Cute the new cool

Just after turning 18 years old, Bench is experiencing a bout of childhood nostalgia. The popular fashion and lifestyle brand, all set to jump into the implications of 18-year-old maturity, shows that it’s still got more than a bit of childlike wonder within its style spirit as it launches a new clothing line called Disney Cuties.

Created in partnership with Disney Consumer Products, Bench’s new line is a fun, fresh, nostalgic trip into Saturday morning cartoons, amusement parks and themed birthday parties. Disney Cuties apparel and underwear feature new sketches of the familiar friends we all grew up with and have come to love. Disney’s classic cast of characters (Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, Pluto) and the beloved animals from A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard’s Winnie the Pooh series (Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger) are dealt the cute treatment; in this case, bigger, caricature-like heads, rounder faces and sweeter smiles – think Disney meets Japanese anime meets Bench pop fix. A pastel-prevalent palette heightens the cute appeal.

Though the characters are trademark Disney, the designs are all courtesy of the creative, childhood-hearkening minds of Bench. After successfully exhausting various possibilities with comfortable clothing, sexy underwear, sleek timepieces, funky denim and affordable kids wear, Bench is now offering something more than a chance to be in the trend spotlight. With Disney Cuties, Bench wields out the child in each of us, resuscitates treasured moments, and brings back the security afforded by a childhood fixation, say an adored stuff toy. With Disney Cuties, Bench also validates that cute is the new statement for "cool."

The Cuties portfolio is intended for the teen and tween market, as well as for those adults who never quite got over being Christopher Robin. It is a recaptured moment with friends you’ve grown up with, and a style you’ve grown into.

The Disney Cuties line by Bench is available in Bench stores nationwide.