'Tis the Season!

'Tis the season to be jolly or, at the very least, to try to. And nothing beats a brisk walk to your nearest downtown to take in the window displays that so easily provide a dose of escapism from life's travails. The holiday season in our capitalist world is certainly manipulative of our hearts and pocketbooks, but all cynicism aside, a beautiful window can surely take us into realms of fantasy that need not end in a purchase. Looking at the colors, the composition, the ideas, and the viewer is transported. As children, nothing was more enchanting for many of us at Dolldom. 

With such a memory as our guide, this year's holiday entry pays tribute to the window displays that have and continue to provide delight and a respite from reality's challenges. When preparing for photography, our editors selected dolls in the 1:6th scale and proceeded to design two festive sets for the dolls to show off the respective styles of their makers and, in the case of vintage dolls, time periods. From Licca-chan to Momoko, this year's holiday celebration is, first and foremost, meant to provide you, dear readers, with a message of hope and peace. When the going gets tough, dollectors can count on their dolls to provide a little solace, a little time for escape, and a more than a little joy. 

May your holidays bring you serene delights, even if fugacious. Carpe diem!

Window fabulous #1 - Joey Versaw's Doll Universe

Miss Mary, brother Miles, Hildy, Tallulah, Irma, Meadow, Lace, and of course, beloved Maxi the poodle!

Window fabulous #2 - The Dolls of Nad Sikand!

Anouk and Fanfan! 

Window Fabulous #3 - JAMIEshow Muses

In a dress by A&D Doll Atelier, Astrid is the definition of festive. 

Aiden agrees. 

Window Fabulous #4 Vintage Barbie

Barbie, Ken, Julia, and Midge exemplify the high standards of design and manufacture of the Japanese workforce and of a Mattel long gone. 

Window Fabulous #5 - Julian Kalinowski's Doll Universe. 

Lilli Lalka, versions 1 and 2, Séverine, Sylvain, and a prototype Sylvain all don their gayest apparel. 

Window fabulous #6 - Barbie Fashion Model Collection

Gorgeous dolls and fashions from a period - also now extinct - when Mattel stood for quality. 

Window fabulous #7 - The Dolls of Petworks

Momoko, Eight, and Nine, all fabulously tanned, exemplify fashion doll fun, Japanese style! Momoko wears a gown by Kosucas and Nine dons fancy plaid slacks by Cindy Marut for Sewing by Cindy. 

Final window fabulous - Takara's Licca-chan and Her Realm of Inimitable Kawaii! 

The whole gang's here to close the show: Pichi-Pichi Licca-chan (in a heirloom dress by Cindy Marut), Rie-chan, Wataru-kun, Izumi-chan, Goro-chan, and Kurumi-chan!

May you find peace this holiday season!

Let's Swirl

Introduced in 1964, the Swirl Barbie doll presented a sleeker version of the previous ponytail style by replacing the curly bangs with a band of hair brushed to the right side of the doll's face. The shorter ponytail was curled at the ends in a single swoop and finished with a yellow ribbon, attached with a bobby pin.

The Swirl Barbie doll was an expression of elegance at a time when Mattel was also presenting Fashion Queen Barbie and Miss Barbie, dolls that introduced the concept of wig play to the Barbie doll line. By 1965, the Swirl Barbie doll became the American Girl and one wonders what factors propelled the shorter production cycle. Difficulty in creating the style? Popularity? Or the desire to keep Barbie's first sculpt reflecting the rapid pace of fashion?

Dolldom appreciates Mattel's decision to celebrate the Swirl Barbie doll with a Silkstone reproduction on the 60th anniversary. Dressed in "Black Magic" ensemble (stock number 1609) and sporting platinum white hair, the reproduction doll also has a beautiful face-up palette with soft pink lips, still found today on some surviving samples, although most vintage dolls have lipstick that has aged to milky white fabulousness.

Doll restorer and styling magician Bobby Taylor, director of the ever busy Pink Bubbles Doll Spa, reflected on this unique look of the vintage platinum Swirl Barbie and decided to impart the same aura of sophistication to the reproduction of a client. Dolldom was captivated by the idea and kindly asked Mr. Taylor to execute it for this first entry of December 2024. Mr. Taylor also styled the reproduction doll's hairstyle to the standards of the vintage counterpart as the current iteration's hair was lacking precision in its realization. Dolldom thanks Mr. Taylor once again for sharing his immense talent.

For fashions, Dolldom selected utterly glamorous fashions in a palette of blue by Marirose, Tania Lawrence, Sylvia Campbell, and Julian Kalinowski to compliment the icy gorgeousness of this beautiful evocation of early Barbie doll style.

