The light pink skirt is full and flowing.
Delicate butterfly appliques across the bust add a whimsical touch.
These arent just any dressestheyre gowns fit for a Disney Princess.
Because this month, Zegler stars in the live-action remake of the 1937 animated classic.
Now, she is stepping into yet another of the most beloved (and loaded) roles in history.
Loaded, becauseSnow Whiteisnt just any fairy tale.
Pierre Cardin top. To get this makeup look: Dior Rosy Glow Blush in A Cherry Red, Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss in Blue Mania, Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette in Celestial Glow, and Dior Forever Glow Maximizer Longwear Liquid Highlighter in Nude.
It set comment sections on fire.
The backlash was familiarHalle Baileys casting as Ariel inThe Little Mermaidhad already sparked a similar firestorm.
Others mocked the film with dismissive nicknames, twisting the title into racially charged wordplay.
Stella McCartney dress.
Its only her unmistakable Garden State accent that reminds me this doll-like vision wasnt crafted by a Disney Imagineer.
The intensity of this reaction isnt just aboutSnow White.
Its about where we are as a culture.
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Affirmative action has beenstruck downin US college admissions.
Books are being banned in schools and public libraries.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are being rolled back and, in many cases, wiped out.
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The debate over who gets to embody a fairy-tale princess carries a new weight right now.
If young Latinas see themselves in Snow White, its not a rewriting of history.
Its an acknowledgment of the country as it is today.
Balenciaga top and pantalegging. To create a similar makeup look: Make Up For Ever Artist Longwear Skin-fusing Powder Highlighter in Bouncy Lilac, Makeup By Mario Master Metallics Eyeshadow Palette, and Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb High-Shine Gloss Stick in Icy Amethy$t.
How did she land the job?
Zegler has had ample time to reflect on the question we both know I have to ask.
The reality is, I was given a chance because I could sing, she says without hesitation.
The reality is, I was given a chance because I could sing.
At the time of her audition,West Side Storyhadnt been released.
There was no trailer, no proof of her performancejust faith in her talent.
And, perhaps just as crucially, a glowing letter of recommendation from Steven Spielberg.
They saw something, she says.
Something they could invest in for the future.
Director Webb puts it plainly: Snow White has an optimistic, youthful grace.
Even in her darkest moments, she finds humanity and beauty in others.
I think Rachel has that in her spirit.
But for Webb, it wasnt just her performance.
It was her deep connection to Disney itself.
There are few people who are more dedicated Disney fans than Rachel.
Shes been to the parks dozens, maybe scores, of times.
She knows the Disney Princesses backward and forward.
She even knew the Hilary Duff and Miley Cyrus Disney videos I directed back in the day!
That passion translated onscreen.
Its no easy feat.
Its clear that the conversationand attackson DEI arent going away anytime soon.
Wait, youre Hispanic?
You dont look it!
Its a phrase Ive heard more times than I can count.
Theres confusion because I dont have a single ounce of Latin in my name, Zegler says.
I remember thinking, Do you want me to bring myabuelitain?
Ill bring her into the studio if you want to meet her.
Zegler expresses some bemusement at having a bunch of white executives have you prove your identity to them.
“But I love being Colombian.
And I love being Puerto Rican.
There is a fundamental misunderstanding about those of us who could be considered DEI hires.
Were not here to check a box.
Whatever were called on to do, were here to get the job done.
Ariana Grande reached out to meapropos of nothingand said, If you need anything, I am here.
Zegler has a strong circle of women supporting her.
[Actor and activist] Jameela Jamil is like a big sister to me, she says.
I love that she has no regrets about being outspoken, about being strong-willed and strong-minded.
And also by Ariana Grande.
She is so deeply kind.
Balenciaga top and pantalegging.
Despite the competitive nature of Hollywood, Zegler rejects the idea that women should see each other as rivals.
All Im ever really looking for in this business is a sister and theyre not always easy to find.
Instead, she embraces a more supportive approach.
All Im really looking for in this business is a sister.
And theyre not always easy to find.
In light of todays headlines, she feels downright terrifying.
That’s why its so important for the next generation to see movies likeSnow White, Zegler says.
It often uncovers fear, insecurity, and a lack of love.
Snow White chooses kindness and still makes change.
Power takes many forms.
I hope well see a new dawn of kindness and acceptance in the next couple of years.
And people don’t see the need to use hate to cause further division.
Zeglers words linger, thoughtful and deliberate, as if shes considering her own relationship with hope.
I ask: So who is our Snow White?
Who will save us from the Evil Queen?
I think she exists.
I genuinely think she exists in all of us.
It was right before we started shooting, which is like getting rewrites before opening night.
It’s such an interesting thing to have happened, Zegler recalls.
But the words are so powerful.
And thats a beautiful, beautiful thing.
It makes me weepy.
You are everything youve been wishing and waiting forsomeone fearless, someone fair, someone brave, someone true.
Its possible for all of us, should we choose to accept that challenge.
You see Disney Princesses cry quite often and its never looked at as a bad thing, she reflects.
We see Cinderella cry, we see Belle cry.
And the thing is, she prays for Grumpythe one person in that cottage who doesnt want her there.
And in the new retelling, that badassery is clear from the very first moments.
In Zeglers view that doesnt mean romance is off the feminist menu.
Theres nothing wrong with wanting love, says Zegler.
I want a family, but I also want to work until I die.
I love telling stories.
Thats how life happens.
Youre never looking for it, and then all of a sudden, its there.
She pauses, then smiles.
you’re free to have it all.
Because you are everything youve been wishing and waiting for.
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