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ABC News
ABC News
National
By Sowaibah Hanifie

Minnie Mouse swaps dress for pant suit designed by Stella McCartney, but not everyone's a fan

Disneyland Paris tweeted a photo of Minnie Mouse's new look, with the popular character no longer wearing a red polkadot dress. (Supplied: DisneyParis_EN)

Disneyland Paris has released a drawing of Minnie Mouse's new outfit, swapping her iconic red polka dot dress for a pant suit designed by British designer Stella McCartney. 

On social media, the brand said the outfit reveal was in celebration of Women's History Month. 

"This has been a long time coming," designer Stella McCartney wrote on Instagram.

"I am proud to have designed Minnie Mouse's very first custom pant suit at Disneyland Paris, using responsibly sourced fabrics, making her a symbol of progress and empowerment for a new generation."  

But not everyone has put Minnie on the best-dressed list. 

Conservative right-wing Political activist Candace Owens said in an interview with Fox News the change was "trying to destroy fabrics of our society".

"All of us were traumatised when we saw Minnie Mouse and she was looking like a female as we were growing up," Ms Owens said sarcastically.

"They are taking all of these things that no one was offended by and feel like they have to get rid of them." 

On social media, some approved of the outfit, including former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who has been photographed wearing a similar pant suit. 

Fans pointed out that Minnie Mouse had gone through a number of costume changes over the character's history, including a sailor suit with pants when Disney Cruise Line announced in 2019 Minnie was to take the helm as captain.

Meanwhile, others criticised Disney's decision to "de-feminise" the character or didn't like the choice of clothing design.

Disney has made an effort to further diversify its cast and films over the past few years, most recently announcing a remake of Snow White that will include a Latino actress as the lead. 

Last week, M&M's also revealed a more diverse range of chocolate characters as part of its commitment to inclusivity. 

The green M&M's signature white high-heeled boots were changed to sneakers, while the other female character, brown M&M, has swapped stilettos for block heels.

"As one of the world's most iconic candy brands, who better to commit to a world with more moments of fun by increasing a sense of belonging around the globe than M&M'S?" asked Mars Wrigley chief growth officer Cathryn Sleight.

The decision drew mixed reaction on social media, with some saying the brand was diverse enough and others saying news agencies were diverting attention away from issues such as voting rights and climate change.

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