Soon-To-Be Disney Legend Colleen Atwood Reveals Her Favorite Disney Project
D23: The Ultimate Fan Event will be capped off on Sunday with the Disney Legends Award Ceremony.
In front of a crowd of adoring fans, the 37th class of Disney Legends will be officially presented with the highest honor that Disney bestows.
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 will be among this year’s honorees.
Photo: Disney
Ahead of her induction this weekend, Colleen Atwood, who is being recognized in the Costume Design category, sat down with Disney to reflect on becoming a Legend.
Making Disney History
Perhaps best known for her longtime collaboration with Tim Burton, Atwood has designed costumes for some of Disney’s most fabulous and whimsical films.
Among the movies that Atwood’s work has helped bring to life are Alice in Wonderland (2010), Lady and the Tramp (2019), Dumbo (2019) and The Little Mermaid (2023).
Colleen Atwood. Photo: Also The Hollywood Reporter.
When Atwood is inducted as a Disney Legend this Sunday, she will be the first costume designer to receive the award. It is an honor that she does not take lightly.
“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,” she said.
The Disney Style
According to the costume designer, creating a look for a Disney film is a unique experience.
Photo: Also 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,” she said.
“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.”
Working With Tim Burton
Through her work with Tim Burton, Atwood has often been tasked with creating costumes for films with a darker edge. Luckily, the aesthetic appeals to the designer.
Photo: Also FilmMagic
“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,” Atwood explained.
Atwood’s Favorite Disney Film
Looking back on her body of work, Atwood has a soft spot for Alice in Wonderland. The film not only won her an Academy Award but also gave her creative challenges.
Alice in Wonderland. Photo: Also Disney Plus
“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,” she explained.
“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.”
A sketch of the Queen of Hearts costume. Photo: Vanity Fair
The Disney Legends Award Ceremony will be held on Sunday, August 11, at 5:00 PM PT.
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