The Dress Shop, a delightful apparel and accessories collection created especially for Disney Parks, returns to Cherry Tree Lane in the Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs on July 27. First introduced in spring, this whimsical collection is filled with nostalgia that fans of Disney Parks will love. I recently caught up with David Soliman, area manager for merchandise presentation at Disney Springs, to learn how his team created the shop-within-a-shop at the popular accessories boutique.
“Since the collection gives a nod to mid-century style, we wanted to create a space that would feel sophisticated and unique while complementing the overall story of the Marketplace Co-Op,” explained David. “The dresses and accessories are colorful and beautiful, so we found many ways to prominently showcase them throughout the shop. The best example is the hatbox-inspired platform that greets guests at the entrance. It’s a striking visual that pulls people into the location.”
The merchandise presentation team spent several months planning and designing the overlay. Installation took about a week once display items and visual graphics were fabricated.
Mariana Martinez, a graphic designer with the Creative Services team, partnered with the team to develop a “Dress Shop” monogram that is incorporated throughout the area.
“The team wanted something subtle and elegant so I started doodling using the letters ‘D’ and ‘S’,” said Mariana. “We ended up with a lovely monogram that guests may find hidden on the product displays. It’s a funny coincidence that ‘DS’ could also represent ‘Disney Springs’ [laughs].”
Mariana also provided black and white sketches of dresses for shadowboxes used in displays. These sketches were then colored and added to a collage of items including fabric trimmings shared by the product development team, adornments, and other Disney artwork.
“[The shadowboxes] serves a simple visual item that pulls the whole program together,” continued David. “The vignettes resemble inspiration boards that a designer may have used when creating the overall collection.”
Other little details include spools of thread, antique scissors, vintage dress patterns, and a gorgeous mirror complete with the shop’s logo.
Once The Dress Shop returns, guests will find the ten original dresses inspired by the Orange Bird, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, the Haunted Mansion, and more. We are also introducing a new Cinderella-inspired dress that contains metallic embroidery.
Look for these items at Disney Springs starting July 27. Guests will also find The Dress Shop collection in Vault 28 at Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort.
