Halloween Means Ben Cooper

What would a vintage Halloween be without a Ben Cooper costume? Not Halloween, of course, for a vintage Ben Cooper costume defines the trick-or-treat experience for many a American child ever since the 1950s. Housed in their distinctive box with cellophane window top, the costumes fulfilled the fantasies of many tykes who could become their favorite characters from TV and movies thanks to the company's diverse license agreements.

For this Halloween 2013 featurette, American Character's Sandy McCall, circa 1959, plays the quintessential trick-or-treater in the official Robin Hood costume from the 1950s.


This Robin Hood "masquerade costume" boasts many authentic touches.


Along with the necessary mask to cover up the hero's identity, there is a cap with green feather and a printed design on the smock's torso to tell the story of the celebrated outlaw of Nottingham.


Trick or treat!


It's Sandy McCall!


Off into evening in his Ben Cooper Robin Hood costume, Sandy is sure to collect a treasure trove in candy, one that he will share, just like his hero would have done.

A happy vintage Halloween 2013 to you!

All Hallows' Eve 2013

It's that time of year! Dolldom's very special tribute to the best of all holidays. For at Dolldom, Halloween is imbued with the images of Halloween celebrations of old, those based on vintage and antique postcards that portray the magical powers of the Earth, right before cold Winter comes to lay us all to sleep. It's a time for dancing and singing to the Harvest Moon around a crackling bonfire, for carving turnips to hold candles with which to find our way home at night, for reading ghost stories while drinking one's spirit of choice, and for turning into ghouls and goblins by means of an artful disguise.

For this year's celebration, Dolldom enjoys the presence of old and new friends who come together to partake of a good vintage Halloween time. So grab a fistful of candy corn and enjoy the fun.


Bruja bella. Nothing like a glamorous woman in orange and black to define Halloween magic. Tonner's Déjà Vu line introduces basic Emma Jean McGowen, who in Retro's sensational witch costume and Joy Jarred's jewelry, is nothing but the essence of fashion witchcraft!


A classic vampire film is de rigueur this time of year.


And Phoenix Gene Marshall by Mel Odom,produced by JAMIEshow, is our beautiful and eternal beloved.


In her Retros' Morticia Adams dress, cluster of diamonds nekclace and spider bracelet by Joy Jarred, and raven beehive by Ilaria Mazzoni, Phoenix Gene Marshall is the ultimate vamp.



But wait! Here comes the enchantress of all. In her royal blue gown with batty sleeves, also by Retros, J'adore Gene casts the ultimate fashion spell. Her necklace is by Joy Jarred. Her blond pompadour wig by Ilaria Mazzoni for Time of Doll.


You MAY kiss her hand now.


Emma Jean McGowen, the inimitable heroine from Tonner's Déjà Vu line, models a curve hugging sheath by Liz Cole for Retros and a witch hat by Peggy Feltrope. Jewelry by Joy Jarred. The little ghost costume was created by Our Sweet Creations.


Boo! Sad Sally is here!


Wilde Imagination's big eyed girl with the vivid orange cotton candy hair is the ideal poster child for vintage Halloween.


Look into my eyes....and suddenly the air turns cold, cold as ice...


Who is the magnificent apparition who stands in the middle of the ruins?


It's Wilde Imagination's One More Time Evangeline Ghastly in her ethereal gown, perfect for flying through the midnight sky in search of her beloved.


Vintage seven and half inch Genevieve doll is a Japanese beauty made of very malleable vinyl. For this classic Halloween scene, Genevieve models a Retros dress with gathered neckline and full skirt. Her Salamander Poliwogg friends all agree that she is the cutest witch of all. Felt hat also by Retros.


A Gotham Halloween, you say?


But of course! Barbie and Ken, in their original vintage sculpts, impersonate Catwoman and Batman, circa 1960's.


Trick or Treat! The Poliwogg Pumpkin Twins salute you on Halloween!


What would Halloween be without the quintessential scary old witch?
This fabulous lady boasts a uniquely expressive sculpt. Witch Polywogg by Salamander.


And she's ready to fly away on her broom along with her half moon charm.


Mel Odom's Madra Lord closes - and some say - steals the show in her purr-fect and ever so seductive sheath with pussycat print fabric by Retros and a classic witch  hat by Peggy Feltrope. The Enid Collins purse reproduction is also by Retros. Madra's big pumpkin is from Target.

This is Halloween!

A Very Gay Birthday

Yesterday, Saturday, October 19, was Gay Carrington's birthday. To mark the event, Dolldom surprised Miss Carrington with an impromptu cocktail gathering of some of her Hollywood friends.
Miss Carrington, who has been busy with shoots, was not planning nor expecting any celebrations.



"I just went out and got myself some pretty things: a new pair glasses and a gorgeous necklace. All in gold - exquisite substance in which my weight is worth."

As Miss Carrington came out of make-up, ready to shoot a highly dramatic scene for a still secret project, a resounding and harmonious "Happy Gay Day!" erupted from behind the Klieg lights.



Almost everyone was there! Madge Francis, the Osborne Twins, Madra Lord... and her young sailor escort. Gay received air kisses and best wishes with an ice cold Martini in hand. Madra coveted her beautiful red dress. "Retros, darling, Retros!"

And then it was time for gift giving!

The Osborne Twins, who were Gay's childhood neighbors and her first adolescent crush, gifted the gifted actress with a vintage Bakelite cherry set. Gay was elated to have her cherries back, as she had lost them in one of her many moves across the country. Gay toasted the romantic gesture with a double Manhattan.



Madra and Madge presented Gay with a très luxe set dripping with gold beads and Colombian emeralds, and a glass of Veuve de Clicquot.



Yet, the finest moment came when the sailor escort pulled out a black velvet box. A long time Gay fan, Madra's sailor escort explained is a most humble voice that he had really wanted to give Gay a pearl necklace, but Madra insisted on keeping that special offering. Nonetheless, le bling that the handsome lad chose for Miss Carrington was truly magnificent - a diamond and citrine set that sparkled like the most magical feux d'artifice.



Gay was touched, yet she saved her tears for the upcoming dramatic scene still to be filmed.

The gentlemen - who called themselves The Gay Boys - begged to stay behind and watch as Miss Carrington emoted for the camera. With such a special audience, the solo scene only took a take, so the happy quartet left together to continue to enjoy the evening in some of the funnest spots in West Hollywood.


Happy birthday, Gay!

Note:
The doll in Miss Carrington's likeness is the unofficial, fan-made doll, and was used with Miss Carrington's kind permission.

Fashion and jewelry credits:
Red dress by Liz Cole for Retros.
Gold and precious stone necklace in the first photo by Joy Jarred.
Bakelite cherry, gold and emerald, and diamond and citirine sets by Straycat Jewelry.

Cast of characters:
Gay Carrington ... Gay Carrington
The Osborne Twins ... Trent Osborne
Madge Francis ... Ivy Jordan
Madra Lord ... Madra Lord
The sailor escort - Monty the Minniquin