Alice,” a compilation CD featuring original music inspired by the new motion picture from contemporary pop, rock, and electro artists, dropped on March 2nd. Included on the CD are Avril Lavigne, 3OH!3, Owl City, Kerli, The All American Rejects, and many other hip artists.
Kerli – Tea Party [Official Music Video] from MoonChildMeko on Vimeo.
Here is the whimsically dark music video for Kerli’s cute and quirky electro-pop song, “Tea Party,” which boasts lyrics like, “Elbows down, pinkies up/That’s the way you sip my cup!”
Avril Lavigne also takes you down the rabbit hole in her video for “Alice Underground.”
BEAUTY FIT FOR A QUEEN OF HEARTS
You don’t need to paint the roses red – your lips will do just fine! This spring even cosmetics companies don’t want to be late for Alice mania, and many have been putting out Wonderland-themed collections and products left and right!
French fashion label Paul and Joe have released this super-exclusive Alice in Wonderland cosmetics line with to-die-for packaging, featuring sheer lipsticks and oil-blotting paper compacts.
Nail polish company O.P.I. also embraced Alice this season by releasing a limited edition collection of character-themed nail laquers.
Also, don’t forget about the highly anticipated, and now sold-out, Urban Decay “Alice in Wonderland” makeup set!
Deerlings: have you lost YOUR head over Alice in Wonderland this year? Or does the thought of going down the rabbit rabbit just make you go mad?
How funny! I posted a similar blog a month ago!
http://inverted-spectrum.blogspot.com/2010/02/alice-in-wonderland-madness.html
Great minds think alike :)
Erica Reply:
March 18, 2010 at 1:10 am
Ahhhh! Great minds DO think alike, ha ha!! Just read yours and I love your post though too, especially all the inspiring photos like those… what are they, topsy turvy dressers? So cool!
I’ve always been such a big fan of Alice and have enjoyed the wonderful lunacy of the antics of Wonderland! I’m so glad that there is something bright & whimsical being brought back into art on all levels. It really is squee-a-licious!
And while it may seem self-serving, (I swear I’m not trying to be! It is a related thought!), I wrote up an article about what my college does to turn the college topsy-turvy and invoke the spirit of wonderland… http://fantasticspatula.blogspot.com/2010/03/wonder-of-alice.html
No Alice movie tops Jim Henson’s from 2000 for me. Every single other filmatisation of it I’ve seen has been off, one way or another, including Burton’s. But Henson’s is just spot on. Spot-the-hell-on. I’d recommend it to anyone with eyes.
Doe Deere Reply:
March 17, 2010 at 3:57 pm
I have eyes! I’m watching it! I can spare exactly 2 eyes.
Octovixen Reply:
March 17, 2010 at 5:57 pm
I’m with you Tenna…
Burton’s = epic fail
Comtesse De Barbarac Reply:
March 17, 2010 at 6:51 pm
I agree wholeheartedly! Jim Henson’s version is probably the closest to the actual book. I love it.
But Disney’s version is still my favorite. Blame it on nostalgia, it was my favorite movie as a kid and the art is just beautiful in that classic Disney way.
Tim Burton’s movie wasn’t meant to be spot on, but as a huge fan of his, I found it to be brilliant. Not as entertaining as it could have been, though; and the White Queen seriously annoyed me.
I’ve been obsessed with Alice in Wonderland since I was very young :)
Tenna Terminator Reply:
March 17, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Nah’, you’re probably right. I just didn’t think it was very good, and I say that as a Burton-fan, too.
Also, the White Queen was practically the only thing I liked about the movie – diff’rent strokes (:.
Lindsay Reply:
March 17, 2010 at 7:21 pm
I’m a huge Burton fan, but what the hell made him decide to make Depp do that stupid f**king dance?! I wanted to crawl under my seat in embarrassment for him, it almost ruined the whole movie for me! Maybe these feelings are too strong for just a movie lol. :P
Erica Reply:
March 18, 2010 at 1:12 am
I agree. I was very embarrassed during that scene. It was a “Big Lipped Alligator Moment,” as Thatguywiththeglasses.com would say! :S
It’s not the red queen who says “off with the heads”, it’s the queen of hearts.
It’s annoying how Queen of Hearts and The Red Queen are constantly mixed up, even though they are two completely different characters. The red queen is like a chesspiece, while queen of hearts presents the cards theme.
