Betty Boop Is Getting a Modern Makeover

For the first time in 86 years, the iconic cartoon character Betty Boop is receiving a high-end makeover. Her new style comes courtesy of American fashion designer Zac Posen, Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) reports.

Betty Boop has more or less flaunted the same look since she first appeared on film on August 9, 1930 as a caricature of a Jazz Age flapper: a strapless, bright red dress, black high heels, gold hoop earrings, and a heart-emblazoned garter. Posen will re-design Betty’s cocktail frock, and he’s also teamed up with Pantone, the world’s leading color systems corporation, to give it a brand-new scarlet shade. The hue will be called "Betty Boop Red." Laurie Pressman, Vice-President of the Pantone Color Institute, told WWD that it’s a “high-powered shade of red that has a hint of blue and a gravitas that embodies the character’s adventurous spirit.”

The transformation won’t end there. Animators Max and Dave Fleischer, who made movies for Paramount Pictures, originally created Betty Boop as a homage to the Roaring '20s. But to make Betty more modern, King Features Syndicate, Inc.—the print syndication company that’s the exclusive worldwide licensing agent for Betty Boop—turned to vice-president of creative Frank Caruso’s alma mater, the School of Visual Arts in New York City. There, a team of graduate students will overhaul the rest of Boop’s look for their master’s thesis project. They'll also design a line of Betty Boop-inspired apparel and accessories.

No word on whether Betty Boop will continue to rock her standard hoops, garter, and heels, but we’re guessing she’ll receive different earrings and shoes to match her fresh new style.

[h/t Women's Wear Daily]

Banner image courtesy of YouTube.

Know of something you think we should cover? Email us at tips@mentalfloss.com.