India, Nov. 18 -- Mickey Mouse is undoubtedly a global fashion icon and designers from around the world have taken inspiration from this cute cartoon character with big eyes, white gloves, and a pert little nose. The American cartoon character, which was co-created on November 18, 1928, by Walt Disney and Ub lwerks, got a makeover in 1935 by animator Fred Moore. In the 1980s, designers like Vivienne Westwood began reinterpreting the icons of Mickey and Minnie on clothing which brought a touch of punk edge and irony to the innocent imagery. "Mickey Mouse is more than just a character; he is a symbol of nostalgia, youth culture, and playful rebellion, making him an irresistible collaborator for the fashion industry," opines stylist Isha Bhansali. Many of the world's most influential fashion designers have paid tribute to Mickey Mouse, reinterpreting his image in innovative and often unexpected ways. In 2024, Sabyasachi, who called this character his childhood companion, created Namaste Mickey, a collaboration with Disney, inspired by India's miniature paintings and heritage crafts. In the artwork, Mickey was portrayed in Indian traditional attire and jewellery, against the backdrop of the iconic Taj Mahal. Indian designer Kanika Goyal gave Mickey Mouse a sci-fi streetwear makeover in her Mickey Mouse-inspired collection recently. "We wanted to see Mickey not just as a beloved character from our childhood, but as someone who could live naturally within an Indian visual world. So, we placed him in a landscape shaped by our colours, motifs, and textures... Bringing Mickey into the wardrobe meant allowing him to feel like a part of our narrative rather than a graphic placed on top," she says. Businesswoman and philanthropist Nita Ambani owns a majestic emerald drop necklace in the shape of this iconic cartoon character, which she wore for her son Anant Ambani's Mameru celebration. Her daughter, Isha, too sported it during the inauguration of NMACC. Furthermore, the mouse's image is continually being reshaped through collaborations with streetwear powerhouses (like Supreme, Kith, and BAPE) and mainstream brands (like Zara and H&M). This keeps the icon fresh, ensuring his relevance across all demographics, from Boomers who grew up with his earliest cartoons to Gen Z discovering his vintage charm. If you wish to incorporate this iconic character in your wardrobe, look for items that only feature the classic three-circle Mickey head silhouette. A statement Mickey bag can be a cool pick. You can also opt for Mickey-inspired jewellery....