Lindsay Reply:
March 17, 2010 at 7:15 pm
This was a nice compilation! I would like to add one of my favorite music video representations of the Alice legend, the video for Don’t Come Around Here No More by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0JvF9vpqx8
I think Alice is so special for many because it’s an action-packed adventure, world famous children’s literature, and unlike Winnie the Pooh, Where the Wild Things Are, The Jungle Book, The Never-Ending Story, and almost every other good, classic adventure story for children, the hero is a girl!
Lily Reply:
March 18, 2010 at 10:50 pm
Oooh, yeah, Don’t Come Around Here No More is awesome :D
Lindsay Reply:
March 17, 2010 at 7:16 pm
Oops I meant to reply to the general post, not your comment, sorry! Good point, that distinction. Although it’s weird that there are no red chess pieces, but it’s supposed to be chess.
Erica Reply:
March 18, 2010 at 1:13 am
I agree with the Red Queen vs Queen of Hearts! That has been confusing me for some time. Can you elaborate for us on the differences? I feel like Burton’s character was a mixture of the two. :)
Lindsay Reply:
March 18, 2010 at 4:25 pm
If you google Red Queen of Hearts, you will find the Wikipedia article, with a section about the confusion. It is all Disney’s fault!
The art direction for Tim Burton’s film was to die for. I was tired of seeing the same look for Alice.
I LOVE ALice In Wonderland!!! Everything that has to do with it too!! I have one of the older prints of the book and LOVE it!!! I think its such a good book and that the people who make a movie like it can have such a wide range on what to do with it!! But I also wish one person would follow the book all the way though and make a movie just like it!! But I LOVE the fashion and really anything that is inspired by Alice In Wonderland!!!
That short film is amazing! So cute.
So I just like, had an aneurysm, it’s Doe Deere with Alice in Wonderland and Kerli all in one . . . .:D
I HATE this trend, some of us have been into Alice and petticoats and lace and frills and weird stuff for years, and now everyone thinks it’s “cool” or something. Fortunately, there are still the people who are content with their jeggings and 80s reincarnation.
Carmella Reply:
March 17, 2010 at 7:27 pm
I 100% agree! I’ve loved ‘Alice’ since my childhood, and when I saw my local Hot Topic decked out in Alice merch, I nearly threw a tantrum. :(
Rebecca Reply:
March 18, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Yay for old-schoolers!!!
I don’t think any film version, including the old Disney one, has ever gotten close to my expectations from reading the book as a child. I’m not sure it can, because everyone comes away from the book with a different experience and vision of the world.
That said, this Alice craze is driving me mad too. Especially as most of the people now going crazy for it only just read the book or haven’t even read it at all! Or even know that Through the Looking Glass is a separate chapter in the Alice saga. :P
This was great! I really enjoyed the Tim Burton/Disney movie and I adore the original Dinsey cartoon version. Wonderland-themed things seem to be everywhere lately! ‘Almost Alice’ is great too, I’m listening to it right now. =)
The best Alice movie is by far “Alice” by Jan Švankmajer.
http://firstrunfeatures.com/alicedvd.html
Alissa Barvina Reply:
March 17, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Svankmajer is a genius. Have you seen his short film Jabberwocky? It is beautiful beautiful and contains some of the most incredible stop motion animation that I have ever seen. I would also recommend Jonathon Miller’s 1966 version of Alice in Wonderland. It is a quiet, subtle Wonderland, and somehow all the more dream-like for that.
I am, to put it kindly, an Alice in Wonderland snob. Therefore, this trend really irritates me. If this sudden Alice-mania inspired more people to research 19th century culture, I would be all for it. Yet, to me this seems unlikely… it seems that it mostly a novel, aesthetic dalliance, which will be quickly dropped once it is no longer fashionable.
Alice in Wonderland (and its sequel) are full of references and jokes about Victorian era England. For example, in Through the Looking Glass, Alice is told not to cut the mutton before she has been introduced to it. In the 19th century, to “cut” someone meant to snub them. The books are full of these, and many more pertaining to the Lidell family and Oxford (Edith the eaglet, etc.) I highly recommend reading Martin Gardner’s annotated versions of the books, as well as Carroll’s other fictional works such as the excellent “The Hunting of the Snark”.
