By Courtney Potter
Fashion and fandom collided in a totally magical way as guests filled the Anaheim Convention Center’s Premiere Stage earlier today for one of the most anticipated events of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—D23 Mousequerade: The Ultimate Disney Costume Contest presented by AT&T!
Fan favorite Nina West returned for the third time to host the festivities, kicking off the show with an original opening number—complete with a big dramatic entrance, dancers galore, and even a showstopping finale kick-line! Once the number was complete, West went down into the audience to introduce two special guests: D23 Fanbassador and Disney Legend Jodi Benson, and Head of D23 Michael Vargo, who helped welcome the crowd.
West then introduced our judges for the morning: Original voice of Ahsoka Tano; co-host of the podcast HypeFriend with Disney star Michael James Scott; and author of the upcoming book Lucky 22, Ashley Eckstein; vice president and global creative director for Disney Consumer Products, Bobby Kim; and wo-time Emmy®-nominated actress, writer, producer, and host Yvette Nicole Brown.
“The bar has been raised,” admitted Eckstein. Kim—a first-time Mousequerade judge—concurred, adding, “I am blown away by the talent, originality, and creativity.” “And there are so many Muppets, which makes me very happy,” exclaimed Brown (who happened to be wearing Kermit shirt and “ears” herself!).
After an explanation of the categories—including the “Audience Choice” Award (voted via QR code), brought to us by AT&T Connected Life + Google Home, as well as this year’s new category, the Innovation & Technology Award, sponsored by AT&T—and the rules from West, the contest began!
(For the uninitiated: This year’s contest included two categories, the Solo Entry and the Cast of Characters [for groups of two or more, up to eight (8) people]. Category first place winners receive a $2,300 prize each, and the second place winners receive $500; meanwhile, the Innovation & Technology winner and the “Audience Choice” Award winner each receive $500.)
And now, take a gander at the incredible category winners, as well as a few other looks from the show...
Solo Entry – Second Place Winner – “Light the Lamp, Not the Rat”: Ms. Leisure
Solo Entry – First Place Winner – “A Jest of a Carrousel Ride”: Julieanna Trinidade
Cast of Characters – First Place Winner – “The Muppet Gala”: Glimmerwood
Innovation & Technology Award – “A Jest of a Carrousel Ride”: Julieanna Trinidade
Audience Choice Award – “To Pizza and Beyond”: Charlotte Kryska and friend
