Celebrating A Century
Disney launch Create 100 with a Virgil Abloh-inspired Mickey Mouse
As Disney turns 100 this year, a global celebration of creativity is underway to mark a century of spellbinding storytelling. Launching Create 100, the American institution has invited world-renowned creative visionaries across fashion, film, music and art, including the likes of Beyoncé, Tommy Hilfiger and Swarovski to donate a unique item inspired by their personal connection to Disney’s inimitable stories and characters. Commemorating the launch with a $1 million donation to children’s charity Make-A-Wish, all following sales from auctions will follow suit.
Kicking off proceedings, Virgil Abloh Securities have unveiled a six-foot structural sculpture of Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey from Disney’s Fantasia at London’s Royal College of Art. Designed by ALASKA ALASKA, the multicoloured structure honours the everlasting legacy of Virgil Abloh as the piece reimagines the late designer’s original illustration of Mickey Mouse penned in 2018 in celebration of the character’s 90th birthday. On display at the RCA over the course of the summer, Abloh’s close connection to the academy was recently cemented with a scholarship announced in his name to support talented Black British students.
COO of Virgil Abloh Securities, Athi Selvendran said; “Virgil was always inspired by Disney characters and their unique stories, so when given the opportunity to honour his legacy through Disney’s Create 100 initiative, we thought it was the perfect fit. We wanted to bring a piece of artwork that was originally created by Virgil himself into the world through innovative metalwork and craftsmanship, allowing Disney fans and future creatives to engage with the sculpture and be inspired by all that it represents. Seeing it come to life this way was such a unique experience and seeing how far it has come since its inception further proves that Disney is magic.”
Elsewhere, as part of the initiative, artist Favour Jonathan has crafted a metal sculpture of Dr Facilier from The Princess and the Frog and Swarovski have created Cinderella’s iconic slipper from solid Aurora Borealis crystal – taking a team of eight technicians 150 hours to make.