Lush Life

"I used to visit all the very gay places,
Those come-what-may places,
Where one relaxes on the axis,
Of the wheel of life,
To get the feel of life,
From jazz and cocktails."

The first stanza of the Billy Strayhorn classic leads Dolldom in this new explorative fantasy of the cocktail hour. Back in 2010, we celebrated the moment with the sweet-as-red-vermouth entry Classy Cocktail Talk: Stirring a Moment of Happiness.

Filled with the splendor of days gone by and redolent of mid-century aesthetics, this Summer of '23 gathering of very special models in very special fashions will hopefully lead you to add another touch of glamour to your own five (or four, or three) o'clock celebration. Solo or in the company of other lounge lizards, may your lush life moment be joyfully intoxicating.

Our first arrival! A platinum-tressed Retro Charisse by iconic Mikelman in the black-lace-over-turquoise-silk "Mademoiselle". 

Hildy makes her entrance! One of Joey Versaw's characters from his innovative Pulp Dolls line, resin Hildy features a shorter and fuller silhouette. Coat by Integrity Toys. Dress by Versaw. Wig by Monique. 

Something sparkly, please! Devastatingly beautiful Fanfan by Nav Sikand is a lovely vision in her navy tulle sparkler. 

Who said mannequins may not enjoy a little Pernod? Vivette by DAE Originals does in her beaded black linen sheath by Marirose. 

Mike Buess' Fabiola is in! Her Endangered Sissy mini muumuu dress. Fabiola's fabulous hairstyle is a sensational 3-D printed wig by Joey Versaw.

Who's that girl? It's Evoni by Roger Haack in a ultra-glam mini by Tania Lawrence. 

Miss Mary! Joey Versaw's bombshell in her "Abduction" iteration is seductive in a Tania Lawrence dress. 

An experienced lounge-goer, Genevieve by Japanese doll maker Cragston is the epitome of elegance in a James Bogue silk suit and Swiss dotted net hat. But, who's that playing mixologist? 

It's the inimitably seductive Lilli Lalka by Julian Kalinowski in his reinterpretation of "Atelierfest". We'll take any libation by her!

Last but not least, a vintage Nancy by Bella arrives in a Robert Kaufman metallic linen magic dress by mega-talented Toy Twirls (aka Mode de M). 

Now the cocktail lounge is packed with glamour pusses the world over!

And like Dorothy Parker's "Big Blonde" would utter: "Here's mud in your eyes!"

"Romance is mush,
Stifling those who strive.
I'll live a lush life,
In some small dive."