YANG / YIN

The Fairytale Ethereal lives in the forest. It scorns fashion, trends, subdued elegance, and today’s highly promoted minimalism. It is free. It can do anything. It follows Little Red Riding Hood, listens to birdsong, and speaks with animals. It feeds on wild strawberries and blueberries, and gathers herbs. From time to time, it stumbles upon Baba Yaga’s hut or the dwelling of another witch. It plays tag with dwarfs. And when classic fairy tales grow boring, it watches cartoons and reads comic books, including those about outer space. It simply loves to read, occasionally becoming quite the bookworm. The library is its quiet haven.

The Fairytale Ethereal also possesses an artistic flair. It paints, draws, sculpts, and writes poetry as well as prose. It stands as the greatest individualist among all the Ethereals. Maximum extravagance and eclecticism go hand in hand with this spirit. Retro vibes blend seamlessly with cartoons. Fairy tales and fables interact with an artistic mannerism. The past merges with the future. There are no boundaries of time, nor are there any limitations when it comes to stylistic marriages. The most important thing is for it to be whimsical, extraordinary, and a little out of this world.

The Fairytale essence in high fashion represents a true triumph of theatrical avant garde, deconstruction, and eclectic maximalism. The motto placed on this archetype’s page perfectly defines the work of Dries Van Noten, who captivates through painterly botanical motifs, bold textures, and fluid, artistic silhouettes. His Spring Summer 2015 runway beautifully evoked images of elves and dryads gliding across a forest floor carpeted in genuine moss. An even closer connection to nature, translated directly into individual looks, defines Etro and its unique, seamless eclecticism. A slightly darker foundation of this aesthetic underpins the collections of Alexander McQueen, which are rich with overt nods to traditional folklore tales and enchanting fantasies.

This multidimensional, grotesque collage and artistic chaos were equally reflected in Alessandro Michele’s creative tenure at Gucci, which juxtaposed velvet suits and grunge plaid with woodland inspired jewelry. Fairytale theater and organic forms are also credited to the visionary designs of the incomparable John Galliano. Ultimately, the most iconic manifestation of this style remains the Dolce & Gabbana Milan Fall Winter 2014 2015 show, which served as a complete fairytale kaleidoscope of motifs and colors. This enchanted landscape is brought to a perfect close by Anna Sui, whose deep purples, botanical embroideries, and butterfly wings magically blur the line between reality and a dream.

Style Edit

Fairytale Ethereal in its basic form is compatible with the following types: Flamboyant Gamine, Soft Gamine (plus Retro Fairytale), Gamine. In the Soft Gamine type, we only use Retro Fairytale cuts.

Beauty Features

• darkens the coloring 
• physiognomy with a predominance of Yang characteristics
• body type – strong
• body lines – lack of curves
• height – short towards moderate
• shoulders – equal to the hips
• waist – slightly defined
• bust – medium size
  
• musculature – medium level
• limbs – not very long
  
• eyes – large
• nose – medium-size or distinct
• lips – slightly full
• cheekbones – slightly defined
  
• expressive beauty (regardless of individual coloring)
• Fairytale Ethereal likes to couple with Crimson and/or Energetic Ethereal

YIN

The Fairytale style is above all intriguing and inspiring. It features a fair share of grotesque and an overarching theatrical aesthetic maintained in a retro mood. This is precisely where the term 'theatrical’, well known from the Kibbe typology, originates. The high compatibility of Theatrical Romantic style elements with the Fairytale Ethereal applies directly to its subtype called Fairytale Retro. In this manifestation, styling seamlessly shifts into something highly feminine and almost strictly Yin, while also showing clear connections with Soft Classic vibes. Here, Fairytale Retro becomes tranquil and somewhat distinguished, evoking the allure of a schoolgirl or a vintage lady. It primarily draws from 1940s tailoring, yet much older elements can also be found within it. Victorian and Edwardian styles intertwine here. They are joined by aesthetics stemming from other archetypes, mainly those with a Yin dominance. Therefore, Fairytale Retro is not a pure element. Some of its variations can be attributed to the typical Fairytale Ethereal. However, comprehensively, its style presents itself as a cohesive collage of elements drawn from the guidelines of various Ethereals, built upon today’s unique, high end tailoring.

A beautiful foundation for this aesthetic is established by Son de Flor, celebrated for its flared bias cut dresses, Bébé collars, and a schoolgirl charm steeped in tea toned impressions. Austrian fashion designer Lena Hoschek stands as another true master of this nostalgic movement, creating feminine pieces in the spirit of genuine retro. Looking toward Scandinavia, Emmy Design reshapes the silhouette with beautifully feminine lines that have been largely forgotten today. This poetic grace is further elevated by the Polish brand Revintaria, which brings forth the whimsical charm of nostalgic dresses from bygone eras. Meanwhile, the niche label Simple Retro provides button up cardigans, delicate lace trims, and blouses with intricate high collars inspired by the style of the 1940s. The entire landscape is completed by The Cottagecore, a brand that masterfully maneuvers a palette of parchment beige accompanied by luxurious, muted tones.

The grand world of high fashion also revisits the Fairytale Retro style from time to time, though rarely expressing it in its purest form. At Dior, one can find exceptional peplum jackets alongside other inspiring, structural silhouettes. By contrast, the fashion house Erdem designs melancholic gowns in deep burgundy tones, while Alessandro Michele’s historical debut for Gucci during the Milano Fall Winter 2015 collection enchants through its modest retro schoolgirl allure and soft silk bows at the neck. The romantic lines of Zimmermann and Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini masterfully channel a Victorian touch of lace paired with Edwardian elegance. An equally distinguished sense of tailoring is dictated by Emilia Wickstead. It is also well worth noting the collections of Miu Miu and the brand Shrimps, whose designs have frequently been adorned with strands of pearls, unique vintage kiss lock bags, and beautifully carved cameos.

Style Edit

Beauty Features

• softens and warms the coloring
• physiognomy with a predominance of Yin characteristics 
• body type – moderately strong
• body lines – slightly curvy 
• height – moderate
• shoulders – narrower than the hips
• waist – distinctly defined
• bust – medium size 
• musculature – low level
• limbs – not very long
• eyes – small 
• nose – medium size
• lips – thin or slightly full, small
  
• cheekbones – slightly defined
• expressive beauty (regardless of individual coloring)
• Retro Fairytale Ethereal likes to couple with Crystal and/or Rose Ethereal

Fashion Shows and campaigns

Lena Hoschek – Berlin Fashion Week January 2010 (Baśniowy Retro)

Etro – Fall Winter 2026/27

Dolce & Gabbana – Fall Winter 2014/2015

Dries Van Noten – Spring Summer 2015

Lolita Lempicka – Le Premier Parfum

A Burberry Woodland Adventure

Music Impressions

Monoir – Irish

RaiM – ШАМ (+Wild Ethereal)

Florence and The Machine – Cosmic Love

Fairytale Ethereal – Pinterest

RETRO FAIRYTALE – PINTEREST