From being cast as “Ariel” in the highly-anticipated live-action rendition of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”, to being one of Gucci’s poster girls, Halle Bailey is well on her way to mega-stardom. The 23-year-old singer and actress has wowed the world with her angelic voice, as well as her ethereal blue carpet looks.
Halle’s Disney princess influence has unearthed renewed interest in an ocean-inspired aesthetic called mermaidcore.
Once a niche subculture of style, mermaidcore is all about emulating mythical sea creatures with clothing, makeup, and hair. Think shiny embellishments, prints, and shimmering fabrics in shades of blue, green, and purple. Mermaidcore is usually coordinated with an aqua-inspired shade of eyeshadow topped with glitter that doubles as highlighter.
To embrace this wavy trend, we have compiled some of our favourite mermaidcore gowns adorned by Halle. Yes, all the looks are nostalgic for Ariel’s oceanic escapes.
Halle Bailey blended the aquatic influence of “The Little Mermaid” with classic Hollywood glamour for her premiere look for the Disney film in Los Angeles. The actress stepped out in a stunning silver-blue Valdrin Sahiti column gown with shell detailing on the bodice. Halle wore her hair down and naturally chose a glittery blue eyeshadow to make the look pop, with her statement silver stud earrings adding extra sparkle. The mermaid dress boasted a metallic finish with a modish corset. It was reminiscent of Ariel’s much-loved splash-out-of-the-water scenes but in gown form.
At the U.K. premiere, the “Do It” hit-maker stunned in a white custom-made gown by womenswear designer, Miss Sohee. The artsy piece included a bedazzled halter neck, sheer mesh panelling across the plunging neckline and back, shell-themed ruffled tulle trim along the bustier, and dazzling silver sequins embellished in the shape of petals across the waist, sides, and train. Halle coordinated the look with a silver beaded headpiece and finished off the look with a pair of diamond-and-pearl drop earrings, silver heels, and a metallic teal manicure and pedicure.
For her “American Idol” performance of The Little Mermaid’s popular song, “Part Of Your World,” Bailey displayed another example of method dressing by wearing a custom Michael Fausto gown. The silhouette of the look was directly inspired by the waves that crash behind Ariel as she sings on the rocks in the scene where the song is performed.
At the movie’s premiere in Mexico, Halle wowed in a whimsical Georges Chakra gown that nailed the mermaid aesthetic perfectly. The sheer halter dress comprised a plunging neckline trimmed with sparkly pearls, an open back, and a sash down one side that fell into a floor-sweeping skirt that featured a netted motif. Silver strappy heels and diamond pearl drop earrings accessorised her outfit, while Bailey’s long box braids were swept back into a low ponytail with a side part. Giving us peak mermaidcore, a shimmery eyeshadow, glossy pink lips, and a deep sea-blue manicure embellished with rhinestones and pearls completed her glam.
Channelling her inner “Ariel”, Halle arrived wearing a form-fitting white dress by Gucci at this year’s Met Gala. The gorgeous gown featured a sheer underlay that was decorated with lace sequin embroidery throughout. To further elevate the moment, the Grammy-nominated singer kept a dramatic ruffled coat draped on her arms.