Minnie Mouse is shedding her red-and-white dress for blue pantsuit by Stella McCartney

On the occassion of its upcoming 30th anniversary, Disneyland Paris has released a new outfit change for Minnie Mouse. The character which was created almost a 100 years ago, has been sporting a white-and-red polka dot dress with a red bow all these years. But now, she will be seen in a blue polka-dot blazer with matching pants. The outfit has been designed by British fashion designer Stella McCartney and also features a blue bow. 

Stella McCartney has designed Minnie Mouse's very first pantsuit, and it's gorgeous ? #DisneylandParis30 pic.twitter.com/jKSckBji36

— Disneyland Paris EN (@DisneyParis_EN) January 25, 2022

Disney, by the way, just got its first woman chairperson in 98 years. Susan Arnold took over from Robert (Bob) Iger on December 31, 2021.

Other than the park's anniversary, the new costume for Minnie is also in honour of Women’s History Month, which is March. In a statement published by D23, the official Disney fan club, McCartney said that she wanted Minnie to wear her very first pantsuit at Disneyland Paris and that the suit has been made from responsibly sourced fabrics.

The intention behind the new outfit is simply for Minnie to become a symbol of progress for a new generation.

This announcement comes during the same week Peter Dinklage slammed Disney for its problematic potrayal of dwarves in the live-action remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. (READ MORE HERE: Peter Dinklage calls out Disney for hypocrisy over Snow White remake. What happened?)

Minnie's makeover news also comes just a week after Mars Inc, M&M's parent company, announced that the beloved M&M characters, particularly the Green M&M, were being redesigned to become more "inclusive". The action prompted many on social media to call for the return of the more classic "hot" anthropomorphised candy characters. Instead of responding, M&M tweeted in support of Minnie's new makeover and called the Mouse and their Green M&M 'icons'.

Pantsuits or sneakers, icons never go out of style. pic.twitter.com/OYv0Hr95sK

— M&M'S (@mmschocolate) January 27, 2022

As expected, Minnie's makeover has also brought in criticism, particularly from Republicans in the US. One user tweeted "Mr. Potato Head’s name change, a vaccinated Big Bird, non-sexy M&M’s, and now a pantsuit wearing Minnie Mouse?! When will Joe Biden end his reign of terror?!?!!!!". 

Mr. Potato Head’s name change, a vaccinated Big Bird, non-sexy M&M’s, and now a pantsuit wearing Minnie Mouse?!When will Joe Biden end his reign of terror?!?!!!! pic.twitter.com/IQbvBmaiSd

— Gabe Sanchez  (@iamgabesanchez) January 27, 2022

But users on Twitter hit back and showed support towards the corporation's decision. One user tweeted, "Tucker Carlson is upset about M&Ms characters' shoes. Candace Owens is upset about Minnie Mouse and her pantsuit. Republicans think that these people have equally valid opinions on Covid, the economy, and our foreign policy."

Tucker Carlson is upset about M&Ms characters' shoes. Candace Owens is upset about Minnie Mouse and her pantsuit. Republicans think that these people have equally valid opinions on COVID, the economy, and our foreign policy.

— Rex Zane (@rexzane1) January 27, 2022

Some users also have begun asking for a change in Donald Duck and Winnie the Pooh's outfits. Donald Duck is typically seen wearing a sailor shirt and cap with a bow tie (and no pants), while Winnie the Pooh is usually only seen wearing a red shirt. 

The green M&M got sneakers, Minnie Mouse got a pantsuit, so is someone going to help poor Winnie the Pooh out and get the dude some pants?

— Carol Roth (@caroljsroth) January 27, 2022

The corporation is being lauded for its decision on all social media platforms and is unlikely to respond to any criticism. Athough I do hope they change Donald and Winnie's outfits.