Forever, Lalka

Lady in a Cage, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
OOAK Lalka doll by Julian Kalinowski.

Ever since its debut, Dolldom’s pursuit of beauty and glamour has focused most often on the work of freelance artists who create the heirlooms of tomorrow. Dolldom’s catchphrase - The future of fashion dolls is handmade - finds a beautiful realization in the work of Julian Kalinowski, creator of the famed and elusive Lilli Lalka doll.

Reina, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Blue eyes and deep coral lips make this Lalka a stunning presence. Necklace by Joy Jarred.

The Beauty Spot, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Lady Lalka hails from London and is real fashion royalty. She wears Retros by Liz Cole. Lalka doll by Julian Kalinowski.

Ready?, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
OOAK Lilli Lalka is ready for a day in Old San Juan.

Drawing the Line, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Lots of kohl! Lots of kohl!
Lilli Lalka dolls by Julian Kalinowski wear Retros by Liz Cole and jewelry by Joy Jarred.

Lilli Lalka is the ultimate incarnation of the sculpt that gave birth to the 11 ½” doll phenomenon that to this day continues to captivate and intrigue fashion doll collectors. Entirely handmade, Lalka is a veritable fantasy doll. Lalka exemplifies transformation via customization, not an easy task to accomplish considering the use of the iconic German cartoon character’s visage that also gave birth to the Barbie doll. We all recognize the cantilevered eyelashes as well as the fabulous pout and pointy nose, yet, Lalka’s face up treatments and hairstyles transport us to an original and ever so witty vision of glamour.

Here and Now, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Lilli Lalka by Julian Kalinowski. Necklace by Joy Jarred. Dress by Barbie Fashion Model Collection.

Not bad for a doll that is according to her creator, “dead”. Mr. Kalinowski explains that Lilli Lalka was produced in limited quantities and the majority of them sold immediately. Leftover unpainted doll parts now become his canvases; his hard plastic space for expressing his opinion of what makes a doll grand. Instead of calling them art dolls (he detests that pretentious attitude), Mr. Kalinowski uses the term “sketch dolls”, meaning that instead of doing a sketch on paper, the British artist uses Lilli doll parts (talk about a beautiful way of recycling) and turns them into 3D paintings - naive little ones - of characters that could only incarnate in this face and body.

Lana Turner Lalka, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Imitation of Life? The complete opposite! Lalka doll by Julian Kalinowski.

Looking for Love, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Essence of beauty Lilli Lalka by Julian Kalinowski.

Crème anglaise, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Creamy skin is a woman's prerogative. Doll by Julian Kalinowski.

This genre of specialized doll making can only wear equally unique couture, reason by which, we at Dolldom went to the salons of Retros by Liz Cole. Lilli Lalka is of the opinion that a girl need not take fashion so seriously or allow current political correctness to come in the way of her looking her best. After all, a curve is a curve is a curve. And if you have them, like Lalka does, flaunt them. Which is why Liz Coles one of the doll world's most revered design mavens: she designs a mood, a lifestyle, and an attitude. Miss Cole, an avid Lalka collector, believes that Lalka is all a doll SHOULD be, what all fashion dolls aspire to be, or SHOULD aspire to be, if they have any sense”!

Chérie, amour, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Love and justice for all. OOAK dolls by Julian Kalinowski.

Dolldom could not be more honored to present this exclusive portfolio of one-of-a-kind Lalka beauties.

Shopping in St. Thomas, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Vintage cotton print (1001 Arabian Nights!) makes a darling sundress with zipper closure. Olive green knit gloves and real coral necklace complete the playful look. Tiny suedette purse with beaded details allow Lalka to carry her American Express card.

Checking It Out, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Retros' version of vintage Barbie's Poodle Parade mixes green and black houndstooth fabrics and big gray buttons. Furniture by Darren Cole for Retros.

Tropic of Cancer, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
It's hot in Lalkaland! Lilli Lalka dolls by Julian Kalinowski wear Retros by Liz Cole and jewelry by Joy Jarred. Bar by Darren Cole for Retros. Lamp also by Retros.

It's Time, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Only they know for what. Lilli Lalka dolls by Julian Kalinowski wear Retros by Liz Cole and jewelry by Joy Jarred.

Soignée, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Circular skirt in an elegant animal print by Liz Cole for Retros. Straw hat by Mariann Roy. Chocolate knit gloves. Goldtone bracelet and necklace by Stephanie Gascon.

Golden Standard, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Gold Lurex, recycled fur and turquoise netting are the ingredients for perfection. Fashion by Liz Cole for Retros. Jewelry by Joy Jarred. Furniture by Darren Cole for Retros.

Suits Me Fine, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Hiding the sexyness in a peacock blue silk bolero. Hat by Marirose.

Breathless, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
In a sexy halter sheath by Retros. Chair by Marryann Roy. Ottoman by Annie Morrison.

Cocktail Hour Sobriety, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Her black velvet made the inebriated crowd gasp with delight. Fashion by Joshard, hat by DAE Originals. Furniture by Darren Cole. Pin by Joy Jarred.

At the Lounge for Cocktails, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
In a sexy set by the incomparable Liz Cole. Lilli Lalka dolls by Julian Kalinowski wear Retros by Liz Cole and jewelry by Joy Jarred.

San Juan Sejour, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
OOAK Lalka doll by Julian Kalinowski wears Retros for her vacation in Old San Juan, circa 1964. Vintage straw hat. Purse also by Retros. Furniture by Darren Cloe for Retros. Red neckalce by Joy Jarred.

Feeling Blue, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Lady Lalka de Sade wears shantung silk separates by Liz Cole for Retros. The jacket with actual buttonholes and jet bead buttons is adorned at the neckline in black faux fur. Her envelope purse in a psychedelic paisley print holds her feminine beauty essentials. Dolldom will soon feature a wonderful Lalka fashion show. Yes, Dolldom was inspired by the superb feature in My Muse magazine! Chair by Maryann Roy. Ottoman by Annie Morrison.

Pink Elephants, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Now there's more than a white elephant in the room! Fabulous beauty created by Liz Cole and Julian Kalinowski. Pin by Joy Jarred.

Do You See?, a photo by ernestopadrocampos on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
What I see? OOAK Lilli Lalka doll with heavy (duty) eyeliner. Doll by Julian Kalinowski.