As both a Alice and a Burton fan, Burton’s “sequel” to Alice in Wonderland infuriated me. There was a very traditional linear plot, as well as (god forbid) a moral! Alice in Wonderland was revolutionary in part because it was a book (ostensibly) intended for children that had no moral! If you read 19th century childrens’ literature, you will see that most before Carroll is full of stories about children getting run over by carriages, eaten by wild animals, etc. Carroll even references these in the Alice in Wonderland when she is about to drink the “drink me” potion. Burton’s Wonderland is entirely devoid of the whimsical anarchy of Carroll’s work. Instead, it has been made into a conventional fantasy story of ancient prophecies, a brave heroe(ine), and most horrifically, a battle between good and evil, all of which are frankly anti-ethical to Carroll’s Wonderland.
Satsuma Reply:
March 18, 2010 at 1:02 am
Oh, thank you! Tim Burton… is less like Lewis Carroll and more like the Duchess with her sharp little chin and moral-finding in everything.
Erica Reply:
March 18, 2010 at 1:16 am
Alissa, I am floored by your *true* knowledge of Wonderland! I did a thesis paper on this exact subject in my senior year of high school! It’s fascinating stuff. And while I agree that the trend can be slightly annoying – especially being an Alice fan for years and years – I can’t help but be thrilled to have more access to Wonderland this season via all the collaborations.
GibbousMoon Reply:
March 18, 2010 at 11:07 am
YES! Alissa Barvina, I also consider myself a complete and totaly Alice snob. I agree, this trend wholly infuriates me. It’s taking something special and commercializing it while kicking it’s true essence to the curb. It’s basically a shell of an idea and an aesthetic. I don’t understand why when retelling the story most writers/directors/studios feel the need to blend the two books together. Are we too stupid to realize that the Tweedles weren’t in Alice’s Adventures Underground or that we wont stand for being told a classic story in it’s original form? I mean maybe we are, but it shouldn’t be and can be changed.
One of my favorite adaptations if the HBO through the looking glass with Kate Beckinsale. It was extremely close to the book and looked amazing.
It’s just sad really. The distillation of a major classic into dribble. I love Tim Burton, but it was dribble. It was there just to look pretty and have little substance. Like a girl in Victorian England.
Melinda Reply:
March 18, 2010 at 10:16 am
This is my all time favorite Alice Movie!!! The stop-motion alone leaves your jaw dropping, and the true to story line movie makes up for all that was there. Its dark, light and very mad. If it weren’t for Amanda Palmer, this movie (which took me forever to find) would NOT be in my collection. She recommended it for me when I told her over twitter I needed something weird to watch!
Caleidh Reply:
March 18, 2010 at 12:53 pm
This is also my favorite Alice movie. I LOVE Jan Svankmajer’s work to death <3
I'm actually surprised it wasn't mentioned in this entry!!
I can’t WAIT to see the film, the art direction is absolutely stunning! I’ve loved the Cheshire Cat ever since I first saw the Disney version of it, it’s my favourite character – closely followed by the Mad Hatter, of course.
I adored that short film from 1903 by the way – so sweet.
Hmm, that Urban Decay palette looks interesting… :]
To conclude: not impressed by the fad, just interested in all of the creativity that’s flowing from it.
I have not yet seen the movie. I would love too, but im already mad. We’re all mad here. I live in wonderland with the madhatter :). Either way im more of a Sherlock girl.
Those Paul and Joe novelty oil-blotting papers/lip balm tin set has been at the top of my wishlist for weeks! Though for 43 bucks, they probably shouldn’t be.
Lindsay Reply:
March 17, 2010 at 7:20 pm
One word! Decoupage!
:D
Fake it, just make it!
I was wondering when this post was coming!
I thought the movie was fabulous for what it was.
By the way, the $1000 price tag on the “cups” necklace may seem to the layman to be pricey – but if it’s made of quality materials such as sterling silver it’s actually quite average. I worked for a short time for an “indy” jewelery company, and some of their similarly sized pieces often went for the same or more.
Erica Reply:
March 18, 2010 at 1:17 am
I definitely don’t think it’s overpriced, just sadly out of my budget. I’m totally drooling over it though! :)
Have you SEEN the new Disney Couture Alice jewelry??? they have it all over at 80s purple … TO DIE for!!
