I've tried to march in the Slayer Pride Parade ...

Joyce ,'Same Time, Same Place'


Natter 65: Speed Limit Enforced by Aircraft  

Off-topic discussion. Wanna talk about corsets, pandas, duct tape, or physics? This is the place. Detailed discussion of any current-season TV must be whitefonted.


Sparky1 - Feb 19, 2010 11:09:52 am PST #9453 of 30001
Librarian Warlord

The rest of the WSJ article:

Disney, the company that created "the happiest place on earth" and cornered the market on pink, is embracing a darker aesthetic as it reaches out to an unlikely audience for new merchandise: female "goths."

In the run-up to the March 5 opening of director Tim Burton's movie "Alice in Wonderland," Walt Disney Co.'s Click for Enhanced Coverage Linking Searchesconsumer-products division is aiming its marketing firepower at young women and teenage girls, particularly those who gravitate to darkly romantic entertainment like the "Twilight" series.

The soundtrack album features goth icon Robert Smith, lead singer of the Cure, performing a song from Disney's Click for Enhanced Coverage Linking Searches1951 "Alice in Wonderland."

While the movie itself is aimed at a much wider audience, ground zero of the marketing effort is Hot Topic Inc., Click for Enhanced Coverage Linking Searchesa mall-based retail chain that is a shopping destination for 12-to-22-year-old goths, whose favorite color tends to be black, whether for clothes or makeup.

Disney has licensed an extensive line of clothing and accessories to Hot Topic's 680 locations. The selection includes a black shackle bracelet for $10.

The approach represents a twist on Disney's Click for Enhanced Coverage Linking Searchessuccessful strategy of turning its "princess" movies into merchandizing juggernauts. What's distinctive about the new initiative is the target audience. Disney Consumer Products Click for Enhanced Coverage Linking SearchesChairman Andy Mooney says the buyers of "Alice" merchandise are "definitely more 18 to 34 than our traditional 6 to 11."

Some of the prices are more grown-up, too. Designer Stella McCartney will have jewelry inspired by the movie in her boutiques and items designed by Tom Binns will be for sale at Macy's and specialty stores. Mr. Binns's "Smashing Time" tea party necklace comprising dozens of tiny ceramic cups and teapots is listed at $1,000.

Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and other department stores are to carry a line of Victorian-style frocks by Los Angeles designer Sue Wong, with price tags as high as $600.

Hot Topic has redesigned the interior of one Los Angeles store as a miniature Wonderland, replete with oversized toadstools and rabbit hole-style entryway from the third level of the Hollywood & Highland mall.

Other locations are using window decals and displays of T-shirts, hats and jewelry inspired by the Cheshire Cat, the Red Queen and other characters. The chain rolled out its "Alice" displays just after Thanksgiving, taking over prime display real estate previously held by promotional merchandise for "The Twilight Saga: New Moon."

In lieu of a U.S. premiere for industry insiders, Disney and Hot Topic plan to host a massive event Friday at the Hollywood mall where several cast members -- including Johnny Depp, who plays the Mad Hatter -- are slated to mingle with fans. Several goth-pop bands from the soundtrack are to perform.

In targeting such a wide range of price points, the "Alice" campaign is expanding a tactic developed for the high-end "Disney Couture" and "Disney Signature" lines. Several years ago, the company licensed Mickey Mouse to Dolce & Gabbana for a line of high-end T-shirts that were sold in fashion-forward stores like Colette in Paris. Mass-market retailers such as Carrefour carried lower-priced versions.

Disney doesn't expect "Alice" to become a machine on a par with the "Toy Story" franchise, which has generated $8 billion in merchandise sales to date.

Nonetheless, marketing to goths might not be as much of a stretch for Disney as it seems at first blush. The company has a perennial business selling merchandise associated with "The Nightmare Before Christmas," the dark-hued 1993 animated film written by Mr. Burton.

Disney has hopes that "Alice" will inspire similar repeat business in the springtime.

"If higher-end designers are on it," says Mr. Mooney, "the chances are that the aesthetic will live on for a (continued...)


Sparky1 - Feb 19, 2010 11:09:53 am PST #9454 of 30001
Librarian Warlord

( continues...) couple years."

Still, Mr. Mooney is circumspect, acknowledging that even die-hard adult Disney fans can be "fashion fickle."


Daisy Jane - Feb 19, 2010 11:12:57 am PST #9455 of 30001
"This bar smells like kerosene and stripper tears."

I am pretty sure I was told not to. In fact, I remember Jon bringing me hot water in bowls so I could sponge bath.

I haven't checked Beep Me. But from the context here, I think JZ is right.


brenda m - Feb 19, 2010 11:15:31 am PST #9456 of 30001
If you're going through hell/keep on going/don't slow down/keep your fear from showing/you might be gone/'fore the devil even knows you're there

Jessica, glad to hear from you and that there are others more knowledgable with advice.

Designer Stella McCartney will have jewelry inspired by the movie in her boutiques and items designed by Tom Binns will be for sale at Macy's and specialty stores. Mr. Binns's "Smashing Time" tea party necklace comprising dozens of tiny ceramic cups and teapots is listed at $1,000

That's a lot of money for something I'm going to have to apply all my willpower not to, you know, smash.


Daisy Jane - Feb 19, 2010 11:17:10 am PST #9457 of 30001
"This bar smells like kerosene and stripper tears."

After reading Beep Me, I'm less sure. I didn't have either a D&C or a D&E because I was mostly delivered (they would have done one if they hadn't been able to fully deliver). I do remember not being able to bathe for a while though, and like I said, Jon basically giving me sponge baths.


Atropa - Feb 19, 2010 11:30:13 am PST #9458 of 30001
The artist formerly associated with cupcakes.

Does Jilli read the Wall Street Journal?

No, but the StuntHusband sent me the article.

Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and other department stores are to carry a line of Victorian-style frocks by Los Angeles designer Sue Wong, with price tags as high as $600.

I have seen some of the sketches for these. I am not impressed. My vision of "Victorian-style" is vastly different then theirs, I guess. But hey! Mad Tea Party -themed jewelry! I'm all in favor of that.


beth b - Feb 19, 2010 11:44:49 am PST #9459 of 30001
oh joy! Oh Rapture ! I have a brain!

I have megan's tarragon chicken in the crock pot -- it smells Insane!


megan walker - Feb 19, 2010 11:53:02 am PST #9460 of 30001
"What kind of magical sunshine and lollipop world do you live in? Because you need to be medicated."-SFist

But good insane, right? Right?


Burrell - Feb 19, 2010 11:56:33 am PST #9461 of 30001
Why did Darth Vader cross the road? To get to the Dark Side!

Hi Jessica. We are all holding you in our thoughts here.


beth b - Feb 19, 2010 11:56:40 am PST #9462 of 30001
oh joy! Oh Rapture ! I have a brain!

Good insan, for sure.