Artist Reimagines Disney Characters with Contemporary Beauty Trends

Yudie, the talented artist behind the viral TikTok account @vanotyarts, has taken the internet by storm with her unique redesigns of Disney characters inspired by modern beauty standards. Her creative “glow-ups” have captivated millions, blending iconic characters with contemporary aesthetics. One of her most popular videos, a stunning reimagining of Rapunzel, has amassed 17 million views, sparking discussions about how beauty perceptions have changed over time.

1. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Jasmine has been given a dramatic makeover. The updated version features a sultry smokey eye and thicker, more defined lashes, adding depth and intensity to her already captivating appearance.

2. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Ariel’s pink dress in The Little Mermaid was inspired by 1830s design trends, particularly the high neckline and oversized sleeves. While the dramatic sleeves suit her, the artist gave Ariel’s look a modern twist. She swapped the sleeves for a short tank top. In addition, her voluminous hair reflects a style that’s currently back in vogue. However, the artist suggests that straight hair would offer a more contemporary feel, balancing her vintage-inspired dress with a fresh, updated hairstyle.

3. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Tiana's glow-up enhances her natural texture while adding volume and length. The result is a striking transformation.

4. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

With its modest design, apron, and timeless hairstyle, Belle’s signature blue gown from Beauty and the Beast draws on traditional French fashion. The artist reimagined Belle with long, straight hair, imagining how she might look today, to bring her look into the present. Her outfit has also been modernized, with the apron removed in favor of a sleek, all-blue gown. This gives Belle a fresh, contemporary feel while retaining the core of her character’s original charm.

5. Moana (Moana)

Moana has been given a stunning makeover that enhances her natural beauty. The artist kept her gorgeous texture intact but styled it with trendy braids. The braids accentuate her vibrant personality. To add depth to her look, a thoughtful arm tattoo reflects her deep connection to her heritage and culture, adding charm and meaning to her updated look.

6. Eric (The Little Mermaid)

With a sleek and stylish update, Eric’s glow-up brings the character into the modern era. The Prince now wears a sharply tailored suit with a contemporary cut. His tie adds a sophisticated touch. This refined look gives Eric a polished, modern edge while maintaining his classic charm. It transforms him into a character who fits seamlessly into today’s world while still embodying the elegance of royalty.

7. Cinderella (Cinderella)

Cinderella’s signature soft, wavy hairstyle has been reimagined for her modern glow-up. The artist opted for sleek, straight hair to give her a fresh, contemporary vibe. In addition to this updated look, she now wears a pair of earrings in each ear, adding a stylish and on-trend detail that places her firmly in today’s fashion scene. These subtle changes refresh her classic look and bring her in line with today’s trends, while still honoring her timeless elegance.

8. Elsa (Frozen II)

Elsa’s look in Frozen II already has a modern feel to it. However, the artist has given her a fresh update with a new hairstyle. Elsa’s glow-up features a trendy buzz cut, giving her a sleek and contemporary look.

9. Mulan (Mulan)

Mulan's outfits have always been a source of admiration, but the artist has given her a bold, fresh twist that completely transforms her look. This modern update features an eye-catching tattoo on her sleeve that adds a fierce and edgy vibe to her character. To give Mulan a more dramatic and commanding presence, the artist has also lengthened her hair.

10. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Tangled is set in the 1780s. Rapunzel's dress, with its puffed shoulders and corset, hints at the style of the period, but the design isn't entirely accurate. The artist gave her a modern twist by updating her hairstyle and adding subtle details to her shoulders. This allowed her to show more skin than was customary at the time. This imaginative reworking blends historical elements with a contemporary flair. The result is a look that feels visually striking and loosely tied to the past.

11. Meg (Hercules)

Meg's transformation is nothing short of stunning. The artist has given her a bold, modern makeover by emphasizing her eyes with a dramatic smokey eye look. This makeup style adds depth and intensity to her gaze, making her eyes the focal point of her face. Complementing the smokey eyes are thicker, more defined lashes that further enhance her striking features. This combination of smokey eyes and lush lashes not only modernizes Meg's appearance but also accentuates her confident and fierce personality, bringing her character into the contemporary era with a fresh and captivating look.

12. Anna (Frozen II)

Frozen II is Set in the 1840-1850’s. Anna’s style is heavily inspired by traditional Norwegian folk clothing, which is evident in her clothing design. While beautifully crafted, the artist has modernized Anna’s appearance with a playful braid and trendy choker. These subtle updates add a fun, contemporary twist to her character, seamlessly blending her historical roots with a fresh look that resonates with today’s fashion trends.

13. Snow White (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs)

Snow White's puffed sleeves are a reference to 16th-century fashion. Her standing white collar is believed to be an homage to a standing partlet that was seen in Italian artwork of the time. In her modern update, these intricate details have been streamlined, the result being a charming blue dress that has a fresh, contemporary look. In addition, Snow White's hairstyle has been updated to reflect a more contemporary style. This enhances her overall image while still honoring her classic character.

14. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

Aurora's peasant dress is a fascinating blend of different eras, rather than belonging to a single time period. For example, her contrasting collar is reminiscent of women's fashion from the 1940s and 50s, adding a touch of vintage charm. However, the artist has modernized her look by giving the princess a Barbie-like makeover, transforming her into a character that bears a striking resemblance to the iconic doll.

Bonus: Mulan

Mulan’s transformation into a modern bride is a breathtaking blend of tradition and contemporary elegance. The artist has reimagined her wedding look with a sleek and sophisticated gown that seamlessly combines classic elements with modern design. The gown features clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic, highlighting Mulan’s natural grace and strength. Her hairstyle has been updated to a chic updo, adding a touch of sophistication and refinement. The addition of subtle yet meaningful accessories completes her transformation, making Mulan a stunning and timeless bride who embodies both her cultural heritage and contemporary style.

As we marvel at these modern transformations, you might be surprised to learn that some Disney characters were inspired by real people. Stay tuned for our next article, where we reveal 10 Disney characters you didn’t know were based on real people.