Alice in Wonderland

If there is a more enchanting story than Alice in Wonderland, especially for the fashion community at large, we dare you to prove it. The Lewis Carroll-penned fantasy's wildly original world and iconic charactersincluding a perpetually tardy, pocket watch-wearing White Rabbit, a hookah-smoking Caterpillar, and a shouty Queen of Hearts who's obsessed with the color redis so over-the-top outrageous, it's no wonder this trippy adventure resonates so deeply with designers. Simply put: the colorful epic epitomizes dramatic creativity at its very finest. And while Alice's influence is always present (who could forget Grace Coddington and Annie Leibovitz's breathtaking interpretation with Natalia Vodianova in the December 2003 issue of Vogue?), this season everyone is focusing on this fabulous tale anew, thanks to the impending release of Tim Burton's take on the iconic tale in Disney's Alice in Wonderland.


As our Twitter followers and Who What Wear book readers know, we are tremendous fans of both Burton and Alice alike. Naturally we're over the moon about the moviecoming to a theater near you on Friday, March 5thespecially since it stars luminaries like Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, and (our favorite) Alan Rickman as the voice of the Caterpillar. Also adding to our excitement: the numerous notable S/S 10 collections that clearly draw inspiration for the film! There were loads of runway examples this season, ranging from the down-the-rabbit-hole optical prints at Versace to the Alice-blue dresses and bow headbands at Luella. Even the White Rabbit's signature style was represented at Vivienne Westwood via hypnotic crimson hair, pale powdered faces, and madcap styling! With these memorable runway shows and cinematic muses in mind, we curated a collection of wearable pieces that pay homage to the Wonderland world. In our humble opinion, it's one of our best Currently Channeling stories yet (certainly our favorite); we hope you agree and enjoy all of our Alice picks!

Urban Outfitters Long Chain Pocket Watch Necklace ($28)
Much like the White Rabbit, we never want to be late for very important datesor anything, really!which is why we had to include this darling and timely piece of jewelry. The vintage-style Pocket Watch Necklace is practical, pretty, and perfect for today's subject matter. Plus, it comes with an ultra-affordable price tag, making it a must-buy for Alice aficionados everywhere!

OPI Alice in Wonderland Collection Nail Polish ($15) in Mad as a Hatter
Lots of beauty brands created Alice-inspired products for spring, but be sure to check out OPI's four-polish collection. This limited-edition quartet is divine, no doubt, especially Mad As A Hattera wildly lovely black-multi glitter shade. Though it appears a little purple in the bottle, it looks quite metallic in practice and makes for a very festive pedicure.

See by Chloe Silk Blend Dress ($390)
Even if you're not a huge fan of this acid-trip tale, we're pretty confident that you're going to adore this marvelous dress from See By Chloe. The cornflower blue silk is simply spot-on and the simple details (accordion pleating on the sleeves, tonal buttons at the waist) are girly but still grown up.

Forever 21's Favorite Satin Bow Headband ($2)
While not every imagining of the Wonderland world involves a headband-wearing Alice, we have always loved that aspect of her wardrobe. Forever 21's incredibly inexpensive bow band offers a budget-friendly way to channel today's heroine, so if you end up splurging on multiple colorsit's also available in pink, red, and tealdon't feel guilty!

Tabitha Simmons Becca Wedges ($795)
One of the things we like best about the Alice story is its emphasis on imagination. Stylist-turned-shoe designer Tabitha Simmons seems to share this guiding principle, as her recently launched collection includes some of the most delightfully inventive heels we've seen in ages. Take her Becca Wedges, for example: they're a chic alternative to the typical mary-jane styles associated with Ms. Alice and, so well-appointed that they're certainly worth the investment!

Fred Flare's Antique Keyhole Ring ($10)
Our obsession with today's subject started when we were just tiny, thanks to 1985's wacky made-for-TV iteration of Alice in Wonderland. (Does anyone else remember it? You simply must see it!) We always adored the parts when Alice found thingscakes, tiny bottles, keysthat helped her transform sizes. This little keyhole ring offers a hint of that fantasy and subtly references the movie's many mysteries. Additionally, it's just so cute!

Moschino Cheap and Chic Lurex-Knit Heart Dress ($525)
Naturally the film-to-fashion translation doesn't have to be exact; a more nuanced approach is always acceptable too! So for all of you Red Queen fans out there, we found this black and gold knit mini dress. It isn't exactly understatedhello, pink heart!it doesn't look like a costume, to be sure.

Tom Binns Thorny Heart Earrings ($66)
As outrageously huge Tom Binns' fans, we were torn about which piece from his AIW collection to include in today's story. The dainty Tea Party Pendant Necklace ($66)? What about the statement Multi-Layered Queen of Hearts Necklace ($178) perhaps? Or maybe readers would want to see the Mad Hatter Wrap Bracelet ($178)? After much debate, we finally settled on the small, sharply stylish Thorny Heart Earrings. The 3D red resin hearts have oxidized silver-plated thorns and crystal detail, which means they're sure to enliven any outfit.

ASOS Leather Bow Detail Gloves ($26)
Our final piece in today's Currently Channeling is just the sort of antiquated item that would please director Tim Burton: white leather gloves. Detailed with a tiny amount of ruching and two small bows, this pair of wrist-length gloves is just the sort of unusual accessory that can take a look from so-so to standout. The White Rabbit would totally approve...