I lost my head to Alice last year and still have. My friends and I have started a theatre company and one of them wrote Alice adapted right from the book. I’m designing costumes (a very different Alice, she and the White Rabbit are the only ones in colour all the rest are in blacks to make seem like hazy dream) and we start in less than three weeks. I’m up to my ears beading hearts and sewing bloomers.
I think by the end of it we’re going to be all wonderlanded out. Though I would love to wear one of those couture necklaces backstage during the run!
I was inspired by this fairy tale before the movie was out:) so when I was working as a stylist for the spring campaign for one shop I used this inspiration:)
look at my work:
http://romashkashop.ru/konkurs/ves10.html
hehe well quite frankly I have lost my head for the last 12 years of my life! after growing up looking like Alice you quickly lose your head we so to speak! The new film was amazing :D
So over all the more alice the better <3
I have lost my head over Alice years and years ago, when I read her adventures for the first time.
I’ve been living in Wonderland since then and I cannot exist without this place anymore!!
my father gave me the Alice books for my 7th birthday and I knew that I’d found something I could identify with, as strange as that might sound. I’ve seen many interpretations of Alice but my favourites have to be Alice through the looking glass and Tim Burton’s version (so original and well done!! plus Tim is my favourite artist lol)
right now I’m working on a collection of clothing items based on my favourite characters, it’s a mad time so far but I have a lot of work ahead. I also pre-ordered Mad as a Hatter from OPI!
Erica Reply:
March 18, 2010 at 1:18 am
I’m wearing Mad As A Hatter today!!! Definitely put a base color under it though or it is nothing but sparkles. :)
Zane Reply:
March 18, 2010 at 12:52 pm
thanks Erica, noted :)
but I’m such a sucker for glitter polishes that I don’t really mind, especially since this one has all the colours!
I loved the movie, but the merch is out of control! I personally think it’s too much!
I love each interpretation but all of the mass produced merchandise makes it loose it’s charm.
I think the 1903 one might be my favorite. It makes me wish I was alive then!
Guilty! I have that pink Tarina necklace, two of the OPI nailpolishes, the Urban Decay palette, and the Paul and Joe set in Fantasy! I’ve always loved Alice. And all the tie-ins are pretty great, TBH.
I was super excited last year when I firt heard about this movie being made, but when the first teaser trailers were released I was SO disappointed. Nothing at all of what it could and should have been. I feel that ok, Burton has his style but he’s never challenging himself to do something new or exciting with it.
I still haven’t seen the full length film as it doesn’t air in China until the 27th of march. 2 more weeks of waiting, but I don’t have my hopes up.
Also, I love the Alice theme, but I don’t like it when all stores go for the same thing, using the same old images over and over. It would be so much nicer if they took the concept or idea and thought about it and made their own interpretation. Like Limce crime lipstick packaging. It’s still just lipstick packaging, but it’s made to be something more and something else. Nothing stands out in this Alice hysteria.
Sorry for being so boring, but I’m really disappointed by this Alice fever. It could have been so much more..!
Stephanie Reply:
March 18, 2010 at 9:46 am
I don’t think you’re being boring. You’re probably being more honest than half of these comments which, much like you mentioned with the Alice hysteria, are pretty much all the same thing.
not to forget the shoes inspired by alice in wonderland that are totally unwearable but so extraordinarely beautiful and expensive ^^
I can’t get sick of Alice – I make my living dressed as an Alice-esque character for children’s entertainment – some of my friends called me Alice before they got used to my real name.
I get that people who have been into alice for a while get ticked off – but really when you live, breath and work fairytales things becoming popular just make accessories easier to come across (though I sew my own costumes etc I apparently dress very ‘wonderland’ too.).
One of the sweetest things my partner did for me when we were first dating was to show up at my work dressed as the mad hatter before whisking me off to a marvelous ‘drink me’ cocktail/tea party for two.
The security guards that worked that day were most confused. lol.
I think if I read another blog post about Alice in Wonderland I will scream! The film is too overexposed at this stage and is losing its magic for me.
I adore “Alice In Wonderland.” And check out this webcomic:
http://community.livejournal.com/curiousinsane/profile
It’s hilarious and cute at the same time. Two girls who are cast members at Disneyland came up with the idea, “You know, if Alice were a smidge older and if the Mad Hatter were maybe a smidge more attractive, they COULD work out.” I absolutely LOVE this webcomic!
