Anya taylor-joy channels peach's 2026 reign: maximalism & pink
Tokyo fashion week just witnessed a coup of sorts. Anya Taylor-Joy, embodying Princess Peach for the upcoming The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, delivered a masterclass in futuristic fairytale dressing, effectively rewriting the character’s sartorial playbook for the next decade. Forget the predictable pink puffball; Taylor-Joy declared an era of blush-toned maximalism, anchored by a hat that could eclipse the sun.
The jacquemus moment: a halo of pink
The actress, styled by Ryan Hastings, arrived for a photo call sporting a custom Jacquemus ensemble. The look was deceptively simple: a soft pink bandeau top and matching fishtail midi skirt, but the real statement was the colossal, wide-rimmed pink hat. It’s less a headpiece and more a sculptural declaration, framing her face with a futuristic, almost video-game-avatar-esque quality. Tiffany&Co. rings and strappy Giuseppe Zanotti sandals completed the look, grounding the extravagance with subtle elegance.
But the styling wasn’t merely about the clothes. Georgie Eisdell’s makeup—a delicately glossy rose lip and soft contour—perfected the ‘peachy keen’ vibe, while Gregory Russell’s icy blonde hair, styled straight and center-parted, echoed the cool detachment of a digital princess. This isn’t a revival of classic princess tropes; it’s a reimagining for a generation raised on pixels and algorithm-driven aesthetics.
Beyond the dress: peach's enduring legacy and taylor-joy's style
For nearly four decades, Princess Peach’s visual identity has remained remarkably consistent: the pink puff-sleeved dress, the bustle, the flippy skirt—a look largely confined to 2D limitations until now. The Nintendo character’s classic form has always seemed impervious to change. Yet, Taylor-Joy’s appearance signals a thrilling evolution, one that acknowledges both the character’s heritage and the evolving landscape of fashion.
Taylor-Joy's own style—often guided by Hastings or Law Roach—has always flirted with ladylike silhouettes and elegant shapes, but with a distinct, playful edge. Dior and Balmain frequently grace her wardrobe, and her penchant for ’50s-inspired dresses, sheer gowns, and structured twin sets suggests a deep appreciation for timeless style. The current turn towards maximalism, however, feels particularly fitting, aligning with the character she portrays and the film’s broader embrace of the Nintendo universe.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, directed by Michael Jelenic and Aaron Horvath, promises to expand the lore of the Mushroom Kingdom, with Taylor-Joy joined by Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, and a host of new faces including Benny Safdie, Donald Glover, and Brie Larson. The Japan tour, already a flurry of press and appearances, has seen Taylor-Joy experimenting with feminine aesthetics, offering glimpses of what Peach’s future might hold. The Osaka floral apron dress and the unexpected denim pairing were charming detours, but this Tokyo moment—the hat, the pink, the sheer confidence—feels like a definitive statement.
The numbers tell a story: The Jacquemus hat alone, estimated to require dozens of hours of construction and a significant amount of silk taffeta, is a testament to the commitment to delivering a truly memorable and impactful visual. This isn’t just about promoting a movie; it’s about redefining the iconography of a beloved character, one perfectly oversized hat at a time.