Sylvia Campbell 

Julian Kalinowski

Tania Lawrence

Marirose

Pink Bubbles Doll Spa

Marirose Designs

Julian Kalinowski

Sylvia Campbell

Tania Lawrence

Don't Leave Home without Them!

Shoes!

Elegant!

Stiletto heels!

With a low vamp for nice toe decolletage!

Hand painted!

Unique!

Elevate your look!

Leave it to LizRetros to come up with new ways of keeping treasured dolls spoiled. For her new line of shoes now expands to fit a range of 1/6 fashion dolls. Perhaps, this long weekend is the time to take inventory and finally get shoes to replace missing ones or to give a beloved classic more glamour! From solid colors to powerful animal prints, the mouth-watering selection (all have red soles - a nod to monsieur Louboutin) is sure to make decisions difficult!


 Anouk by Nav Sikand chooses pink leopard to complement her "Berlin" cocktail look.


A vintage high-color American Girl Barbie opts for classic black for her classic brocade sheath. The Sears exclusive mink coat was reproduced with recycled fur by Sylvia Campbell.


Mamzelle de Paris' Sophine has fun in a sheath by LizRetros and golden leopard heels. Necklace by Joy Jarred.


For more information, visit LizRetros boutique!

A First for a First

Mattel Toys celebrates its 75th Anniversary in 2020. To commemorate the achievement, the Barbie Team at the famed toy maker has designed, under the direction of Bill Greening, a tribute to the doll that started the revolution of fashion dolls back in 1959. The very first Barbie doll, known as Number One 1 Barbie, is the jewel in many lucky collections. Magical and mysterious, the doll is a cultural icon of sorts. With white irises and blood red lips, the look of the very first Barbie doll is drama condensed.

As the Barbie doll has had milestones, Mattel has produced versions of the first Barbie. One iteration failed to materialize in spite of it being imagined by many collectors since the inception of the Barbie Fashion Model Collection and created by many doll artists using dolls from this line. But finally, as the first decade of the 21st century draws to a close, Mattel regales its collectors with the very first Number One 1 Barbie doll made of Silkstone.

Made with care and with vintage collectors' mindset in mind, this latest iteration brings together the heft of the resin-like material, finely-detailed and beautifully manicured fingers, the famed bathing suit cut to fit like a glove (no double sided tape to hold it on Barbie's bosom), and a daringly intense make-up design. This new Number One pays tribute to the legacy of Ruth Handler not by intending to be a copy but rather by ushering a new way to enjoy a quality doll that channels the essential allure of Barbie's first look.

This exclusive portfolio of portraits is dedicated to the memory of Dolldom friend Franklin Lim-Liao who shared many a Number One 1 Barbie doll with us.















Dolldom thanks Pretty Dollz Inc for their support in the making of this entry.

I Am Ricky

In episode six of season three of the AMC series Mad Men, little girl Sally Draper receives a Barbie doll given as a gift by her mother Betty. The well-researched and executed scene captures a moment that took place in thousands of homes across the United States in the early 1960s. Watching this vignette with all its painstaking attention to chronological correctness, I could not help but wonder if Sally's brother was himself desirous of receiving such a gift - an obvious projection of my own life experience. For as a child growing up in vintage Barbie doll's heyday, my ultimate wish was to receive, from my proud and smiling-with-approval parents, a slender gift-wrapped box containing my very own Barbie doll. Far from this fantasy, in my childhood in Puerto Rico in the mid 1960s, a boy never received nor dared to ask to receive the gift of a Barbie doll. For female fashion dolls were only for girls and that meant not being able to be part of the club. Ken and G.I. Joe were allowed and I played with both, but such play, sans Barbie, lacked magic and color and was boring to me. But in 1967, by the time he was being discontinued by Mattel, I got a Ricky doll. Ricky's smile and freckles captured my heart and imagination and became a childhood companion along with Talking Porky Pig, (also by Mattel) and Mortimer Snerd, a vinyl version of the ventriloquist doll. Perhaps unconsciously, I sensed that with Ricky by my side, I could one day be a member of the coveted Barbie Club.

The Ricky doll was introduced by Mattel in 1965, a year after the Skipper doll made her debut. Skipper proved to be a hit with children so to enrich her storyline, Mattel gave her friends - Skooter and Ricky. Introduced as Skipper's friend (not boyfriend), Ricky was the boy next door. To many parents, he may have been a dead ringer for marionette and TV children's favorite Howdy Doody and as such, hard to resist. One wonders how many Barbie fans added Ricky to their play even if dressing a boy doll was not high in their list of glamour-seeking priorities.

