Disney princesses through a body positive lens

It’s no secret that the Disney princesses were created with a restrictive aesthetic in mind. Although all the princesses come from different cultures and have different stories, their body shapes and sizes hardly differ. Not only are they all very slim but they mirror the stereotypically femme physique of a small waist and bigger hips and bust with slim legs and arms, as well as being physically able bodied.

This lack of diversity in body shape sends a message that this size is the only acceptable one, and it doesn’t reflect the reality of women all over the world. But more than that, the princesses also all adhere to traditional beauty standards with a lack of awareness around things that affect us all (think acne and facial hair).

Brazilian artist Marcela Sabiá has addressed this in her own series of body positive Disney princess drawings, explaining why each princess would be just as amazing if she was in a wheelchair or had facial scarring, for example. Here’s our favourite picks of her creations.

Reimagining our favourite Disney princesses for the modern age