Meet Nichole Siegfried, the Woman Behind Disney’s New ‘Coco’ Collection

Disney has released a new Coco collection, comprised of apparel, collectibles, and unique items such as authentic jarritos and even a Dia de los Muertos guitar.

In celebration of the new line’s launch, the company sat down with Nichole Siegfried, product design director at Disney Consumer Products, who helped bring the new Coco line to life.

Photo: Disney

Here is her story.

Drawing on Her Heritage

Drawing on her Mexican culture, traditions, and family memories, Nichole imbued each item with cultural significance.

“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,” she explained.

Photo: Disney

Reflecting on the personal meaning of the new Coco collection, Nichole explained that the goal was to make each item 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,” Nichole continued.

Photo: Disney

“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 when traditional materials were not available, Nichole and her team did their best to recreate the feel.

The Collection Is Personal to Nichole

Like the film, the new Coco collection is about honoring one’s roots and celebrating heritage.

“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,” Nicole explained.

Photo: Disney

“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.”

What Fans Can Take Away

As for what Nichole hopes fans take away from the new collection, the designer had this to say:

“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. ”

Photo: Disney

Thankfully, there is no better place to accomplish this goal than Disney.

“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,” she explained.

“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.”

Walt Disney Company

The new Coco collection is available at select Disney Parks and Resorts retail locations and at the Disney Store.