Even though there are a growing number of children’s books and stories that celebrate little black girls, Disney princesses are still so ubiquitous that young girls often look to them as the standard of beauty. It’s no secret that Disney princesses weren’t created with us in mind, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t reimagine them in ways that help our daughters feel they too can be princesses. Last year we showcased an artistic depiction of Disney lead characters as members of black sororities, as well as a woman who recreated 8 Disney princess hairstyles using senegalese twists.
St. Vincent native Karissa decided to draw Disney princesses that reflect her Afro-Carribean culture, adding patterned fabric, textured hair, and a variety of skin tones to our favorite Disney characters from childhood.
Tiana’s huge coils and dashiki dress is a look I definitely want to get sewn in real life.
Snow White’s kinks and kente are the perfect combo.
Rapunzel’s locs graciously cloak her two-piece ruffled ankara set.
It would be great if my colored hair could grow as long as Ariel’s without breaking.
Belle is giving us old school glam.
Cinderella’s bantu knots and laid edges though!!!!
You can find Karissa on Instagram @karisees, where she shares more of her art, including this FABULOUS Formation inspired clutch!
Which reimagined Afro Caribbean Disney princess do you like the best?
These are really gorgeous. I love how every princess has a different hair style or hair texture. Also people from St.Vincent and the Grenadines are called Vincentians or simply Vincy.
Doesn’t it say Vincentians in the title?
No, it says ‘Saint Vincentian’. The demonym is just ‘Vincentian’ without the ‘Saint’ 🙂
It says Saint Vincentian, which isn’t correct. The country is St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but the people are called Vincentians, not Saint Vincentians.
The cloth at the bottom of Snow White’s dress is madras not kente. These are lovely!
Really feeling Tiana in her dashiki dress 🙂
THEY ALLL ROCK! Very nice indeed!
They are all beautiful! However, I’m loving Cinderella’s bantu knots!!! These portraits are def something I would buy and keep on my daughter’s wall!