#elena and the secret of avalor

[kaythefloppa]

You must believe the magic Within you

[notmoreflippingelves]

So in the middle of my rewatch, I suddenly got really distracted by Francisco's black-with-gold-accents "formal" court attire, specifically in regards to the leaf accents on the sleeves. And I could help but think of the *other* black-with-gold-leaf accents look that we see on a Flores family member--Esteban's in "Elena and the Secret of Avalor." Although the designs between the two suits are distinctly different, there is enough of a similarity to make me want to think about them as a set and how the differences actually reflect the differences in the characters/their roles as well.

Although the silhouettes are similar overall, I would go far as to say that Francisco's look creates more of the classic "storybook prince" vibe than his grandson's. His costume is ornate and grand without seeming ostentatious. Think of how Prince Charming is costumed in pretty much any Cinderella adaptation. He must look striking and appropriately heroic--but specifically in a way that enhances our heroine without overshadowing her. And in nearly every adaptation, Prince Charming is more than okay with this, and the same is true of Francisco. He is at some level aware that he is on a show called "Elena of Avalor"--not "Francisco Flores of Avalor" and has no desire to pull the spotlight away from where it rightfully must be. In fact, he is far prouder to be the grandfather of Elena (and of Esteban and Isabel as well) than he would hypothetically be as the protagonist of his own story.

(Esteban meanwhile exudes "main character energy" and I mean that in both the complimentary and derogatory sense. In his mind, he is on a show titled "Chancellor Esteban of Avalor and His 41-Year-Old Guilt Complex That Not Even Tres Leches Cake Can Heal." But like if I had four decades of trauma to process and no one else seemed to notice, I would probably feel uncomfortable when we are not about me as well. And fittingly, his black-and-gold outfit is much more attention-grabbing than Francisco's, but much more on that later).

Two big parts of what leads to the "fairy tale hero" look in Francisco's outfit (and also to his "default" blue version) are: 1) the two medals pinned to his chest and 2) the epaulettes at the shoulder (I believe this is still the correct term even if they lack the tassels we normally associate w/the term, but like fashion historians can feel free to correct me).

Either epaulettes or medals of honor --or both-- are often seen on characters of his type. (Pick any Disney prince and you have a 50% chance of seeing one of these. Heck, King Roland's main outfit in SoA has both as well). A large part of what leads us to associate these particular sartorial touches as "hero-coded" are their association as part of typical military dress uniforms throughout history. (And yes, I recognize the problematic nature of such a trope, but just bear with me and accept it for now).

By including these as part of Francisco's costume (and its original blue equivalent), the animators are implying that he has a long, proud of history of serving his country and that at least some of this service came as a soldier and/or commander on the battlefield. And that he won honor--military and practical alike--in doing so.

Esteban's ensemble, obviously lacks the military touches (the epaulettes and medals) of his grandfather's. Because for all that he too served Avalor for decades, his service was of the bureaucratic rather than the military variety. (Shuriki obviously won't let Esteban wear a sword with his uniform--even he wanted to. Hardly surprising considering the whole "I killed your aunt and uncle. Doesn't that make you want to go apeshit?" thing they've got going.) But I digress.

The arms (esp the shoulders) and trousers of Esteban's ensemble are also much more form-fitted than Francisco's,as befitting a younger, more athletic man who wants to better show off his physique. (The real "secret of Avalor" is how Esteban singlehandedly managed a country for 41 years and somehow did so without skipping "Leg Day"--am I right, folks?")

Compared to Francisco's much plainer jacket, the design of Esteban's coat is also more ornate (the leaf accents are larger and more detailed) and colorful with the red collar, cuffs, and lining. This makes sense given that Esteban is established as much vainer and more flamboyant than his grandfather and that he has as mentioned, a much stronger need to grab attention.

However, the elaborateness of Esteban's jacket makes even more sense we consider it in the context of his role in Shuriki's court. He is a skilled diplomat, yes, and a capable administrator. But like every courtier, his primary function is to be ornamental first and everything else second. His looks, his charm, his attentions are expected to always be in service to the Queen first and foremost--not even in service to his duty or his country but specifically to the Queen herself. Certainly not (!) in service to his own will. (And damn, that must sting extra hard for someone who has only ever wanted to be seen and listened to and valued for himself.)

As such, Esteban is treated as an extension of the Queen--yet another pretty-if-powerful tool in her Almighty hands and fundamentally little different from her pretty crystal wand.

And yet, we see little tiny little hints in Esteban's SoA costume that he remains more than just Shuriki's shiny little Avaloran ornament. Let's go back to the red accents--shall we? Obviously, the show as a whole establishes red as Esteban's "signature color"--an honor he shares with Elena (and Mateo..but like he's less relevant tbh). Moreover, red, along with yellow/gold (and blue but again less relevant here), is one of the official colors of Avalor. Indeed the jaquins on the royal flag are red against a gold backdrop. So we can see an subtle wardrobe-related foreshadowing of where Esteban's loyalties truly lie and of the decision that he will make at the end of the episode.

