Forever Joan

What's in a name? 

J o a n  C r a w f o r d

A Hollywood icon. Also a survivor of sorts who, in spite of reaching the pinnacle of popularity in early 20th century cinema, worked assiduously to remain relevantly active during her lifetime. 

As we close 2022, what remains of Joan Crawford? Simply put, it's a legacy of grit and style. For Joan Crawford had style, one that to this day continues to be referenced: from the magnificent Letty Lynton gown to the sharply silhouetted suits of Mildred Pierce to- sadly - the reductionist grotesquerie of Mommy Dearest (that's Faye Dunaway, let's clarify, not Joan Crawford). 

In 2008, Tonner Doll Company introduced a doll in the likeness of Joan Crawford. Wildly popular, the doll and fashions evoked, not copied, the essence of Crawford's style in some of her most memorable roles. Extremely hard to find today, the Joan Crawford Collection doll serves as a metaphor for the star's lasting power, for though Crawford is in Hollywood Heaven, her essence lives in vinyl and PVC effigies in collections around the world. Joan Crawford is still hard at work serving glamour fantasies galore.

For this Dolldom exclusive, a "Ready for Wardrobe" doll, embarks on a fashion extravaganza. From Tonner's Théâtre de la Mode to LizRetros's hand-beaded silk shantung suits to Tyler Wentworth, this is the ultimate tribute to a woman of style, a fashion icon, an original: Joan Crawford. 

Studio arrival

Tyler Wentworth's "Casual Luxury" coat and slacks pair beautifully with "Urban Sport's" beige turtleneck.

Lunch at Warner's 

Brenda Starr's "Just My Type" suit and NuminaDoll's tangerine bib of bows. 

Opening scene

LizRetros fashioned a broad-shouldered, hand-beaded suit to wear over a black faille blouse by JAMIEshow Doll. Picture hat drama from Brenda Starr's "Evening Noir". 

À la française

Tonner's Le Théâtre de la Mode offerings were beautifully modeled by Tyler Wentworth. On Joan Crawford, these tributes to French Haute Couture during Second World War become even more mythical.  

Luxe, calme et volupté...

In Tonner's Théâtre de la Mode "Fleurs du Mal", Joan is pure poetry. 

Le rouge et le blanc

"Jungle Red" is a showstopper. Based on Crawford's look in the film Susan and God, the pleated gown is magical draping. 

Academy Awards Ceremony

In this fashion fantasy, Joan Crawford walks the red carpet in Tonner Doll's "Soire de Fête" from the Théâtre de la Mode Collection.

And the awards goes to...