Winx Costumes appropriate for 'kids'? Options

[{§hani}]

One of my friends called Flora indecent the other day, unknowing the cartoon, plot or anything.. she basically found the image on google (browsing god knows what) and decided she'd post it up with the caption "what a s***" (im sorry kids i've blacked out the word just in case). I was so confused. I mean i know the Winx are very grown up and and their costumes are suggestive at times but i never saw her as too adult like and ...indecant. The image she used was of her Enchantix. So it got me thinking, if people are thinking this of Enchantix what on earth woudl they think of Sophix?!


What are your thoughts?

I personally find their costumes so beautiful and perfect, i find them quite modest concidering how it could be. I mean Believix was very modern and didnt show much flesh but the nature of Enchantix and Sophix is very basic and very nature-esk so i can understand the lack of clothing. But for a kids cartoon perhaps its too much for some?? In Flora's Enchantix the only skin shown are some of her shoulders and her legs. But the skirt length is still kept quite long. I could understand the theory more so with her Sophix because it basically has no backing and her stomach, shoulders, arms and legs are un covered. But how much is too much? Concidering that in society these days (at least in Australia) 13 year olds parade denim shorts, short enough to show backsides - idont know why this has a spoiler.. but hey. and tops with middrif that resemble bra's... i really cant see anything wrong with the Winx costumes. But thats just my opinion.

This post has been edited by {§hani}: May 11 2012, 1:16 PM

[P-girl]

While I sorta agree that Enchantix and Sophix might be a wee bit inapropriate for children to wear, I don't get the massive fuss. Especially with Enchantix, which is probably the most 'Fairy' like of the transformation outfits. Have these people SEEN images of actual fairies from folklore? I sense a whole lot of 'Missing the point'

[mightymarty2]

I agree with P-girl. I think its ok for the winx as you would never see anything inappropriate but maybe one or two are a bit to reveling for kids to wear

[Zhanneel]

I think I agree with the consensus, that the outfits are meant to be very fairy-like, and probably even more conservative than what "fairy art" is on deviant art or in all history of fae images ever made. Also, it helps knowing the context and story behind each character. Knowing Flora, Stella, and the gang helps my perspective in their clothing choices and I've never really thought of any of them as risque. These are characters I care about and their transformation costumes go hand-in-hand with their personalities. I could never think of any of them as being, well, that "s" word people might associate with revealing outfits. Also, they live in an exaggerated world with exaggerated...everything! Everything is ten times more beautiful, handsome, and more fantastical than what we have in real life. Definitely fantasy outfits.

Enchantix IS revealing, there's no getting around that. The same with Sophix. However, I don't believe Straffi is encouraging anyone in real life to truly wear these outfits. This is a fictitious world with fantastical, magical characters. Characters that have good morals and personalities and would want young girls to have good standards in their own lives. So I have no problem with the characters or their costumes so far, as long as Straffi keeps the cartoony-look that keeps the outfits in the "pretty" range, and not in the "smutty" range.

I've noticed that Straffi's art style is a safer style than almost all anime I've ever seen. There is so much praise I could give him in this area. The characters are always drawn with style, beauty, and exaggerated features, but he seems to gives them a safe cartoony-look that helps when characters are more revealing than publicly acceptable. When the girls are in their Enchantix form or wearing bathing suits he give them all a rather flat, lean look. Not a lot of bulk, some sharp angles, and no cleavage. There's nothing suggestive in the way they draw the lines and forms of the girls, and for that I am very grateful. In real life, these costumes would be quite different on real people! But thankfully, the Winx girls are not real girls, they do not have the same proportions as real girls, and they don't even have realistically drawn bodies.

Now, I'm sure there are still some questionable poses and whatnot out there, but as a whole, I think Straffi has done an excellent job keeping the girls tasteful but still trying to explore many pretty fairy styles.

This post has been edited by Zhanneel: May 11 2012, 3:59 PM

[Abby]

I don't know if each transformation in itself is too revealing. It just depends on the characters. For example, I think Flora's enchantix is the most modest out of all of them. So you have hers, but then you have Musa's which is basically a bikini top with a short skirt. I don't really find Musa's appropriate but I do find Flora's. Again, it's the same with all the other transformations.



Sometimes I think that the outfits shouldn't be so unrealistic because it might teach younger girls that it's okay to dress like that in real life when it really isn't. BUT... in my opinion the main thing in this issue should be that the kids should realize it is JUST a cartoon and not real life. That comes in with the parenting though and how parents explain that kind of clothing is not realistic.

[{§hani}]

amen to all of you. Its a cartoon. The difference is my friend had never even seen or heard of Winx before. she didnt know a thing. For me it was partly ignorance and part quick judgment in her form. But the Winx are incredibly modest compaired to the typical fairy's in fairytales. i mean Tinkerbell, not exaclty a character to 'cover up'. her skirt is incredibly short. But exactly as Zahn said it helps that the body shapes of these characters are not particularly grown up. they have small busts, which in turn says alot about the cartoon. Its not about the revealing clothing but the story and the characters themselfs. I think people whove never seen the cartoon before are quick to judge. But im not sure where its all coming from concidering that particular girl (among others ive seen point this out before) wear less than modest clothing themselfs. Its as if theres a double standard towards a kids cartoon?

