Why Rachel Zegler’s Snow White dress looks different than the classic 1937 film

Snow White is here and getting attention for all the wrong reasons. While the internet can’t stop talking about Rachel Zegler in the role, another leading lady is stealing the spotlight—her iconic blue and yellow dress. And before you ask, no, it’s not the same as the 1937 animated version.

Legendary costume designer Sandy Powell, a three-time Oscar winner (casual), was tasked with reimagining the world’s most famous princess look. And she served. The dress still has the classic color scheme, but Powell made some subtle (and not-so-subtle) changes to make it more period-accurate and, well, a little more grown-up.

So, what’s different?

For starters, Snow White’s signature puffed sleeves are still there, but the red accents have been toned down. Powell also ditched the iconic red headband pretty early in the film because, in her words, it’s too childlike. Instead, she wanted Snow to have a more mature, medieval-inspired look, because let’s not forget—this girl is basically fighting for her life the entire movie.

The entire outfit is made almost entirely of silk, with layers of yellow skirt fabric specifically dyed to get the perfect shade. And in case you were wondering (because of course you were), Rachel Zegler was obsessed with the dress. “She felt like a princess,” Powell confirmed.

The Evil Queen has a whole different vibe

If you thought Gal Gadot’s Evil Queen was serving lewks, you’d be correct. Powell took inspiration from the 1930s Golden Age of Hollywood (think old-school glamour, bias-cut dresses, and heavy embellishments). The villain’s wardrobe starts in dark greens before transitioning to deep blues, blacks, and purples—because obviously, villains always have the best outfits.

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One dress, a dramatic purple sequined number with a black velvet cloak, took 159 days to make. Gadot, being the absolute queen she is, kept joking that she wanted to wear it on the red carpet. And honestly? She should.

Powell kept the Snow White costumes rooted in tradition but made them feel fresher, darker, and way more high fashion. So, if you notice a few changes from the animated classic, just know they were very much intentional.

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