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# Realistic Princess Depictions
Modern Disney Heroines by Alana May Features Modern Day Princesses

By Tia Clarke | Published 2013-05-10 | Pop Culture
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alana-may
References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/357416/Disney-Princesses-Get-A-Modern-Satirical-Twist/) & [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AlanaRoseMays)

The damsels in Modern [Disney](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disney-wedding-dresses-1) Heroines by New Zealand-based illustrator Alana May all have one thing in common: they are not conventional Disney princesses. With this subversive project, the young illustrator decided to turn [traditional and sometimes sexist Disney stereotypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marvel-and-disney) on their heads, giving these ladies ‘real-life problems’ by portraying them in a modern-day context.

Alana’s intriguing images break down notions that women have to be perceived as ‘beautiful’ to be rescued by a man, as is the case in the ‘Snow White’ story. Alana’s depiction instead features a modern-day Snow White as an unattractive character being rescued after choking on an apple by a man who looks ‘repulsed.’ Other more literal metaphors in Alana’s work feature the stories of Jasmine from ‘Aladdin’ in a vending machine ready to be won as a prize.

These subversive drawings make us think what life would be like for Disney princesses in the real world.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 6.3/10
- Popularity: 89% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media)

## Key Themes

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **Subversive Disney Princesses:** Opportunity for artists and illustrators to challenge traditional stereotypes and reimagine iconic characters.
- **Real-life Depictions:** Interest in portraying fairy tale characters in modern-day settings, offering a fresh perspective and relatability.
- **Feminist Revisionism:** Growing demand for reimagining princess narratives to empower women and challenge gender norms.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Art and Illustration:** Opportunity for artists to create new, innovative interpretations of well-known characters.
- **Entertainment and Media:** Potential for film studios, streaming platforms, and publishers to explore alternative narratives for princess stories.
- **Fashion and Merchandise:** Demand for merchandise featuring non-conventional princesses, giving rise to new fashion and lifestyle products.

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