Alice Davis, a well-known costume designer, died on November 4, 2022, at the age of 93. She rose to prominence as a costume designer for Walt Disney’s films, television shows, and theme parks. On Twitter, the Walt Disney Family Museum paid homage to her, writing:
“It is with deep regret that I report the death of Disney Legend Alice Davis.” Alice Estes Davis was most recognized in the world for her work as a costume designer. Alice was an amazing colleague, generous sponsor, and dear friend to us.”
Alice Davis rose to prominence as a result of her work with Disney.
Alice Estes Davis, who was born on March 26, 1929, got 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 assisted her in getting into the lone opening for the next semester, which was costume design.
She received her diploma and began her profession creating women’s underwear for the Beverly Vogue & Lingerie House in Los Angeles. Alice was the creator of two stylish lingerie brands. She was also well-known for her pattern-making abilities, owing to her expertise in a variety of exotic textiles. Marc Davis, Alice’s future husband, met her while he was an instructor at a night animation class. Marc contacted her in the mid-1950s when looking for a costume for Helene Stanley’s live-action performance as Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty. During their collaboration on this project, he and Alice became close and married in June 1956.
Walt Disney saw the couple at a café in Los Angeles and was impressed by Alice’s work. She was then employed as a costume designer for Toby Tyler, a 1960 drama film. Alice was requested 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 area, quality control system, and refurbishment processes at WED Enterprises while working on the “little world” project. Furthermore, they were still utilized by the Imagineers and maintenance workers at 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 left WED in 1978 but continued to advise The Walt Disney Company on other projects. She also attended Disney-related events and met with fans. In 1997, the costume designer received the Disneyana Fan Club Disney Legend honor, and in 2004, he was admitted as a legend at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. In May 2012, Alice was also honored with a window at Disneyland adjacent to her husband’s window. In addition, she received the June Forey Award in 2014.
Twitter users pay homage 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. Following her death, though, Twitterattis went to the site to pay respect to her. Alice Davis was married to Marc Davis, who died in 2000. Her family relatives survive her.
Sad to hear of the passing of Disney Legend Alice Davis. What an incredible talent. It’s a small world and Pirates just wouldn’t be as iconic without her amazing contributions. #Disney pic.twitter.com/ttpTLKvo3h
— Jerrod Maruyama (@jmaruyama) November 4, 2022
Alice Davis 1929-2022. A true #DisneyLegend and a wonderful person. pic.twitter.com/KBEbLxma1K
— SparkcatcherBlog (@sparkcatcherblg) November 4, 2022