@Abby, I feel the same way, Musa's is inicially just beachwear with glitter and wings. But the way Winx sell their look, i think sets them apart. Theres alot of skin but there is no suggestive underlying connotations. Its pretty straight forward. Their faries from a fantastical magical world that is make believe. things obviously would be different and even though they're slightly revealing they never ever have any sexual themes. I mean the winx make a big deal out of kissing. obviously their not selling more.

[Zhanneel]

Sometimes I think that the outfits shouldn't be so unrealistic because it might teach younger girls that it's okay to dress like that in real life when it really isn't. BUT... in my opinion the main thing in this issue should be that the kids should realize it is JUST a cartoon and not real life. That comes in with the parenting though and how parents explain that kind of clothing is not realistic.

Amen! Definitely the parents always need to stay involved, be proactive, and teach what is fantasy and what is real. Fairies are fantasy (though I may wish I was was one secretly...), and the audience viewers are part of the real, practical world. It's healthy for kids to realize where fantasy ends and where reality begins. Of course, we always want to draw a line when suggestive themes truly do crop up though. I do keep an eye on Straffi and always hope he keeps his standards in each season -- so far so good.

I think people whove never seen the cartoon before are quick to judge. But im not sure where its all coming from concidering that particular girl (among others ive seen point this out before) wear less than modest clothing themselfs. Its as if theres a double standard towards a kids cartoon?

@Abby, I feel the same way, Musa's is inicially just beachwear with glitter and wings. But the way Winx sell their look, i think sets them apart. Theres alot of skin but there is no suggestive underlying connotations. Its pretty straight forward. Their faries from a fantastical magical world that is make believe. things obviously would be different and even though they're slightly revealing they never ever have any sexual themes. I mean the winx make a big deal out of kissing. obviously their not selling more.

As to your first paragraph there, I completely understand. I had a friend take one look at a Monster High doll and criticized it to pieces. However, I know from watching the mini episodes online that this show is adorable and sweet. There are no suggestive details about the characters, no bad characteristics. They main group of girls are all interesting and have good values. They remind me so much of Winx actually. They do wear some showy things, once in a while, but mostly in the episodes their features are so exaggerated that it looks cartoony-- and no suggestive lines or cleavage. I will say that while some of the dolls do look a little risque, I give praise to the show as a whole and can easily overlook one or two offenses. I think most people will be surprised when they watch the mini episodes and see just how cute and wholesome it is.

And to your second paragraph, ha, you are so right when it comes to themes in the show. There are never any suggestive themes, they are all so innocent. Kissing is the biggest thing and it's so sweet. They all uphold their values so well, and that is what I think Straffi is trying to hit home with for his viewers. It's funny, I hardly even notice a midriff or shoulder showing any more simply because I'm so focused on the characters, what they are doing, and the art style is so innocent and clean I don't really think about how someone would ever wear an outfit like that in real life. I just like seeing the cartooniness of it all.

Lastly, I will say that the 3D versions are okay at the moment, but I find more danger in suggestiveness there than I ever do with the 2D. There are more lines, shading, proportions, etc to deal with, but as long as no parts are truly emphasized 3D can be innocent too. I watch Straffi carefully and am glad he is upholding his standards still.

[{§hani}]

As to your first paragraph there, I completely understand. I had a friend take one look at a Monster High doll and criticized it to pieces. However, I know from watching the mini episodes online that this show is adorable and sweet. There are no suggestive details about the characters, no bad characteristics. They main group of girls are all interesting and have good values. They remind me so much of Winx actually. They do wear some showy things, once in a while, but mostly in the episodes their features are so exaggerated that it looks cartoony-- and no suggestive lines or cleavage. I will say that while some of the dolls do look a little risque, I give praise to the show as a whole and can easily overlook one or two offenses. I think most people will be surprised when they watch the mini episodes and see just how cute and wholesome it is.

And to your second paragraph, ha, you are so right when it comes to themes in the show. There are never any suggestive themes, they are all so innocent. Kissing is the biggest thing and it's so sweet. They all uphold their values so well, and that is what I think Straffi is trying to hit home with for his viewers. It's funny, I hardly even notice a midriff or shoulder showing any more simply because I'm so focused on the characters, what they are doing, and the art style is so innocent and clean I don't really think about how someone would ever wear an outfit like that in real life. I just like seeing the cartooniness of it all.

Lastly, I will say that the 3D versions are okay at the moment, but I find more danger in suggestiveness there than I ever do with the 2D. There are more lines, shading, proportions, etc to deal with, but as long as no parts are truly emphasized 3D can be innocent too. I watch Straffi carefully and am glad he is upholding his standards still.

