POWER TO THE PRINCESS!
Drum English|7 May 2020
Disney heroines get a stunning makeover as beautiful young black girls take their crowns
KIM ABRAHAMS
POWER TO THE PRINCESS!

THERE’S something instantly recognisable about them. Snow White and her apple, Cinderella’s blue and Belle’s yellow ball­ gown, Rapunzel’s long braid, Ariel’s seashells . . .

But these are Disney princesses like you’ve never seen them before. They’ve come to life in the shape of 14 gorgeous young black girls who were excited to create versions of Disney characters that looked more like them than the ones they’d seen on screen.

Hairstylist and makeup artist La­ Chanda Gatson had always wanted to see characters she could relate to – so she made her dream come true by creat­ing them herself.

“Growing up, I didn’t see much representation in fantasy or enchanting fairytales,” LaChanda tells DRUM. “So I’d always re-imagine what it would be like in a more relatable way. I’ve now created the change I want to see.”

LaChanda teamed up with costume designers, makeup artists, hairstylists and photographers to deliver the Disney­ inspired cosplay series Once Upon a Time, a Trip Around the Sun. The images were shared on Facebook and have received praise from around the globe.

It was a labour of love for LaChanda. “This is a passion project,” she says.

“A different twist to a hair and fashion story. These princesses are some of my favourites, re-imagined from all over the world. They’re here to show diversity in fantasy, and imagination.”

She’s giving young girls something she never had growing up – a “special mixture of chocolate-blend princesses”.

LaChanda, who grew up in Clarksville in Tennessee in the United States, loved music and the arts in high school.

This story is from the 7 May 2020 edition of Drum English.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the 7 May 2020 edition of Drum English.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DRUM ENGLISHView All
Homegrown Heroes
Drum English

Homegrown Heroes

Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
The Big Clean Up
Drum English

The Big Clean Up

Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I'm Back & Better!
Drum English

I'm Back & Better!

Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
Not An Easy Ride
Drum English

Not An Easy Ride

Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Drum English

Mam' Mary Bows Out

Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
‘They Lived For Each Other'
Drum English

‘They Lived For Each Other'

This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too

time-read
6 mins  |
9 July 2020
Stranger Than Fiction
Drum English

Stranger Than Fiction

For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I Was Raped By A Pastor
Drum English

I Was Raped By A Pastor

His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
My Fight With Life And Death
Drum English

My Fight With Life And Death

More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
I AM ENOUGH
Drum English

I AM ENOUGH

Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020