And finally, as the artists among you will attest, red's complementary opposite on the color wheel is green. As in Shuriki's signature color, and this is reflected in nearly everything about her--from her eyes and eyeshadow to her dress and earrings to her green magical smoke, to her Emerald City-core dressing room to the teal background on her little silhouetted flag redesign. And complementary colors are often paired together so that the unique, striking shade of each is shown off to its full potential--and such is the case here. (Often, the effect is even achieved by using the "opposite" color as a key part of adding "shading" to the object).

A string of red lights wrapped around a Christmas tree may be overshadowed at first by the massive green boughs that it is entangled around. But nevertheless, it is because of the contrasting green that we are fully able to grasp just how bright and red those lights are able to glisten in the light. And so it is with Esteban's red collar shining forth like a beacon through Shuriki's haze of green smoke.

But when it comes down to it, red is still green's perfect, natural opposite. Red is a primary color, a true chromatic original unlike the artificially-created secondary shade of green. Moreover, red is Avalor, red is Esteban. The little dab of invading, interloping Shuriki green that has been added to the red paint only serves to heighten its fiery, crimson hue all the more.

[sugar-miss1]

What are your favorite girls backpack?

I Like Them All ! 😊

[locitapurplepink]

@normanilover1 asked me to make another moodboard and this time, she asked for Sofia and Elena's moodboard and here they are !!!

[captain-amadeus]

[raptorladylover6969]

Okay why tf do ppl blame Elena for adding too much pressure on Sofia like you cannot be deadass rn cuz trust me, YOU WOULD DO THE SAME. Its the excuse that “omg Sofia was too youngggg 💔💔” its almost like that was the point you fooduu. Elena needed a candidate young enough so Shuriki would be easier to manipulate. Plus, shes been in that amulet for 41 YEARS. She is desperate to get out. Also if Elena could, she wouldn’t put that kind of pressure on Sofia. Sofia is like a second younger sister to her, and Elena is already so protective of Isa. Literally the second Elena got out of the amulet, she wanted to do the rest on her own because she knew it was too dangerous for Sofia. quote: “You’ve already done so much for me.” Moral Of the Story: BAKAVĀSA BAND KAR, AND USE COMMON SENSE. 🙏🙏🙏

[rhymeswithfart]

I went on the heroes and villains Wikis and used the special:random page

If you see this, look below:

https://gofund.me/d579a549

Mohammed Zaqout is a Palestinian living in the US, trying to evacuate his family who still live in Gaza.

This is a vetted campaign. See the information + read their story here. (Medical imagery in link) Low on funds, $3,446 / 45k ≈ 8%

[marcmarcmomarc]

Happy Valentine’s Day

Any and all fanart is not my own.

The Loud House

Clyde/Chloe (Chlyde)

Luna/Sam (SaLuna)

The Secret Life of Pets

Max/Gidget

Elena of Avalor

Elena/Naomi (Elenaomi)

Trolls

Poppy/Branch (Broppy)

Bridget/Gristle (Gridget)

Smidge/Milton (Smilton)

Sing

Meena/Alfonso

Trollhunters

Jim/Claire (Jlaire)

[prismatica-the-strange]

While helping young princesses to become selfless, strong, and kind, Elena was in the amulet, plotting her murderous revenge

[raurquiz]

#happybirthday @iamandreamartin #andreamartin #actress #ishka #moogie #ferengi #startrek #deepspacenine #BlackChristmas #nightatthemuseum #secretofthetomb #30rock #nursejackie #kimpossible #mybigfatgreekwedding #theouterlimits #ElenaofAvalor #evil #harlem #OnlyMurders #ds930

[soniccrash378]

Some other crackships

.Luilena- Luisa (Encanto) X Elena (Elena of Avalor)

.Sofellope- Sofia (Sofia The First) X Vanellope (Wreck-It Ralph)

.Brisbia- Mrs. Brisby (Secret of NIMH) x Julia (Animaniacs)

.Sisucord- Sisu (Raya and the Last Dragon) X Discord (MLP: FIM)

.Stepearl- Stephanie (Clayface) (Harley Quinn) X Pearl (Martian Manhunter) (Justice League)

.Hadeyonder- Hades (Hercules) X Beyonder (Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur)

.Elecwire- Electro (Spider-Man) X Livewire (Superman)

.Instantsilver- Instantane Girl (Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur) X Quicksilver (X-Men)

.Cabby- Casey (Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur) X Abby (Turning Red)

[cartoonfangirl1218]

for the love of my life i am trying my best to have hope i’ll keep greeting each morning with an i will when it feels like i can’t i will i will i will meet a day that will melt me i will move and the sadness will fall off my shoulders to make room for joy i will be full of color i will touch the sky again

i want a parade i want music i want confetti i want a marching band for the ones surviving in silence i want a standing ovation for every person who wakes up and moves toward the sun when there is a shadow pulling them back on the inside

[notmoreflippingelves]

[lefemmerougewriter]

"They [Elena and Adora] had lived there for many years. Each of them met Catra and Naomi separately. After they told Catra and Naomi about their secret marriage on the island, their girlfriends were ok with this, under the provision that they come out as a couple when they were married. It would be tough due to chauvinistic attitudes."

A quote from my recent fic "Joabana and the Specter of Doofatanian Intervention"

[locitapurplepink]

Enchancia Royal Family

[lieutenant-amuel]

The First Part

The Second Part

The Third Part