Well im the same, i watch MH and i think it's perfectly fine. They're not selling themselfs as rolemodels to younger girls (well im pretty sure every young girl knows that monsters arent real and the same with faries..) But thats beside the point. i mean kids these days are exposed to Lady gaga and Beyonce and artists that sexualize almost every aspect of their careers and costumes, Winx is the opposite, it makes a big deal out of kissing. Also this is off topic but MH was created by the Bratz team (also the creators of Moxie dolls) which are all very very similar to Winx in style. (and theyre all awsomely drawn).

amen yo to your second paragraph. just amen. thats exactly what i thought summed up so well.
Straffi does a brilliant job at keeping Winx very modest despite their clothing styles at times. i compeltly agree even with 3D he keeps it clean and beautiful.

[Vaughanh7]

Ok now for my opinion :).....

Yes. I do think they're innapropriate. It's not just Musa's enchantix, look at Stella's enchantix, all the sophix, Bloom's charmix, they're all a little...'skimpy' butlike you guys said, it's a cartoon. Not real life it shouldn't have any influences on children....but the problem is...that it does sometimes. And it's not always the parents faults. I mean, think about it, when you're older and have kids how many of you would notice your son/daughter watching winx, and actually have a sit down with them and tell them what's innapropriate and which aspects of the show they shouldn't role model after? And you can't say it won't influence people. How many of you guys wanted wings? or stella's staff? Well in the same way there are little girls (and boys) out there who have gone through stressful times and endless struggles....because they wanted legs like Flora's, or a waist like Bloom's. I know it sounds unrealistic, but this does happen. And I'm getting slightly annoyed at forum members from almost every ommunity I go to going all 'yeah but...that's the parents fault!' urmm...how? because they never thought to explain to their child 'oh by the way, those legs aren't quite realistic at all so don't try and look like the winx' I'm sorry....but that thought doesn't really come into most parents mind. And with four year olds and up watching these programmes....they do become very influencial.

Yes, some winx outfits aren't as bad as others....but I do think all of them are quite sexualised and pornographic to be honest. I know no one on here will agree with me because they're the winx we know and love. But my opinion is based on me looking at it from an outsiders point of view...and that's something most fans can't quite grasp the idea of doing. Because they become biased that the winx are a bunch of wholesome, generous, kind hearted, and modest girls. Yes, they are....but they also show way too much skin. Yes, it's just a cartoon...but until I was about 7/8 I didn't understand the concept that cartoons weren't real. I honestly thought there was some cartoon world out there where they filmed all these programmes. And I'm not the only one. My nephews still don't get the idea that superheroes, cartoons, talking animals, etc aren't real.....they are JUST kids after all. You can't expect them to pop out of their mothers with this HUGE understanding of what's reality and what isn't. And parents are just human, you can't expect them to understand that they need to explain this to their children at all. Did your parents ever do it? Just because you never ended up starving yourself, or cutting your hair to look like a winx girl.....doesn't mean others didn't. Just count yourselves lucky.

So basically my point is: In my opinion, they are unappropriate. And you can't expect too much from kids just because you have a biased opinion.

:) Wow....I talk too much sometimes

MH was created by the Bratz team (also the creators of Moxie dolls) which are all very very similar to Winx in style. (and theyre all awsomely drawn).

Ok...I have to point this out...it's slightly bugging me :3 MH was created by the team who created Barbie actually :3 not bratz :3 not to sound mean or anything :)

Bratz and Moxie- MGA Entertainment

Monster High and Brabie- Mattel

[P-girl]

I disagree with that notion because of a simple fact.
TV is not a parent.
I think it's the parent's responsibility to raise their kids.
Don't like the clothes in a TV show? Think your daughter might ape it? Don't let her watch it. Easy-peasy.

[Vaughanh7]

I'm not saying TV should parent a child...I'm saying children can get influenced by it. And which parent would think the outfits would influence the child ? But they do. A lot of times actually.

[P-girl]

Then why don't the parents teach them to differentiate fiction from reality?

[Abby]

Then why don't the parents teach them to differentiate fiction from reality?

That's what I think is the main idea here. It is okay for cartoon characters to dress like the winx do as long as parents are active in differentiating reality from fiction with their children. At least this is how I plan to raise my own children whenever I may have any.

[mightymarty2]

The thing is if the kids cannot distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate cloths yet. Then they are not ready to dress themselves. So the parents should decide and they can pick appropriate cloths.

[winxclubrox23]

When Winx first aired in 2004, I was in grade four. That's even an older age than many of the little girls watching Winx now, and not once can I think of a time when I was like, "Oh, I wish I had a waist like Bloom or legs like Flora."

No.

These are little girls watching a cartoon about fairies because they like fairies. I doubt quite highly physical appearance is coming to mind at all. Instead, they're probably wishing they had wings and magical powers and could fly. So, no, I don't think the outfits are inappropriate. If your 5 year old wants to emulate the style of the Winx, that is the parent's problem for not teaching what is and is not age appropriate.

This post has been edited by winxclubrox23: Oct 1 2012, 8:11 AM

[Abby]

I guess I'm different then because being a chubby child, I always thought that I wished I was skinner when watching the show to be able to be attractive like they are portrayed. At least that is what I get from the show, that they're are stylish, young, hip and popular which I feel like society tries to tell girls to be.