Disney has teamed up with a Black-owned photography firm to give their famed princess dolls an Afro-centric makeover.
The legendary entertainment company has long prided itself on presenting fairytale experiences to children. By partnering with Atlanta-based company CreativeSoul Photography, Disney is inviting Black children to dream by offering toys that look like them. Together, the pair will reimagine the beloved princesses we’ve grown to love as dolls that can be purchased online and in park gift shops.
Disney came up with the doll concept after CreativeSoul took photos of young Black girls adorned in the enhanced costumes worn by Disney royalty, such as Snow White, Rapunzel, Cinderella, and even the first Black princess, Tiana. These images were a part of the Princess Project, presented by photography couple Regis and Kahran. These stunning images went viral online, landing the couple a spot on the Steve Harvey Talk Show. It wasn’t long before the pictures found their way to Disney, who commissioned the shots for one of their cruise ships. Now, they are taking the project a step further.
“Photographers with a doll line?! Insane,” CreativeSoul wrote in an Instagram post.
The Disney Princess CreativeSoul Doll Collection will debut on February 3rd at the Walt Disney World’s EPCOT International Arts Festival in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Regis and Kahran will host a book and doll sighting at the festival on opening day. The dolls will remain showcased until February 20th.
The dolls will be available for $59.99 on shopDisney for individuals who are unable to visit Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort in person.
