Plus-size influencers dressed up as Disney princesses for a photo shoot that 'pushes boundaries' of common beauty standards

Amanda KrauseNov 7, 2020, 17:57 IST

Natasha Polis dressed as Belle in a dress she sewed for the Plus-Size Princess Project.Plus-Size Princess Project

Though Disney princesses are undoubtedly inspiring, they don't represent a wide variety of body types and skin tones.
That's why influencer Natasha Polis created the Plus-Size Princess Project on Instagram.
The photo series shows women with larger bodies portraying a variety of female characters, from Anna and Elsa to Kida from "Atlantis."
Though there were some obstacles to overcome — like finding Disney costumes in larger sizes — the influencers created a project that has since received "extremely positive" reactions, as Polis told Insider.

Disney princesses have been inspiring children for decades — but some fans argue that they don't represent everyone.

That's why influencer Natasha Polis created the Plus-Size Princess Project. Over the course of three months, she gathered a group of plus-size influencers to create a photo series that shows women with larger bodies portraying classic princesses. She also made sure to include non-princess characters to ensure she could work with a diverse cast.

Speaking to Insider, Polis shared what it was like to work on the project, the obstacles they faced, and what she hopes people take away from the photos.

Natasha Polis created the Plus-Size Princess Project.

Natasha Polis dressed as Belle in a dress she sewed for the Plus-Size Princess Project. Plus-Size Princess Project

The first person Polis contacted was Hunter McGrady — a model known for her appearances in Sports Illustrated and The Knot.

Hunter McGrady as Elsa from "Frozen" for the Plus-Size Princess Project. Plus-Size Princess Project

Other women featured in the Plus-Size Princess Project are fashion and Disney influencers.

Adriana as Kida from "Atlantis" for the Plus-Size Princess Project. Plus-Size Princess Project

Polis originally wanted costumes to look as accurate as possible.

Zoie as Moana for the Plus-Size Princess Project. Plus-Size Princess Project

Some influencers, like Michaela McGrady, did just that.

Michaela McGrady as Anna from "Frozen" for the Plus-Size Princess Project. Plus-Size Princess Project

Unfortunately, some influencers had difficulty finding accurate costumes in their sizes.

Rosey Blair as Cinderella for the Plus-Size Princess Project. Plus-Size Princess Project

One influencer even decided to exit the project because she couldn't find a costume that worked for her body.

Becca Ashmon as Ariel for the Plus-Size Princess Project. Plus-Size Princess Project

Others got creative with costumes they could find in smaller sizes.

Bonnie Barton as Jasmine for the Plus-Size Princess Project. Plus-Size Princess Project

Ideally, Polis would have sewed a costume for every influencer involved.

Heather Traska as Aurora from "Sleeping Beauty" for the Plus-Size Princess Project. Plus-Size Princess Project

But because influencers were able to put together their own outfits, their personalities shined through.

Marie Tran as Mulan for the Plus-Size Princess Project. Plus-Size Princess Project

Their DIY looks also show how accurate costumes can be created on a budget.

Candice as Esmerelda for the Plus-Size Princess Project. Plus-Size Princess Project

There is one Disney princess missing from the project that Polis really wanted to include.

Ashlee Rose Hartley as Alice for the Plus-Size Princess Project. Plus-Size Princess Project

Mary Poppins is the only character from a live-action film to be included in the project.

Elle Valera as Mary Poppins for the Plus-Size Princess Project. Plus-Size Princess Project

Polis said reactions to the Plus-Size Princess Project have been "extremely positive" so far.

Monica Kim as Snow White for the Plus-Size Princess Project. Plus-Size Princess Project

Disney princesses have come a long way in recent years.

Stephanie as Elena of Avalor for the Plus-Size Princess Project. Plus-Size Princess Project

Still, Polis argues that companies like Disney still have a long way to go.

Sarah Tripp as Rapunzel for the Plus-Size Princess Project. Plus-Size Princess Project

After seeing the Plus-Size Princess Project, Polis hopes people realize that "princesses are not a one-size-fits-all."

Sarah Anne as Merida for the Plus-Size Princess Project. Plus-Size Princess Project

Polis and the involved influencers also want to "push boundaries" of common beauty standards.

Anna OBrien as Tinker Bell for the Plus-Size Princess Project. Plus-Size Princess Project

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