Beginning with a chance encounter….
On January 14th, 2017, I joined my Ukrainian and Russian friends for a festive celebration of the Gregorian Calendar’s Old New Year at the Russian Vodka Room in Times Square.
While a pianist—under multi-colored lights and tinsel snowflakes—led revelers intoxicated with infused vodkas in old slavic song, an odd pair slipped through the door and tucked into a booth.
Despite her best efforts, Uma Thurman soon began to attract attention. I assume she had ducked into the bar after one of her performances in The Parisian Woman, of which she was making her Broadway debut—but it was her counterpart that had my heart racing.
As Uma joined lightly in the revelry, I knew I had a moment.
In spite of my nerves, I approached her partner for the evening: Andy Tennant—the director of Ever After: A Cinderella Story.
Over a mix of slavic piano and blaring electronic music, I introduced myself and proceeded to gush how Ever After was my favorite film, how I memorized it word for word, and how it had shaped my life.
Graciously, Andy explained the film’s inspiration: he and his writing partner, Rick Parks, began working on the film shortly after they both had become fathers. Ever After: A Cinderella Story was created out of the love for their daughters.
“Here were these two middle aged guys being asked to redesign Cinderella for this generation. Right, we just had girls, welll what kinda story would we want our daughters to see”—Andy Tennant on the Story Beat Podcast
“Now then, what is that phrase you use? Oh, yes. Once upon a time, there lived a young girl who loved her father very much…”
— Grand Dame
Once upon a time, a film starring Drew Barrymore and directed by David Tennant captured the hearts of millions. Now 25 years later, we celebrate the beauty of this timeless classic, Ever After.
More than a simple Cinderella Story, Ever After is a tale of empowerment and resilience with a message that one doesn’t have to wait to be rescued by a prince—we can be our own hero.
The heart of the film, Drew Barrymore offers both vulnerability and strength to her leading role as Danielle while Anjelica Huston is deliciously wicked as the evil stepmother, and Dougray Scott plays a charming and at times arrogant prince.
From rustic French countryside to candlelit ballroom scenes, every frame is a visual feast, with stunning historical costumes, lush chateau filled landscapes, and a sense of romance achieved through natural lighting.
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Ever After, we are reminded of the enduring power of fairy tales and the magic of true love. We are inspired by Danielle’s strength and courage, and we are enchanted by the timeless romance of this reenvisioned Cinderella story.
May Ever After continue to enchant and inspire generations to come
“And, while Cinderella and her prince did live happily ever after, the point, gentlemen, is that they lived.”
— Grand Dame
The Drew Barrymore Show Celebrates the 25th anniversary
Amidst a swirl of nostalgia and heartfelt celebrations, The Drew Barrymore Show marked the momentous occasion as it honored the 25th anniversary of the timeless film. Viewers were transported back to the enchanting world with a fully costumed reunion of Drew Barrymore, Melanie Lynskey, and Megan Dodds. The costumes worn by the reunited cast were recreated by @matthewkilgore, @fairytalesbydeanna, and styled by @_leeharris_. Enjoy the festive clips from the show and links to all the behind the scenes:
Behind the Scenes | Press & Premiere
Delight in Drew Barrymore’s enchanting interviews for Access Hollywood and Jim Ferguson.
Per Getty Images, take a sneak peak and click through the September 1998 premiere of the film in Florence, Italy and the Ever After Gala at Palazzo Corsini.
The Legendary Costumes & Makeup of Ever After
Danielle: A bird may love a fish, signore, but where will they live?
Leonardo Da Vinci: Then I shall have to make you wings.
All you could ever want to know about the legendary costumes of Ever After and the iconic “Just Breathe” gown can be found the wonderful site, Ever After: A Costume Study. The first post dating to 2006, the blog exists as a tribute to Jenny Bevan’s designs and a resource for those looking to recreate enchanting looks. I highly recommend visiting the site which includes detailed photos of the costumes from the film and respective exhibits.
On March 5, 2024 legendary “Just Breath” gown was put up for auction by Kerry Taylor Auctions. It sold for £16,000 .
On their site they provide detailed photos as well as the interview below from designer Jenny Beavan:
“’It was a tough film to make – as it was filmed in the Dordogne with little access to fabric shops! We made as much as we could in London but still had to set up a studio in France with skilled seamstresses on site. I was given a free reign in terms of design. The costumes were loosely based on early 1500s silhouettes, but I wanted them to be magical rather than slavishly realistic – with more of a fairytale feel. The idea for the wings came from the script. Leonardo da Vinci was Danielle’s sort of fairy godmother and I based them on Leonardo’s drawings of his ideas for man made flight. The wings were made in London by Naomi Critcher had to flown over by plane with their own seat next to me. There were only two pairs made. This pair was intentionally distressed to reflect the character’s dismay as she sits forlorn in a doorway being pelted with rain, nursing her broken heart.’’
Discover more iconic and historical cinematic costumes for auction at Kerry Taylor Auctions, London.
Kim Greene, Drew Barrymore’s personal makeup artist on the set of Ever After recreates and shares the creative process that lead to the luminescent ball look.
The Music Of Ever After
The soundtrack for Ever After: A Cinderella Story includes a mix of orchestral compositions and contemporary songs that complement the film’s themes. The film features a beautiful and evocative soundtrack composed by George Fenton. The closing theme “Put your Arms Around Me” is from the rock band Texas. For the official trailer, Loreena Mckennitt’s “The Mummers Dance” and Robert Miles “Dreamland” were mixed. Take a listen below and transport yourself into the world of film…
7 Fantastical Facts from Behind the Scenes
1. The “glass slipper” Danielle wears to the ball was designed by luxury company Salvatore Ferragamo.
2. The painting of Danielle is inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s “La Scapigliata.”
3. Both in Dordogne, South-West France, the location of Prince Henry’s palace was Chateau de Hautefort and other locations in the film where shot at Chateau de Fenelon.
5. Three time Oscar winner, Jenny Beavan — who designed the costumes for Ever After (1998) —also designed costumes for Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2023), Cruella (2021), Christopher Robin (2018), Mad Max Fury Road (2016), Sherlock Holmes (2009), Casanova (2005), Sense and Sensibility (1995), and many more.
6. As depicted in the film, Leonard Da Vinci brings his favorite painting the ‘Mona Lisa’ to France when invited by the King. He continued working on the painting for the rest of his life.
7. This dramatic scene below is based off the historical account of the women of Weinsberg. In 1140, King Conrad III defeated the Duke of Welf. “The wives of the besieged castle negotiated a surrender which granted them the right to leave with whatever they could carry on their shoulders… Leaving everything else aside, each woman took her own husband on her shoulders and carried him out.” (Courtesy of The Women of Weinsberg.)
“Nothing is final ’til you’re dead, and even then, I’m sure God negotiates.”
— Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent
