She Came by Time Machine

Doll collectors worth their salt have always dreamed of jumping on a time machine to travel in time. For that type of travel would facilitate the enjoyment of a much coveted doll. For those who wish for dolls of days gone by, especially the very hard to find ones, the proposition of time travel becomes even more seductive.

But thanks to Navdeep Sikand (AKA Virgin-Archer) there is no need to leave to present to acquire a doll from the past, because his doll Anouk is not only vintage-inspired but also created using vintage methods of doll manufacture. From her illustrations, marketing, packaging and clothes, Mr. Sikand has made sure that Anouk is authentically vintage in feel. She is intentionally naive, with basic posing ability, make-up and rooting patterns.



Mr. Sikand spoke to dozens of factories and found one in Spain that still had the machinery of the period, used the same mold making process, and most importantly, would sculpt the prototype by hand. The end result could not be more aligned with the ideal as Anouk captures the allure and style of the 60s with her clothes, hairstyles and make up.

Produced with a uniform make up and 2 hairstyles, a long wavy style with partial ponytail and a short stylish bob with bangs, Anouk is offered in three different variations. Cote D' Azur Anouk is primarily a tribute to Palitoy Britt, Marie and Gail dolls who were friends of the successful Pippa doll. Marie was French and from Provence and Britt was Scandinavian. But they were both sporting very deep suntans, Britt with starkly contrasting pale blonde hair, a striking image that fascinated Mr. Sikand as a child, even more so when Malibu Francie debuted.

Being of Indian heritage himself, and considering how popular black dolls are, the artist knew that an Ethnic Anouk would be de rigueur. For the white dolls it was important to offer variety, which is why they come in four lovely hair shades (ash Blonde, Champagne blonde, brunette and Titian) with long and short hairstyles.

Mr. Sikand hopes that Anouk will draw out the excitement and fond memories that vintage dolls evoke. As the exclusive photos illustrate, it's not possible not to think that Anouk has been transported from the 1960s. Or could it be that a Mr. Sikand came across a warehouse with all the unsold stock of a never released doll called Anouk?

For more information on Anouk, be sure to follow her blog, join her Facebook group and visit her boutique. To acquire your very own Anouk, Mr. Sikand will sell the remaining dolls on eBay under his seller name navsikand2bvj. You may also contact him directly at navsikand@aol.com.

May Anouk's fashion show begin!


Hot Afternoon! A champagne blonde Anouk wears her sparkly maillot de bain  under Liz Retros' fabulous terry cloth robe and a vintage straw hat.



Mod in the Morning. Titian Anouk goes for an early morning walk in Poppy Parker She's Not There coat and a cap borrowed from Poppy's boyfriend Chip!



Instant Classic. Ethnic Anouk wears Capri, one of her debut fashions, and a glittery cap by Maryann Roy.



En voyage! A brunette Anouk travels in style in a Rosina Haskell dress, cape, and kerchief set. 




Erudite. Professor Anouk (Titian ponytail version) delivers an important scientific conference in her Trotteur suit.



Disco! An ash blonde Anouk dances the Watusi in Mod Barbie's Silver Sparkle.



Gayest Parisienne! In Marirose's delicate beaded bubble dress, Ethnic Anouk with ponytail is an enchanting presence at the cocktail party.


Grand Gala. Cote D' Azur Anouk (restyled by Mr. Sikand) hosts a fundraising ball in a Doris Day-inspired suit designed by Juliet Whorton for Dangerousdames Lounge. Bracelet by Joy Jarred.



First Dance. Ethnic Anouk models Marirose's take on Barbie's Junior Prom.


Opera! Opening night calls for all-out glamour. Ethnic Anouk (restyled by Mr. Sikand) wears her golden column dress and a jeweled pin - a family heirloom, of course.



Robe de marriage! The show finalizes with a romantic look (Poppy Parker's Wedding Belle) modeled by an ash-blonde Anouk.



For more information on Anouk, be sure to follow her blog, join her Facebook group and visit her boutique. To acquire your very own Anouk, Mr. Sikand will sell the remaining dolls on eBay under his seller name navsikand2bvj. You may also contact him directly at navsikand@aol.com.