The concept of having just one doll - one fashion doll - that is regaled every month with a new fashion set is not new when we look back at the history of the fashion doll, but these days it is indeed rare. Why? Doll companies profit more readily from selling a dressed doll than by offering separate outfits. As much as we all love the utter beauty of the varying make-up and hairstyle schemes to create a total look, what would such an experiment in limited collecting feel like? It's 1960 and your #3 Barbie has a case full of Charlotte Johnson's designs... you play away...
Rachel Hoffman of Virtual Doll Convention is keeping the concept alive at a time when the production of 1/4 scale vinyl dolls seems to have come to a halt. Her
Grace Marie Fitzpatrick doll, designed and produced by R. Tonner Design epitomizes the concept perfectly. Introduced in 2021,
Grace is the reincarnation of Tonner's
Sydney Chase sculpt on his RTB-101 body created for his
Wonder Woman doll. Such combination produces a new doll with a more naturally proportioned body. With only two issues created as dressed dolls and only four issues of basic ones (two more coming up soon), what are these dolls to wear? Hoffman to the rescue with a subscription program that offers a monthly full fashion set. In addition, Hoffman offers a myriad add-on choices such as shoes, lingerie, hosiery, hats, jewelry and wigs.
For May 2023, the theme is flower gathering and the look could be more perfect for its design and well as for the quality of materials and execution.
"Flower Festival" was designed by Diana Vining. Grace's vibrantly printed dress, created to evoke the voluptuousness of petals, features a mini dress with coquettish overskirt while gathered flounces hem the sweetheart neckline. If collectors of VDC's
Grace Marie Fitzpatrick ever wanted a dress to spell springtime, this one is it! And the fit is utter perfection with metal snap closures in the back and a halter top.
"A-Tisket-a-Tasket"
A yellow-handled basket! VDC's May 2023 offering is perfectly accessorized with a straw purse that reminds us that summer is not far away. This perfectly practical purse for gathering blooms secures in the front with a leatherette and golden medallion closure. Designed for VDC by Diana Vining.
"Clearly You"
Grace’s feet will enjoy the stylish freedom of her new and ever-so-sexy clear vinyl high heels. This wonderfully modern take on the dress sandal features a classic stiletto heel and a transparent vinyl strap in your choice of red, blue, pink, or beige that will keep everyone doing a double take! The inside sole is imprinted with the VDC Grace Boutique logo. These sandals will accessorize so many of Grace's previous looks too - a real gem of a shoe.
In addition to the subscription boxes, Hoffman also offers ultra-limited editions of fashions designed and sewn by Brian Hopper. These heirlooms also come accessorized with jewelry, purses, or hats and fit like the proverbial glove.
"Unadulterated Glamour"
Brian Hopper does it again!
Grace and any of her RTB-101 bodied friends will enjoy modeling this new ultra-limited-edition. A jacket and dress styled in extraordinary vintage style boasts a 3/4 sleeve jackets and a strapless bodice that opens into an exuberant full circle skirt. The print is playfully elegant depicting vintage style umbrellas. Fully lined and executed with the precision collectors have to come to expect from a Brian Hopper creation. Simply stupendous.
For more information on
Grace or to sign up for any of VDC's events such as the upcoming
TonnerFest visit
Grace's Boutique 
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