Normally I leave all fashion rants to Lenneth, since she is much better qualified to do so, but on this rare occasion, I feel I must step in. Hope I entertain you on this lovely holiday Monday. I hopped over to Shingetsu after work, looking for the screencap archive of Saturday’s episode, and found the following images of Usagi’s upgraded transformation, Princess Sailor Moon:

My first thought was, “…WTF??” However, I decided that this costume, unlike anything previously seen before (and darnit if I won’t have to make some new buttons for Usa-ko now), but yet containing many bastardized elements of costumes we have seen before, deserves a full dissection. Shall we begin?

Starting at the top: the crown. [flicks it] A white plastic knock-off of Neo-Queen Serenity’s lovely crown, less elaborate, with pearls. Pearls are everywhere here. Looks a bit out of place, especially with the little pearl strands formerly in her hair (actually, technically, in the Super and Eternal outfits, not before…) that we’re all used to. Interesting but visually jarring.
Grade: B-

The odango covers: pearls around the edges, “metal” color has changed from gold to silver. I don’t like this pearl thing they have going.
Grade: B-

The tiara: metal strip has changed to metal pearl shapes. Actually, this I like, strangely, it’s… well, it’s odd, but it’s not bad. Goes with the pearl theme, I guess.
Grade: A-

The earrings: Call me old-fashioned, but Sailor Moon has had those moon-and-star earrings for ten YEARS, except when in Princess Serenity form. And those were lovely twists of gold. Neither of them were the pearl bric-a-brak she’s being gussied up with now. At least the gold moons are retained, but I’m not a big fan of these new earrings, overall.
Grade: C+

The choker: Pearl overlay added, with a drop ornament matching Sailor Moon’s original earrings. Nice touch, but I hate the pearls here especially. So out of place.
Grade: D

Collar and sleeves: I like the embroidered lace, but not necessarily on the sleeves…. Airy translucent cap sleeves and general outfit details are from the Super Sailor Moon outfit, tri-striping on the sailor collar from the Eternal Sailor Moon fuku. I’ve always liked the color of this collar better than the original blue and white, navy and yellow just work together better imho.
Grade: B+

Bow: Okay. You hold it down, and I’ll get a spork. While I fully understand that if one is a Sailor Senshi, the wearing of a big fluffy bow is required, it simply does NOT have to be this shade of pink. Hello, match the outfit? Which this does not, at ALL?
Grade: C-

Transformation compact: Part of me thinks it’s cool, part of me is in insta-hate mode. For now, I’ll just remark that the mixing of metal colors this go-around is highly unnecessary. Pick gold or silver, guys, not both.
Grade: B

Gloves: Although I do have to admit I prefer the pearls to the large pink tubes her elbows were formerly encased in, I’m not wild about them used here either. However, I’m very intrigued by the ring on her wedding finger. I’d very much like to know more about THAT! *___*
Grade: B

Belt and bow: The translucent white bow, again, is borrowed from the Super Sailor Moon outfit. I liked it there and I like it here. The belt has yet another string of pearls stuck to it, which isn’t as noticeable here on white (not like the choker, for instance), but still feels unnecessary, or at least, ill-placed. Tucking them into the seam of the belt, instead of slapped on the center of it, would look better, I think.
Grade: A (bow) / B (belt)

Skirt: Seems to be a slightly different (and more pleasing, imho) shade of blue than the former outfit, and I like it. Solid, unlike the Super Sailor Moon fuku. I have to admit, I adore the moon-adorned petticoats, those can stay and I think everyone else should get some too. ^^;; Best part of the outfit so far, imho.
Grade: A+

Boots: Color scheme is from the Eternal Sailor Moon boots, but with the point up instead of down. Only real addition here is, yes, another string of pearls. Like the belt area, white on white is less blatant and I can live with them. Also the heels are a very chic transparent plastic. Cinderella meets Sailor Senshi.
Grade: A-

Overall? It’s hard to say. Certain things I like, certain things I don’t. The new weapon reeks of Eau-de-Toy-Merchandising in my opinion, and although a neat idea, rubs me the wrong way overall. I’ll have to see the outfit and weapons in action, I suppose.

I promise, I’m shutting up now. End rant.