There is something deliciously cartoonish about ELLE cover star Katy Perry. There’s the beauty: generous, sooty lashes framing impossibly big, blue eyes. The hair: a perfect bouffant of raven waves. The superhuman body: waspish waist and chiselled thighs. And, of course, the stage outfits: showgirl sequins, feathers and tassels, and a blaze of spectacular pyrotechnics. In celebration of Katy’s more-is-more style and fearless spirit – and the fact that she credits Minnie Mouse as a style muse – ELLE gives you the most fashionable female
Jessica Rabbit
Who can deny the influence of Jessica Rabbit on the red carpet? Surely the most smouldering of all cartoon characters, this vampy chanteuse deals in high-octane glamour; her enviable curves poured into an outrageously sexy, split-to-the-thigh dress. Screen siren waves, long gloves and sleek stilettos complete the look.
Betty Boop
Her kiss curls, sweetheart neckline dress and big watery eyes put her in the league of a silent movie star. Breaking ground in the 1930s as the first sexualised female cartoon character, her style and independent spirit recalls the free-spirited flappers of the Jazz Age.
Ariel, The Little Mermaid
Oh to look as beautiful as Ariel under the sea! The shell bikini, the hair – that tail! Sadly, for us non-amphibious creatures, our underwater adventures typically involve an unflattering wetsuit and bedraggled tresses, but if we could be a mermaid, just for a day, we’d be Disney's Ariel, please.
Wonder Woman
Immortalised on-screen by Lynda Carter in the 1970s, the original DC Comics heroine is instantly recognisable. Her outfit is ripe for fancy dress: a racy, gold-trimmed bustier, high-waisted pants, and those key accessories: gold headband and cuffs, red cape, and rope lasso. Not forgetting that characteristic mane of superhero hair: surely the inspiration for Katy Perry’s blue wig and love of hair dye.
Belle, Beauty and the Beast
Belle is the ultimate Disney princess, and not just because she’s a brunette. She chooses brain over brawn, and still ends up with a good-looking prince, and she gets to wear a Vera Wang-esque ballgown – the stuff of fantasy wedding dress dreams.
Jane Jetson
A space age update to Wilma Flintstone, not-so-plain-Jane is never seen without her voluminous bob, sculptural dress and perfectly painted-on pout. A fashion-loving 'toon, she loves shopping and is forever adding to her collection of shiny new gadgets.
Sailor Moon
This anime heroine - pictured centre, with blonde pigtails - is a magical warrior who uses her special powers to fight evil. Her name and outfit is inspired by a style of girls' school uniform popular in Japan. Since she first surfaced in the early nineties she has remained one of the defining female manga characters and is a recurring style reference for Harajuku girls.
Daria
Aside from the clunky army boots, dark, pleated skirt and oversized jacket, there is something about Daria’s coolly aloof attitude that epitomises the anti-hero spirit of Hedi Slimane’s grunge revivalists. The opposite of try-hard, Daria’s appeal lies in her quick-fire wit, biting sarcasm and scathing remarks: a neat foil to her Beavis and Butt-head counterparts.
Daphne, Scooby Doo
Like a Carnaby Street throwback, Daphne’s style is rooted in the 1960s. The fashion-loving sleuth sticks to her failsafe ensemble of a long-sleeved purple mini dress, complete with green neckerchief, Alice band and pointy shoes.
Minnie Mouse
She’s been around since the 1920s, but her iconic look has endured. Cited by Katy Perry as one of her many style muses, Minnie Mouse has also been a source of inspiration to fashion designers; the ear silhouette in particular, a recurring motif on Alice bands and hats. Complete with a bow in the hair for true tongue-in-cheek Minnie style.
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