Women regress into childhood with current beauty lines

(courtesy of Sanrio)

MAC is launching a Disney-themed collection this fall amid a growing trend of beauty brands drawing on women's childhood icons for inspiration.

Due out in September, the cosmetics label's range will sell under the name of Venomous Villains, bringing to mind the likes of Magica de Spell, Cruella de Vil, or Ariel's Ursula who will most likely make for reds and purples for the upcoming fall season.

It is not the first time that grown women are reminded of their childhood tales in the name of fashion and beauty. Just last month, Spanish Elle turned some of the most famous designers into Disney characters (Goofy played Karl Lagerfeld, Daisy met the photographers as Donatella Versace, and Donald paraded down the runway embodying John Galliano), Uniqlo released a Mickey-themed collection, and French model and actress Lou Doillon will soon be showing a photo exhibition inspired by Disneyland outside Paris.

But the cartoon trend doesn't stop here: for the premiere of Shrek Forever After, nail polish brand O.P.I presented a lacquer range of ogre-worthy yellows and greens, and VMan magazine ran a fashion spread shot by Ellen von Unwerth starring the movie's characters.

O.P.I also collaborated with the makers of Alice in Wonderland, Tim Burton's latest movie that caused a real frenzy in the fashion world: shop windows were turned into magical forests, designers launched whimsical jewelry lines, and campaigns as well as runway shows and fashion week parties were clearly inspired by the film. It all made for great eye candy, but some might say it's bizarre for adults to continually escape into the world of talking rabbits and grinning cats.

It is the same generation that still can't let go of Hello Kitty (the Japanese uber-cat's popularity is fading among younger girls) - Lady Gaga featured in an epic photo shoot for the character's 35th birthday last year - or buys limited-edition Louboutin Barbies. Women potentially perceive these toy substitutes as a playful way of fleeing a harsh routine, especially during the crisis, constituting the alternative approach to the 'body armor' and 'power silhouettes' presented by many designers in the face of the recession. It will be interesting to see where they'll meet when the economy is on the up again.