Houston and Brandy’s song “Impossible” is the standout song of the film, mixing Brandy’s sweet vocals paired with Houston’s signature powerhouse sound. But even the smaller performances here are just as iconic, with Broadway legend Peters nailing the evil stepmother and Goldberg as Queen Constantina. What more could you want in a movie?
And then there’s the masterful costuming, which holds up more than two decades later. Costume designer Ellen Mirojnick, who managed to create marvelous designs on a shoestring budget. “We did not have a huge amount of money and we had a finite amount of time,” Mirojnick said in 2017. “Nothing could be wasted. It was a very economical production.” A look that lives on in my head is the one worn by Houston—a glittery, golden gown with crystal embellishment and a dramatic cape that she flings around with ease. It’s a look worthy of a true diva.
No Cinderella film would be complete without a blue, off-the-shoulder gown and matching opera gloves. Brandy shone in the dress, which nodded to the 1950 animated film. “I remember when she came in and tried it on for the first time, and it was heaven before me. I remember her swirling around, like you’d imagine Cinderella would. It was just a magic moment,” Mirojnick said of the design.
Another spellbinding detail about the movie’s fashions? The story behind Goldberg’s ensemble as Queen Constantina. We see her in ornate, velvety gowns—but it’s her fine jewelry that truly takes the cake. Many of the pieces are actually by Harry Winston that Goldberg herself specifically requested, and they’re worth a fortune, says Mirojnick: “Whoopi said, ‘No, my jewelry needs to be real. Here’s the person to talk to, go to Harry Winston, pick out everything that you want.’ ” If you have yet to see this fan-favorite, then, do yourself a favor and clear your schedule this Friday: The cast, music, and exuberant fashion are worth an instant watch.
How to Watch: Stream on Disney+
When you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Discussion about this post