Fan of the series or not, we have all already heard of Marinette Dupain-Cheng, better known as Ladybug. Miraculous has become a real phenomenon among young and old alike. A detail that makes the Parisian heroine so unique? Its full costume identical to that of a ladybug, hence its name. But where does this inspiration come from? We investigated for you!
If Marinette’s outfit stands out so much, it is mainly for its motif. Red mask with black polka dots as well as a combination of the same pattern which goes up to the nape of his neck… Without forgetting the accessories! Her earrings, the most important element of her outfit which represent Marinette’s precious miraculous, are red with five black dots. Even her hair is held in two pigtails by red ribbons, similar to the wings of the good luck insect. As for his yo-yo, still hanging on his waist, it also takes the patterns of a ladybug.
The origin of the character Miraculous
Thomas Astruc, the creator and director of the successful series, himself explained the process of creating Ladybug. Already known for having worked on other anime, the creator would have drawn inspiration from his own life experiences as well as of Korean, American and European influences. This big comic book fan could also have been inspired of the most legendary superheroes. Some also think that the ladybug outfit is similar to that of Spidermanwith his tight-fitting jumpsuit reminiscent of the red and black of Spider-Man.
Thomas Astruc admitted to having had the idea when he met a colleague who was wearing a t-shirt with the motif of a ladybug. Little by little, her sketches were refined to give the little insect the appearance of a real heroine, totally opposed to her high school character.
A lucky symbol in Miraculous
Ladybug and Cat Noir have been associated since the first episodes of the series. Both seek each other like cats and dogs, one being teasing and seductive, the other more channeled and dexterous. But the choice of characters was obviously not made by chance.
While Ladybug looks like a ladybug, a symbol of luckthe creator wanted to give birth to his masculine opposite by inventing Black Cat, embodying bad luck. Although Marinette and her dual identity are two very different people, the symbol of the ladybug fits very well with the lively and enthusiastic character of the young high school student.
We can also imagine that if Marinette and Ladybug are also different from each other, it is thanks to the power of metamorphosis. Before becoming the popular little insect that we know, the ladybug is first of all just a simple larva! Just like the shy and discreet high school student who transforms into an elusive Ladybug, ready to do anything to save her city. As the lyrics of the series credits say:
“ My name is Marinette, a girl like any other. But when destiny chooses me to fight against the forces of Evil, I become Miraculous Ladybug! »
A subject at the center of several theories
There are a large number of possibilities regarding the insect embodied by the adolescent heroine. Some fans also had fun putting forward more or less plausible hypotheses. One of these theories, rather credible, states that Ladybug’s yo-yo refers to the wish we must make when a ladybug lands on our finger before it flies away.
The director himself not having argued much on this subject, everyone is free to interpret the sign of The Ladybug in their own way. One thing is certain, no one better than Marinette can dress as well his polka dot suit !
