While Disney hasn't really been known for historically accurate stories and requires a lot of suspension of disbelief [1], their classic tales lead to iconic fashion moments [2] and costuming most people could spot from anywhere. But what would some of these famous Disney characters and princesses look like during the time periods their adventures are really set in?
TikTok user @msfashionbunny [3] breaks down her research behind uncovering what traditional dress was like for movies such as Aladdin, Hercules, and Sleeping Beauty, highlighting the styles as they juxtapose the animated adaptations. Rather than look at modern glow ups [4], the artist goes back to their roots and explores how history and culture played such an integral part in women's dress. The artist's TikToks follow her as she incorporates art of each woman's time period before digitally reimagining their popular outfits. The results are fascinating and much different than the princesses we all know and love. Keep reading to see them all now.
Rapunzel
The artist went for a 16th-century look here based on clues she found in the film (architecture and use of archery) and changed up the young princess's purple dress for a more traditional gold and red northern European style. The outfit is reminiscent of a wealthier style of dress, while the princess was able to keep her long locks, because, well, she's still Rapunzel.
Sleeping Beauty (Aurora)
The film, which is set in the 14th century, inspired the artist to mirror the style of Queen Isabella of France. Aurora is given a fur-lined dress, a cape with golden accents, and as this was the only time the pointy princess cone hat was fashionable, there's a bonus look at the end.
Esmeralda
Highlighting how wrong the costuming was for this character, especially for her time period in the 1500s, the artist emphasised how important research is to accurately represent women and their cultural attire. The transformation includes more Eastern influences and colouring.
Megara
Meg, who would have been alive during the Mycenaean time period, would actually have very different attire than we are used to seeing when it comes to ancient Greece. For one thing, both men and women had exposed chests at the time (though the artist does a bit of creative covering up for the sake of the video) and donned lots of textures and colours.
Merida
The artist re-creates a formal 1100s style dress that includes brighter colours and golden accents, as well as coverings for Merida's wild red hair. A beautiful plaid cape is included to showcase the cultural influences of the time.
Jasmine
While Aladdin and Jasmine's story is set in the Islamic Golden Age, the artist hit a snag in finding the traditional fashion of the time. So, Jasmine is transformed with plenty of textures, patterns, and beautiful colours that cover a bit more with layers and ornate jewellery.
