From our friend Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager and posted on the Disney Parks Blog.
I’ve seen many items and art designs during my 11 years with Disney Theme Park Merchandise. During that time, there have been a few outstanding items that have caught my attention (I’m looking at you,Disney Centerpiece). Today, I’m happy to share what I think is my favorite art program we’ve ever introduced to Disney Parks – Holidays for Your Home. This nostalgic line of holiday decorative items includes ornaments, pillows, home goods and more. I caught up with the merchandise development team to learn more about the inspiration behind the designs.
“We’ve been working on this new program for about 18 months,” explained Roger Dressen, merchandiser for seasonal products. “The designs were inspired by a few things from the 1960s, including handcrafted holiday cards sent by the Walt Disney Studios and classic holiday television programming. Lately, we’ve seen a resurgence of mid-century styles in many aspects of design. I grew up in the late 1960s and early 1970s, so Holidays for Your Home is a return to the holidays of my childhood.”
To create this new art program, Disney Design Group artists, Mike Sullivan and Natalie Kennedy, used a color palette that would simultaneously feel both modern and nostalgic. Packaging and product designs contain certain colors that give items the appearance of being vintage without looking old. Finally, the use of textures and patterns give many items a handcrafted look.
“One of my favorite items is the woven stocking that was meticulously crafted in North Carolina,” continued Roger. “I also love the glassware box which uses the vintage Disneyland and Walt Disney World logos. The whole design of the box makes the package a keepsake in its own right.”
The art team included Disney characters as they would have appeared in the 1960s in many of the designs.
“We wanted to capture that retro style, while still making sure that guests could immediately recognize Mickey Mouse,” explained Mike Sullivan, Senior Character Artist with Disney Design Group.
Guests will find Holidays For Your Home items in select merchandise locations at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.
You may also find select products on the Disney Parks online store – DisneyParks.com/Holiday.
I hope you have a swell holiday season this year!
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