Disney Legends in Conversation: Exclusive Q&A with Colleen Atwood

To cap off an unforgettable weekend, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa^® will conclude on Sunday, August 11, with the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony. The Disney Legends Award honors artists and visionaries throughout The Walt Disney Company's history who have pushed the envelope of creativity, challenged conventional wisdom, and broken the restraints of the status quo in search of new possibilities and excellence. A 37-year tradition, this year's honorees include Colleen Atwood, Angela Bassett, Martha Blanding, James L. Brooks, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Steve Ditko, Harrison Ford, Mark Henn, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa, Joe Rohde, and John Williams.

In an exclusive Q&A, Colleen Atwood-who is being recognized in the Costume Design category-reflects on her contributions to the company and what it means to be named a Disney Legend.

How does it feel to be the first costume designer to be named a Disney Legend?

To be the first costume designer to receive the Disney Legends Award, I am thrilled! It is an honor from a company founded by artists and remains one that has always supported the art of film.

What's the secret to creating unique costumes that are distinctly Disney?

The secret to creating costumes that are uniquely Disney lies in taking the character that has been made familiar to audiences as a starting point and building a new world around it.

What is it about working with Disney that has helped your creativity in creating these costumes?

I think the support that Disney has always given me as a designer, along with the belief in the filmmakers I work with expands creativity.

There's often a dark edge to your designs, which work well in films like Alicein Wonderland, Into the Woods, and Dumbo. What appeals to you about this aesthetic?

The dark edge in design goes hand in hand with the sort of stories these movies have; there is a feeling of characters that are dark, much like old fairytales. To me, it is fun to design the scary folks alongside the innocent beauties.

Out of all the costumes you've created, which one is the most deceptively complex?

The Red Queen dress in Alice was cheated in a way that was a fun challenge. Her head was larger than normal, so I had to make the bodice and collar look like they fit with big head while Helena [Bonham Carter] was wearing the costume.

When you think of your Disney oeuvre, what makes you most proud?

For me, Alice remains my favorite accomplishment. The technology was new to us and the challenges of merging real with bits of animation made it unique for all times.

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