According to Don Bluth, Princess Daphne's design was heavily inspired by Gary Goldman's Playboy magazine collection. Don used the magazines for reference, as well as partial inspiration from Marilyn Monroe.

"I, who had never looked at a Playboy magazine before, was introduced to one by Gary Goldman who pointed out there were several provocative pictures within, and that they may inspire us.

There was a lot of the Marilyn Monroe image that came across with Daphne. She was a cliche of the dumb blonde. She may not work today, because you know the women have to be able to wield the sword too."