Just like Barbie, Ken, and Skipper, the Ricky doll illustrates a period when children still abode by societal expectations for sartorial formality. As a result, Ricky had an ensemble for every activity that a boy would undertake - from jeans to a suit. Ricky stopped being produced after 1967 when the Mod and Twist-and-Turn eras were in full swing as well as the US' involvement in the Vietnam War. Ken would also disappear soon thereafter and Barbie's Willows, Wisconsin would be an all-female realm for a while.

But today, Ricky is an integral member in many vintage Barbie collections. And being a relatively limited number of items, collecting the redheaded lad is not going to break the bank. Displayed along with the other denizens of the Barbie dolls' world, he instantly brings a smile to my face and a genuine feeling that the ideal kid-next-door is my lifelong friend. 

Children and Art

Ricky's portrait as featured on his box cover. Ricky is Skipper's friend, not boyfriend. He along with Skooter create the perfect kid triumvirate of Willows, Wisconsin.

Pack It Up, I'll Take It!

A NRFB "Skateboard" set (# 1505), from 1966-1967 features a cool blouson shirt and an even cooler skateboard. 

A Distinguished Lad

The back of Ricky's fashion boxes reveals the zeitgeist of the late 1960s.

Let's Explore!

The gang is enjoying the great outdoors. Rickywears "Let's Explore" (# 1506) composed of gray zippered slacks and a warm red plaid shirt, red socks and black shoes. A Japanese-issue Skipper stays warm in "Outdoor Casuals" (#1915) and Scooter is charming in the sleeveless top and slacks from "Fun Time" (#1920).

Homerun!

For how could Ricky not love baseball? "Little Leaguer" (#1504) boasts zippered blue jeans, a red and blue knit T-shirt, a red cap with "M" for Mattel and a catcher's mitt.

Toy Collector

Ricky shows us his toy collection before heading to bed in "Lights Out" (#1501) a yellow pajama set with blue terry cloth robe and matching slippers.

Little Daredevil

Ricky performs for Skipper in "Skateboard" (#1505) which features the ultimate toy: a skateboard!

Sunday Best

A perfect illustration of mid 1960s style, "Sunday Suit" (stock number 1503) offered Ricky the opportunity to attend a concert or go to church in a well-tailored striped blazer and black slacks.

In Japan

Although never produced by Mattel, this vignette makes us wonder what if Mattel had expanded the "Barbie Travel Costumes" series to the junior set. Ricky's yukata is by Vicky Ruby and Skipper's kimono is by Sylvia Campbell. 

Howdy!

Ricky was only produced with straight legs, from 1966-1967 (#1090). This version has the pink-toned vinyl skin that would characterize Mod Era dolls but the doll was produced using both types of vinyl. 

At Barbie's

The Ricky doll employed the same perfectly androgynous body sculpt as Skipper and Skooter. He poses for this photo in his original issue swim trunks and jacket. 

Go West!

Ricky visits The Golden Gate with Barbie and Ken in "Saturday Show" (# 1502). Barbie wears
"Fashion Shiner (#1691) and Ken sports "Rovin' Reporter (#1417).

À la MOD*ern Cousin

The Francie doll defines youthful style. To this day, Barbie doll's MOD*ern cousin is the point of reference for any doll-related evocation of the 1960's Swinging London look.

Recently, HillCrestBarbies, known for its delightful vintage-inspired knit fashions, offered two fancy numbers for Francie and friends of which our editors took notice. After a couple of messages and exchanged photos, Henrietta Lockhardt, owner and master knitter, came up with three very Francie Fairchild looks that inpsired this ode to the cousin who brought the Mod Era to the world of the Barbie doll.

For more information on HillCrestBarbies' knits visit Ms. Lockhardt's Etsy boutique.



"La Fleur" combines marigold yellow and cornflower blue in perfect day dress, modeled by Silkstone "Kitty Corner" Francie (restyled by Bobby Taylor).





"Color Lines", modeled by a Japanese issue Francie, is a cheery combo of horizontal stripes. Hat by Maryann Roy. Purse by Integrity Toys for Poppy Parker.





"Square-Off" is HillCrestBarbies' tribute to YSL's "Mondrian" dress, modeled by the one and only Twiggy doll. Hat from Barbie's "London Tour" ensemble.





"Cat, Girl", modeled by a straight leg standard Francie,  is a cozy black jumpsuit of subtle sparkling yarn. Necklace by Robert Best for Model of the Moment line.

