In Disney and Pixar’s beloved film “Coco,” Miguel Rivera embarks on a heartfelt journey to uncover the importance of family, legacy and tradition. This spirit of celebration and connection is at the heart of Disney’s new collection inspired by “Coco” and brought to life by various dedicated cast members including Nichole Siegfried, product design director, Disney Consumer Products.
Nichole, who helped lead the creative direction, drew from her Mexican culture, traditions and cherished family memories as a central design element.
From authentic jarritos (traditional clay drinkware) to a Día de los Muertos-inspired guitar reminiscent of Miguel’s, the collection brings the film’s world to life while honoring the cultural significance of each item. Disney Parks Blog had the pleasure of sitting down with Nichole to explore what inspired her, how vital representation is for her, and more.
Creative Inspiration and Cultural Connection
Disney Parks Blog: We’re thrilled to welcome you to the Disney Parks Blog, Nichole! The new “Coco” collection is stunning. Can you share where you drew your inspiration for this unique line?
Nichole: Thank you so much! I thought incorporating playful and colorful elements into the apparel, accessories and home goods would be a great way to represent both the movie and Mexican culture.
Disney Parks Blog: It sounds like this collection has deep personal meaning for you. What elements of Mexican culture do you feel really shine through in the pieces from this collection?
Nichole: I aimed to make every design as authentic as possible while highlighting the joy and brightness of Mexican culture. The Mickey ears with serape prints, the T-shirt featuring Dante in his Alebrije form, and the hoodie and fan are some of my favorite pieces that showcase that festive spirit.
One standout item is a blanket featuring Dante, Miguel’s loyal companion. Growing up, my family always had traditional blankets, known for their thick, soft texture and vibrant designs, which are iconic in Mexican culture. I wanted to replicate that same texture and weight in the design.
Even though the traditional fabric wasn’t available, I worked closely with the team to achieve that feel. It’s these details that make the collection special, and I hope they resonate with others who share similar experiences or are learning about our culture for the first time.
Honoring Heritage and Embracing Diversity
Disney Parks Blog: “Coco” is all about honoring your roots and celebrating where you come from. How does this collection reflect that theme in your personal journey?
Nichole: For me, this collection is a celebration of my Mexican heritage. My last name and limited Spanish have sometimes led me to feel imposter syndrome, but I’ve always been passionate about embracing diversity within the Hispanic community. I wanted this collection to showcase that representation is key, no matter what shape or size we come in, or which language we speak. It’s important for everyone to feel seen, whether through the language on a product or the cultural elements embedded in the designs.
Disney Parks Blog: You’re all about staying connected to your roots and creating designs that resonate with people. What do you hope fans take away from this collection?
Nichole: I hope fans feel connected to something bigger. My goal was to create something that honors my heritage while making everyone feel included and celebrated. It’s incredibly validating to see people connect with a product that was once just a sketch and is now a keepsake of their favorite stories and characters.
I am also very grateful that at Disney, we have a unique opportunity to bring people of different backgrounds together, and my team is committed to honoring that diversity through our products.
Looking Ahead
Disney Parks Blog: What do you love most about working at Disney Consumer Products and the team with which you get to collaborate?
Nichole: Disney is probably the most diverse workplace I’ve been a part of from a Latino perspective. I’ve met so many amazing and talented cast members and partners who are incredibly passionate about their jobs. We have told so many diverse and meaningful stories, and we will continue to do even more by sharing them and bringing joy to people’s lives through the products we create.
Disney Parks Blog: It’s been such a pleasure hearing about your creative journey. What’s next for you and your team? Any exciting projects on the horizon?
Nichole: We’re always working on new collections, with more to come! We aim to continue creating products that resonate with diverse communities.
This “Coco” collection, infused with meaningful cultural touches and elements of Mexican heritage, is now available in select retail locations at Disney Parks and Resorts, with some items available on DisneyStore.com.