what would Disney princesses would look like if they looked historically Accurate
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Eps 17: what would Disney princesses would look like if they looked historically Accurate

— History

The podcast explores how Disney princesses would appear if they were rendered with historical accuracy, examining their original cultural and temporal contexts. For instance, Snow White, originating from 16th-century Germany, would have braided hair and simpler clothing typical of a peasant girl rather than her iconic dress. Cinderella, an 18th-century French character, would wear a grander gown with a corset and panniers. Mulan would be depicted with more traditional Han dynasty attire, emphasizing practicality and martial aspects. Pocahontas' representation would focus on the authentic Powhatan clothing made of animal hides and more accurate tribal hairstyles. Lastly, Jasmine would be attired in more conservative, modest clothing reflecting historical Persian influences rather than the bare midriff and extravagant costume she is known for. Each princess's transformation underscores the significant differences between their current Disney portrayals and how they might look if true to their historical roots.

Seed data: Link 1
Host image: StyleGAN neural net
Content creation: GPT-3.5,

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Nicole Gonzalez

Nicole Gonzalez

Podcast Content
Let's start with everyone’s favorite bookworm, Belle from "Beauty and the Beast." If Belle were historically accurate, she would be living in France during the late 18th century, likely wearing elaborate Rococo-style dresses with panniers that extend the width of her hips, and corsets that cinch her waist—quite different from her more practical and simplified blue and yellow gowns. Moving on to "The Little Mermaid," Ariel’s original tale by Hans Christian Andersen dates back to the early 19th century. If she were historically true to the Scandinavian origins, Ariel would have had a less glamorous and more utilitarian wardrobe once she became human, likely with longer sleeves and modest, functional dresses reflective of that era’s fashion.

For "Mulan," rooted in Chinese folklore during the Northern Wei dynasty (386-534 AD), her attire would feature more tunics and trousers, appropriate for the period and less like the form-fitting garbs showcased in the animated film. The real-life Mulan's armor would have been more practical and in line with ancient Chinese military gear, giving her a more grounded warrior look. Now take Cinderella from the 17th century French tale by Charles Perrault. Instead of that iconic blue ball gown, Cinderella would have worn a detailed court dress made of heavy satin, adorned with lace and embroidery, aligning with the elaborate fashion of the Baroque period.

Next, "Pocahontas" would look significantly different. The daughter of Powhatan leader Wahunsenacawh, Pocahontas existed in the early 17th century. Her clothing would consist of woven plant fibers in the summer and animal hides in the winter, accessorized with intricate beadwork and possibly tribal tattoos, offering a more accurate glimpse into Native American culture. As for "Jasmine" from "Aladdin," which has roots in Middle Eastern folklore from the Abbasid Caliphate (8th-9th century), her clothing would comprise loose-fitting garments like kaftans and perhaps a headscarf, reflecting modesty and sophistication of the period.

Frozen's "Elsa," based on a Norwegian setting, would have worn traditional Scandinavian clothing. Her outfits would feature woolen garments for warmth and colorful patterns, differing greatly from her shimmering, off-the-shoulder ice dress. Similarly, "Merida" from "Brave" would don attire from medieval Scotland, including a long, practical dress made from woven wool, likely accompanied by a plaid shawl or cloak embroidered with Celtic designs.

Lastly, consider "Tiana" from "The Princess and the Frog," set in 1920s New Orleans. To stay historically accurate, Tiana would be seen in flapper dresses with shorter hemlines and looser fits, reflecting the Jazz Age's embrace of modernity and freedom.

Transforming these beloved Disney princesses to their historically accurate forms doesn’t just alter their appearances; it enriches their stories with the cultural and historical textures of their respective times, offering a fascinating lens through which to appreciate these iconic characters.