“Every journey begins with a dream…”

Celebrate Disney history with the iconic Steamboat Willie charm!

Walt Disney was a true visionary who was jubilant when ones of his dreams became a reality in 1928, with the release of ‘Steamboat Willie’. Furthermore, this black and white short film was a milestone in animation as the first cartoon featuring synchronised sound. Notably it was also the debut of Mickey Mouse on the silver screen! As a result, its release date the 18th November 1928 was declared Mickey’s official birthday. Hence, to celebrate 90 years of Mickey, PANDORA released the Shimmering Steamboat Willie Portrait (797499CZ) charm as part of the 2018 Winter Collection.

Dora Explores: PANDORA Disney Shimmering Steamboat Willie Portrait

The new PANDORA Disney Shimmering Steamboat Willie Portrait (797499CZ) charm is quite similar to the Mickey Portrait (791586) charm. Besides the addition of a sparkling hat, the Shimmering Steamboat Willie charm is also slightly taller and narrower than the regular Mickey Portrait charm. Another difference is the style of Mickey’s eyes. The Shimmering Steamboat Willie charm is based on the 1928 ‘Classic Mickey’ version of Mickey Mouse. Whilst the Mickey Portrait charm reflects the 1983 ‘Iconic Mickey’ adaptation.

Interestingly the PANDORA Shimmering Steamboat Willie Portrait has a completely different name in the UK and is called the Mickey Vintage Hat charm. I’m not quite sure of the reason for this. Perhaps it was thought the Steamboat Willie character was not known by the British public. Or maybe the name change is a subtle tease of their love of hats (boater, bowler, baker boy, deer stalker, trilby, top hat, flat cap and more)!

Whatever the reason, names aside, it is the same charm with a sparkling hat set with clear stones. While I am not always fond of cubic zirconia, in this instance they create a delightful contrast against the smooth shining silver. A hint of oxidisation highlights the detail around Mickey’s mouth and eyes.

Happily the back of the Shimmering Steamboat Willie charm is free from hallmarks, which would have detracted from its’ simplicity and beauty.

The ‘PANDORA S925 ALE’ and ‘©Disney’ hallmarks are engraved beneath the Shimmering Steamboat Willie charm. PANDORA seems to be gradually increasing the size of their hallmarks on their newer charms. In contrast the hallmarks on older PANDORA pieces are often so discreet, you need patience and a magnifying glass to locate them!

The Shimmering Steamboat Willie Portrait charm has a nice weighty feel due to its relatively large size and threaded core. Overall, it is a wonderful charm and a definite must have for PANDORA Disney fans!

Style 1: Disney Cruise

“One day, Mickey was getting ready to set sail on a long sea voyage. Minnie made Mickey a special teddy bear to take with him so he would never be lonely.”

Duffy the Disney Bear

“Mickey loved the bear and name him Duffy. Mickey and Duffy sailed around the world.”

Duffy the Disney Bear

My first styling with the Shimmering Steamboat Willie charm is an aquatic Disney Cruise theme, set on the PANDORA Moments Signature Clasp (590723CZ) bracelet. The Sail Away Pendant (791138CZ) hangs centre Bow of the bracelet with Steamboat Willie sitting Portside. Meanwhile the Disney Frozen Snowflake (791563CZ) charm shines starboard, guiding the ships course.

This ocean themed bracelet also tells the story of how Mickey receives Duffy, his teddy bear. Before Mickey leaves, Minnie presents him with a teddy to stop him feeling lonely while at sea. Mickey loves his new cuddly friend and names him ‘Duffy‘. The Pudsey Bear (796255ENMX) charm is substituting the PANDORA Disney Park Duffy charm and waves goodbye to Minnie. Shades of aquamarine are provided by the Ariel’s (791641) and Elsa’s Signature Colour Murano (791644) charms. While golden speck sparkle like grains of sand within the Mint Glitter (791669) Murano charm. Nautical details from the Ocean Life (792075ENMX), Tropical Seahorse (791311MCZ), Turtle (790158) and Tropical Starfish & Sea Shell (792076CZF) charms complete the look.

“At the end of their voyage, Mickey and Duffy sailed back home… to share all their magical memories with Minnie.”

Duffy the Disney Bear

Style 2: Disney’s Pop Century

“When I look at you, I can feel it. I look at you, and I’m home.”

Finding Nemo, Disney

“Phenomenal cosmic powers! Itty bitty living space.”

Aladdin, Disney

Bright colours scatter throughout my second design with the Shimmering Steamboat Willie charm, which takes its inspiration from Pop Art and Disney Pop Culture. The Classic Mickey (397394EN06) pendant stands coolly at the centre of the Disney Moments Mickey Bracelet (590731CZ). Balance is provided by the PANDORA Disney Park Mickey and Minnie Ear Hat pendant charms which hang either side of the bracelet. Striking yellow enamel details on the Playful Mickey and Mickey Mania charms emphasise Mickey’s stylish boots and thread the design together.

Four of the Disney Fab 5 feature in this fun styling, with Mickey and Minnie taking a drive in their Vintage Car (797174) as Donald (792136) and Daisy Duck (792137) goof around together. Animated coloured glass punctuates the design with the Classic Mickey (791633), Classic Minnie (791634) and Minnie’s Signature Look (791635) Murano charms. Finally the Climbing Mickey Safety Chain (797173CZR) locks the look.

The PANDORA Disney Duck Portrait charm is currently available for £19 in the UK PANDORA eStore outlet.

“This isn’t flying. This is falling with style.”

Toy Story, Disney

Style 3: Magic Kingdom

“There’s a great big hunk of a world down there with no fence around it.”

Lady and the Tramp, Disney

“Who says that my dreams have to stay just my dreams?”

The Little Mermaid, Disney

Since the release of the PANDORA Rose Disney Parks Cinderella charm many fans have been interested in creating a two tone silver and PANDORA Rose bracelet. Thus my final design with the Shimmering Steamboat Willie charm is a mixed metal style set on the PANDORA Rose Heart Clasp (580719) bracelet.

The blush colour of PANDORA Rose lends a vintage air to the bracelet which is reminiscent of old sepia films. At the centre of the design, the PANDORA Rose Iridescent White Glass (787576) charm creates an ornate focal point. Glittering beautifully on either side are the Shimmering Steamboat Willie and Cinderella’s Pumpkin Coach (791573CZ) charms. Magical Disney charms including the Princess Crown (791580CZ), adorable Snow White’s Bird (797166CZ) and Disney Parks Carousel alternate with PANDORA Rose charms.

“First, think. Second, believe. Third, dream. And finally, dare.”

Walt Disney

Read our review of the PANDORA Rose Iridescent White Glass charm for more style inspiration.

My verdict on the PANDORA Disney Shimmering Steamboat Willie charm? Magical!

Dora

In the UK the PANDORA Disney Shimmering Steamboat Willie Portrait / Mickey Vintage Hat (797499CZ) charm is £55 and available from the PANDORA UK eStore.

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