Oh god I have seen an Alice in Wonderland porno that was made in the 70s… It was completely horrifying, but also hilarious.
“His ding-a-ling’s up!!”
I’ve been sick of the Alice in Wonderland trend before this new movie was even conceived. I can understand why people like it, it’s original, a literary cult classic. We’ve all been Alice before, down a rabbit hole and in uncomprehensible situations, but then Burton just had to come along and do to it what he did to Willy Wonka. I don’t mind Alice, but if I see anymore Wonderland-inspired anything I think I just may puke. Let’s move on to something new, people.
don’t forget, years ago gwen stefani did an amazing video that was very alice in wonderland-esque w/ the garb and characters to match… i believe the name was What You Waiting For?
Love your article Doe.
I’ve always loved Alice in Wonderland inspired/related things (assesories, clothes, make-up, housing, etc) But the more people like something, the less it attracks me.. Well, at least it will be easier to find ”Alice” inspired pieces now. And I must say that I love seing all these colors and magic/wonderland in fashion.
Can I hope for a huge comeback of the top hat now?? :3
that A Smashing Time necklace is to die for!!!
I love all of the Alice inspired fashion & beauty! Have you seen the Q-pot collection? http://www.q-pot.jp/disney/alice/post.html
I am absolutely mad for Alice in Wonderland. I have planned for a long time to name my children after characters from books, and Alice is definitely among the names I have picked. I loved this post (I’ve read it over three times already) and really enjoyed all the different mediums that people use to represent the same thing.
I LOVE Alice, this movie was awesome, and so pretty, at times it can get a bit to much, but it’s only for a season, next thing you know people are gonna go mad for something else, LOL, but this is a classic and will go on FOREVER! ❤✿❤✿ Just like OZ
An online friend of mine just finished a wonderful Alice Photoshoot! http://slatereaper.deviantart.com/gallery/
http://sato-photography.deviantart.com/art/Tea-157985257
And of course, Japan has been in love with Alice for a long time, what with their enduring Lolita street fashion and cute crafts.
Personally, I’m glad this book is getting a little extra love. I say it’s well-deserved.
Actually, last summer, before this “craze” took over, I made a dress made with Alice-inspired fabric. It’s definitely my favorite creation so far. :D http://kagitsune.deviantart.com/art/Alice-s-Playing-Cards-Dress-137658375
I picked up this hot pink hardcover with gilt edge pages at Barnes & Noble yesterday… It reminded me of you so I had to post. Plus it has all the Lewis Carroll sotries and poems and their original illustrations!
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Alices-Adventures-in-Wonderland-Other-Stories/Lewis-Carroll/e/9781435122949/?itm=3&USRI=lewis+carroll
Might I be the only soul who doesn’t like Alice?
I just saw the movie recently. One of the dresses Alice wore in the movie I absolutely loved. It was the red and black one she wore when she got to the castle. I’d love to have a dress like this!
I havn’t been able to find a picture of it unfortunately.
I don’t know if I do like Kerli personally or her songs but I know I do really adore her music videos. They are bursting of colorful details. Awesome ♥
By the way, Forever 21 is doing a Alice-in-Wonderland themed collection.
I think you’d really enjoy it, plently of bows and bright colors :D
I’ve written an article featuring a link to your cute article ♥
http://glitzerponysranch.blogspot.com/2010/03/report-all-american-gothic-lolita-oder.html
I adored the new film. I was happy that it was a touch more fantasy than sticking strictly to the books. I liked seeing a female character come into her own. There are so many films nowadays with incredibly weak female characters and I liked that Alice came to know her own mind during her search for self. I also enjoyed the somewhat more gothic-whimsey elements. I thought the film looked great. Johnny Depp was amazing too as usual. I especially liked his relationship with Alice, it was a bit paternal, it worked for me. I really do like seeing all the Wonderland themed things abounding too – it is fun even though it’s not as ahead of the trend as Japan for instance. I don’t mind. My life with wonder is…well, wonderful.
What a gorgeous list of links! If you’re interested I did an Alice In Wonderland Craft and Party Roundup.
http://www.oneprettything.com/?p=9096&c=alice-in-wonderland-craft-and-party-roundup