Yara Shahidi gave us magical transformations while doing the promotional circuit for the new Disney+ film Peter Pan & Wendy, where she plays the first black Tinker Bell.
As told to People magazine, Yara recounted how she asked a thoughtful question to writer-director David Lowery before signing on to the project: “What do we want to accomplish with this remake of something that’s been done and is so beloved?”
The answer was something that brought her satisfaction and excitement. “The entire Disney team was committed to doing more than just swapping out ethnicities. It’s about telling a story that feels reflective of the times that we’re in.”
Yara Shahidi as Tinker Bell in the fantasy adventure film Peter Pan & Wendy (Credit: Disney+)
As for her version of the beloved pixie Tinker Bell, she said: “My take on Tinker Bell nods towards the classic feistiness that we love about her, that kind of overly expressive nature.”
She had to hold “180 different facial positions to help create the tiny, mostly voiceless character’s many expressions.”
The thoughtful scholar also mused about the importance of “light-hearted creativity” in taking on the role. “I think being Black and Brown actors, oftentimes our worlds and our work worlds are so serious. There can be a pressure to always be making a statement in everything you do.”
“While I can argue that there’s something really powerful about having a Black Tinker Bell, to be able to have a role where the job was fantasy was really an escape as an actor,” she added. “It reminded me how much I enjoy the creativity of my job.”
The 23-year-old actress showcased her creativity by going from one look to another with grace and aplomb as she continued to promote her latest project.
1. Magical in Alexander McQueen
At the world premiere of Peter Pan & Wendy in London, Yara gave the nod to Tinker Bell in a yellow Alexander McQueen dress with all-over bugle-bead embroidery.
She styled it with matching yellow pin-heel boots from the brand and long cornrows that showed off her stunning face.
Yara Shahidi making us think happy thoughts in a nod to Tinker Bell with a yellow Alexander McQueen dress embroidered with bugle beads at the world premiere of Peter Pan & Wendy in London, England on April 20, 2023 (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
2 Effortlessly Chic in Jacquemus and Christian Louboutin
From magical yellow to angelic white, Yara Shahidi made a guest appearance at Good Morning America in a look from the Jacquemus Spring 2023 collection.
Yara Shahidi wearing a Jacquemus La Veste Tibau linen blazer from the Spring 2023 collection outside the Good Morning America studios in New York City on April 24, 2023 (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
She wore an embroidered double-breasted La Veste Tibau Brodée blazer jacket with boxy shoulders, notched lapels, a cinched and draped waist, and lace detailing with metallic beads. You can buy it on Farfetch for $2,395.
Under the jacket is a La Robe Raphia fringed midi dress from Jacquemus ($1,975 at Mytheresa), which features spaghetti straps and a playful fringed hem.
She finished her outfit with Cartier gold earrings, and the classic Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps in nude.
Yara Shahidi wore Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps in nude to finish off her chic look (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
3. Retro ‘90s Vibes in Eb Denim and Christian Louboutin
From effortlessly chic to effortlessly cool, Yara Shahidi opted for triple denim as she stopped by the SiriusXM studios for a guest stint.
She wore the Eb Denim collared Max jacket ($320 at FWRD), which featured a cropped length and a front zip closure.
Yara wore it with the Eb Denim Rainy corset ($320 at FWRD) and the Eb Denim Outpost baggy pants ($340 at FWRD), which feature a classic five-pocket design and deep side slip pockets with exposed lining.
She wore the same Cartier gold earrings and nude So Kate pumps from Christian Louboutin to add glam to her look.
She posted a quick-change video on Instagram, showing off her Jacquemus fringed midi dress and triple denim look.
4. Class and Sass in Acler and Paris Texas
Not over her denim moment yet, Yara Shahidi stopped by for an appearance at Live with Kelly and Mark in the Taren denim mini dress from Acler ($420 at Farfetch).
It features a classic collar, a sleeveless design, and a front button fastening.
Yara Shahidi arriving at the Live with Kelly and Mark studios in New York City on April 25, 2023 (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
She styled it with Cartier jewelry and Paris Texas croc-embossed leather tall boots from Paris Texas ($790 at Luisaviaroma).
These boots feature a brown croc-embossed leather construction, a pointy-toe silhouette, and covered block heels.
Yara Shahidi wearing Paris Texas croc-embossed leather tall boots, bringing a dose of cool edge to her denim moment (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
5. Modern Elegance in Bottega Veneta
Finally, Yara Shahidi attended the New York special screening of Peter Pan & Wendy in a dove gray Bottega Veneta Pre-Fall 2023 dress, which served up modern edge and contemporary elegance instead of the expected Disney Princess moment for this press tour.
The dress features a sleeveless design, a twisted-knot front, and flirty cut-out detailing on the chest.
She rounded out her look with a chic updo, silver eye makeup, and matching silver Comet boots from Bottega Veneta (available in gold at $4,500 at Neiman Marcus). These boots feature a woven mirrored calf leather construction, a pull-on style, side zip closure, square toes, and wedge heels.
Stylist Jason Bolden showcased Yara Shahidi’s look in a video posted on Instagram while Al Green’s Love and Happiness plays in the background.
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How do you like Yara Shahidi’s press tour outfits? Do you have a personal favorite among them?