Moana Inspired Dress For Auli'i Cravalho | Disney Style

Editorial Summary

Fashion designer Kitty Nathan presents the first fitting of a premiere dress created for Auli'i Cravalho, the voice of Disney's Moana. Nathan, based in New Zealand, draws inspiration from her Maori background, incorporating traditional weaving and wood carving into her work. The design process involved close collaboration with the film's producer and Cravalho herself. The gown features significant cultural symbolism, including the use of pounamu, a precious stone from the South Island of New Zealand, which represents authority and determination. The dress incorporates various Polynesian design elements and specific motifs that correlate with the visual art seen in the movie. These include the ti leaf design to symbolize hospitality, a central star motif representing birth, and weaving patterns that signify the intertwining of the film crew. The construction required specific technical methods to ensure the woven elements fit the garment's shape and provided finished edging. Cravalho expresses her excitement during the fitting, noting that the dress incorporates elements seen in the character of Moana.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.