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...

Conversations with Joan Crawford (part II)

"I loved going back to Metro to film Torch Song. It was a real homecoming for me. These are some never before seen wardrobe test photos. I'm delighted to share them with you."

Dolldom thanks  Bobby Taylor and his Pink Bubbles Spa and Liz Cole of Retros for making this entry possible.

Conversations with Joan Crawford

Dolldom is elated to host a series of conversations with the legendary star of the Silver Screen, Miss Joan Crawford. In these series, Miss Crawford will express her views on many topics related to dolls and doll art. For this first installment, we ask Joan to give us all the details on her beautiful new look.

"I just returned from a delightful stay at Bobby Taylor's Pink Bubbles Spa. Time spent at his fine establishment, brings a girl back to life. Bobby and I poured over many photos of my most iconic looks and decided on this Torch Song inspired style. Hat's off to Mr. Taylor for executing these delicate curls with such inspired precision. Once at the spa, the girls, Daffy, Alina, and Vera took charge and me voilà! I adore the beautiful red lipstick from Pink Bubbles Spa's cosmetic line. The name? Sang de boeuf. My eyelashes came directly from Facets by Marcia. And the brows! Lovely and full, to frame the face and enhance my histrionic efforts."


I simply adore gemstones. This remarkable canary yellow diamond and citrine necklace was a gift from dear George [Hurrell] who acquired it from gifted jeweler Joy Jarred.



To accentuate the colors of the gemstones, I choose a sapphire blue taffeta dance dress by Boxpleat Fashions. The black velvet adorned neckline enhances my legendary shoulders. The patent leather platform pumps are from Facets by Marcia. And this beautiful salon - no, it's not Cedric's work. It's Darren Cole's! His mid-century designs captivated my eye when I went to visit my dear friend Liz at her Seattle atelier. I'll be wearing her designs in future sessions with you.  Thank you for your ongoing love and support."