 



"Go, Go-Go!" closes the show with a splash of pink, cream, and lavender. The quintessential dancing dress, modeled by a first-issue black Francie, is made for fun. Necklace by Mattel. Hose and shoes from Francie's "The Silver Cage" fashion.

From Wild to Styled

--> “After many a summer dies the swan…” or so the saying goes, but not when she wisely books an appointment with Vera here at the Pink Bubbles Doll Spa!"
-BobbyTaylor, proprietor and lead stylist at PBDS

If one ever were to interview dolls on what constitutes a lifetime of fun and joy, it could be anticipated that many would attribute their existential success to having been on many an adventure. An adventure to the park where she enjoyed sunning in the sand box. Or an adventure to the neighbor's pool where she learned to dive. Or an adventurous weekend spent at grandma's home on the range during which horseback riding was de rigueur. Perhaps it was a day of hard work modeling gowns and suits and dresses. Or maybe the adventure was as uneventful but no less intense as being released from the box. Regardless of the nature of the adventure, the vintage and not-so-vintage doll will at some point in her life need to have her hair redone and in some more extreme cases, her face reconstructed. For such is the nature of play - what was pretty and fresh out of the box fifty years ago, will show today the signs of an adventurous life fully lived. And that is when a visit to a spa is a very good idea.

Luckily, restoration services abound these days and most basket-case dolls can be returned to their factory-issued perfection. But few spas do it with the expertise, elevated taste level, and charm as Pink Bubbles Day Spa does. Proprietor and lead stylist, Bobby Taylor, of Taylor Made fame, is the heart of this fantastic operation where dolls go on glamorous adventures and come out looking like the most sensational butterflies.

Mr. Taylor is assisted by a most enchanting crew:

Vera - Front desk receptionist in charge of booking of appointments and the first face you meet when you walk in! Runs a tight ship and doesn't like any monkey business!


Daffy - Main floor assistant, in charge of hair prep, Pink Bubbles beauty baths and making sure clients are well cared for when not in Mr. Taylor's chair. Daffy is in fact, Mr. Taylor's left arm at the spa and responsible for the ever-flowing Appletini's' served throughout the day!


Beatrice - Gift shop operator extraordinaire, Beatrice assists all clients in the selection of all beauty products, replacement pearl or hoop earrings, wigs, and other beauty essentials. She has loads of experience in retail and works on commission, so at times, she can get a little aggressive!


Upon arrival and after their stay at Pink BubblesDoll Spa, every client gets her photo taken to document the dynamic transformation. These, in turn, provide behind-the-scenes glimpses from inside the pink velvet and golden foiled flocked walls of Pink Bubbles Doll Spa.

Come along with us on this exclusive as dolls from all vintages embark on the ultimate beauty adventure at Pink Bubbles Doll Spa.

A Very British Girl

No longer looking like what the cat dragged in, a vintage Pedigree Sindy regains her composure with a resetting of her original factory look. 

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Monstrous No More

A vintage brownette Bubblecut Barbie will no longer be cast only in zombie films. Revived and beautified, she is now an example of what happens when time stands still. 

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This Is How She Met Ken

Too many years spent in a vinyl case is a surefire way to get a case of ongoing bad hair days. But at Pink Bubbles Doll Spa, a Number Three blonde Barbie doll is once again ready to meet her beau. 

American Woman

Having driven her convertible Austin-Healey around Malibu for five decades, an American Girl Barbie was in dire need of a reset. Now, in her classic bob and original face paint with oxidized pale lips, Barbie is the quintessential sophisticate-next-door.  

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Star Turn

Even Hollywood stars need a day at the spa. Mel Odom's "Red Venus" Gene Marshall trades her gorgeous me-Tarzan-you-Jane mane for a most versatile side swept style, perfect for a queen's court or a cocktail party. 

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Repro or Not!

A reproduction 50th anniversary Number One Barbie defines out of the box prettiness. On her return from Pink Bubbles Doll Spa, she is stunning. 

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Will I Enchant This Evening?

A vintage brunette Number Three Barbie doll certainly does after her Pink Bubbles Doll Spa visit.

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Blonde Ambition

A reproduction 50th Anniversary Number One Barbie aspired to be as fabulous as her 50-year old iteration. With miniature curls on her forehead and a hard curl at the end of her ponytail, she now can bask in the glory of being Miss Barbie Millicent Roberts. 

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Victoire's Victory

"La Grande Séduction" Victoire Roux will certainly leave everyone longing in her new and ever-so-chic Diana Vreeland-inspired do. 

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The Doll They Loved to Restyle

Vera, Daffy, and Beatrice adore vintage Tressy's gravity-defying up-do and her luxurious silk dress by Marirose.