Alice Davis, a costume designer, died at age 93

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Alice Davis, a well-known costume designer, died on November 4, 2022, at the age of 93. She rose to fame as a costume designer for Walt Disney’s films, television shows, and theme parks. On Twitter, the Walt Disney Family Museum paid tribute to her by writing:

“It is with deep regret that I have to report the passing of Disney legend Alice Davis.” Alice Estes Davis was most recognized in the world for her work as a costume designer. Alice was a wonderful colleague, generous sponsor and dear friend to us.”

Alice Davis became known for her work with Disney.

Born on March 26, 1929, Alice Estes Davis received a scholarship from the Long Beach Art Association to attend the Chouinard Art Institute. Although she planned to study animation at the institution, there was a two-year waiting list, but Chouinard helped her get the only opening for the next semester, which is costume design.

Alice Davis

She received her degree and started her profession making women’s underwear for the Beverly Vogue & Lingerie House in Los Angeles. Alice was the creator of two stylish lingerie brands. She was also known for her pattern-making skills, thanks to her expertise in a variety of exotic textiles. Marc Davis, Alice’s future husband, met her when he was an instructor at a nighttime animation class. Marc contacted her in the mid-1950s when she was looking for a costume for Helene Stanley’s live-action performance as Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty. While working on this project, he and Alice became close and married in June 1956.

Walt Disney saw the couple in a Los Angeles cafe and was impressed by Alice’s work. She then worked as a costume designer for Toby Tyler, a 1960 drama film. Alice was asked by Walt Disney to help Mary Blair create clothes for the Audio-Animatronic children of Disney’s 1964/1965 New York World’s Fair attraction “it’s a small world”.

Alice established an AA figure costume production space, quality control system and renovation processes at WED Enterprises while working on the “small world” project. In addition, they were still used by the Imagineers and maintenance workers in the Disney theme parks. She also designed costumes for the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and the redesigned Flight to the Moon ride.

Alice Davis

Alice Davis left WED in 1978, but continued to advise The Walt Disney Company on other projects. She also attended Disney-related events and met fans. In 1997, the costume designer was awarded the Disneyana Fan Club Disney Legend honor, and in 2004 he was admitted as a legend at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. In May 2012, Alice was also honored with a window at Disneyland next to her husband’s window. She also received the June Forey Award in 2014.

Twitter users pay tribute to the late costume designer.

Alice Davis rose to prominence in the entertainment business in recent years as a result of her work with Disney. However, after her death, Twitterattis took to the site to respect her. Alice Davis was married to Marc Davis, who died in 2000. Her relatives survive her.