Disney princesses reimagined as Young Black Girls
By: Chelsea Uzomah
Tags: Creativity, Disney, Black Women, Reimagination, Black

I was just hopelessly and aimlessly cruising Instagram when I found these beyond gorgeous photographs.😍 Initially I thought they were just really cool until i did some digging around.

These absolutely fabulous photos were thanks to the collaboration between Lachanda Gatson, the awesomely talented makeup artist and hairstylist that came up with what you see before you. Concept and all. And CreativeSoul Photography.

The stunning portraits are called Princess series beautifully and creatively reimagine Disney princess as young black girls. Not only just putting the photo out there as just a reimagine of the famous and beloved characters but also putting essence into it. Capturing that of the characters and that of the reimagination. A perfect blend. Not too over the top and not to bland either.

Personally as a African girl these photos really appeal to me because I get to see some of my favorite and beloved Disney princesses look like me and actually carry the essence of Africa. And that was kinda the goal.The Princess Series was created with the goal of inspiring more girls to start seeing themselves as regal princesses.

The idea, according to what Lachanda Gatson told My Modern Net, was developed early on in childhood from the consistent lack of representation of Black children in almost all forms of media where children play a significant role. She would often reimagine the characters as more relatable to her and her culture.

Gatson reimagined a collection of fictional princesses and global fairytales. Ones she she grew up with as Black Urban Royalty. Choosing a team of talented Black creatives, creating what she wanted to see. Showing the rewards of teamwork, hardwork, determination and will. And quite frankly I couldn’t be happier.

Gatson hopes that the series helps to inspire change. Also hoping that the series is just a beginning of endless opportunities for inclusion and more black creativity in fantasy. She wants everyone to continue the conversation and understand that our children matter too.

Not that I have any kids yet. I guess my siblings kinda are but for now I can guess the word ‘children’ still applies to me too.😁

Princess Jade inspired by Cinderella

I feel like excessively gushing over these. The fashion, the style, the hair the jewelry, all so beautiful. I have never been the one with the fashion sense in the family. I don’t really get what the hoopla is about sometimes. Same with makeup. But slather anything with a good glob of fantasy, culture and reimagination I’ll be face down in it.😂

Princess Tigers Eye inspired by Nala from “The Lion King”

Princess Rose Quartz inspired by Aurora from “Sleeping Beauty”

Princess Onyx inspired by Pocahontas

Princess Emerald inspired by Tiana from “The Princess and the frog”

Princess Garnet inspired by Snow White

Princess Moonstone inspired by Elsa from “Frozen”

Princess Diamond inspired by Anna from “Frozen”

Princess Obsidian inspired by Shuri from “Black Panther”

Princess Citrine inspired by Belle from “Beauty and the Beast”

Princess Aquamarine inspired by Ariel from “The Little Mermaid”

Princess Amber inspired by Moana

Princess Turquoise inspired by Jasmine from “Aladdin”

Princess Amethyst inspired by Rapunzel

The prints are being sold by CreativeSoul Photography and are available on their website. They are all under copyright.You can find these gorgeous photos and more on their Instagram pages

https://instagram.com/lachandagartistry?igshid=14rxzul232k70

https://instagram.com/creativesoulphoto?igshid=vtdk6snsnpjo

And websites. Links in bio.