Anya taylor-joy channels princess peach's 2026 reign
Tokyo’s photo call circuit just witnessed a masterclass in sartorial diplomacy. Anya Taylor-Joy, currently embodying the iconic Princess Peach in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, arrived not merely in a dress, but in a statement—a blush pink Jacquemus confection that feels less like costume and more like a glimpse into the Mushroom Kingdom’s future.
The halo effect: a modern peach
The look, styled by Ryan Hastings, was a deliberate departure from Peach's decades-old uniform. Gone is the predictable puff sleeve and bustle; in its place, a bandeau top and matching fishtail midi skirt, rendered in a shade of pink so soft it borders on ethereal. But the true showstopper was the oversized, wide-rimmed pink hat. The silhouette, reminiscent of a halo or a video game avatar’s shimmering crown, immediately signaled a fresh interpretation of the beloved character, one that aligns with Taylor-Joy's own penchant for playful elegance.
She completed the ensemble with Tiffany&Co. rings and strappy Giuseppe Zanotti sandals—subtle nods to contemporary luxury that didn’t detract from the overall whimsical effect. Georgie Eisdell, Taylor-Joy’s long-time makeup artist, amplified the effect with a delicately glossy rose lip and soft contour, while Gregory Russell styled her icy blonde hair in a sleek, middle-parted style, further enhancing the otherworldly aura.
Beyond the costume: a shared aesthetic
The synchronicity between Taylor-Joy’s personal style and Princess Peach’s evolving aesthetic is striking. While Peach has traditionally been defined by a pink princess dress, a crown, and blue jewels since her 1985 debut, Taylor-Joy consistently gravitates towards ladylike shapes with a subversive twist—think ’50s silhouettes, sheer gowns, and structured twin sets. Her recent embrace of Balmain, following a history of Dior, showcases her ability to blend classic elegance with a modern edge. It’s a playbook she shares with the princess she portrays.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, directed by Michael Jelenic and Aaron Horvath, continues the adventures of Mario and Luigi, now venturing through outer space. Taylor-Joy’s casting, alongside Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, and a host of new additions like Donald Glover and Brie Larson, signals Nintendo’s ambition to expand the Mario universe beyond its established boundaries. The Japan tour, already brimming with memorable moments—an Osaka appearance in an August Barron floral apron dress and a surprising foray into Erdem denim—suggests Taylor-Joy is fully embracing the character’s feminine essence, but on her own terms.
The choice of pink, while a hallmark of Peach’s identity, is now imbued with a sense of quiet power—a statement that the princess is not merely a damsel in distress but a force to be reckoned with. The oversized hat isn't just a fashion accessory; it's a visual representation of a character stepping into a new era, one where the pink puffball reigns supreme with undeniable confidence.