That seems to be the calling of many: to entertain the masses. People love to be entertained, amused, removed from the routine of their daily lives. Taken away. To a place where glitter, music, and the art of dance reign supreme.
And who best to incarnate the fascinating world of burlesque but the gals of Julian S. Kalinowski? With their OOAK hand-painted visages and hand-set hairdos, Lilli Lalka, Séverine, and the S-Girls come together to illuminate the stage. They sing solos, they perform comedy routines, but most importantly they know the utmost power of having a gimmick. And the gimmick is no gimmick - it's the magic of LizRetros, the genius behind this showstopping attire.
Dolldom has always believed that the future of fashion dolls is handmade, for it is the only mode through which dollectors will attain truly personal expressions of their vision and tastes. Luckily, there are enlightened artists working steadfastly to provide one-of-a-kind dolls and fashions.
In this very first entry for March 2018, Dolldom features the work of Juliet Whorton whose Dangerousdames Lounge boutique has been providing fashion fantasies for Barbie and Fashion Royalty dolls for more than an decade. Recently, in conversation with Ms. Whorton, Dolldom asked her to interpret her vision for Julian S. Kalinowski's S-Girls. With carte blanche in hand, Ms. Whorton developed a collection never before seen - from classic bubble dresses to extravagant waves of lace. One of Ms. Whorton's signature touches is beading and this collection boasts what may be a million beads and precious decorations all hand applied to fabric.
"Bellini", modeled by Sylvain, is a luscious three-piece ensemble that would have made Peggy Guggenheim squeal with delight.
"Commuters Ahead", also modeled by Sylvain, is a working woman's fashion statement. Underneath the beaded jacket, Sylvain wears a strapless blouse with a playful vintage print. But the hat has to be what makes this number such a delight. Complete with vintage butterfly, the straw sensation is decorated with two dozen black roses.
"Bahamian Boom", modeled by Stella, is pure tropical fantasy. Created with gorgeous scenic print, the two piece dress with tulle underskirt features a grand portrait collar. And a hat so joyful, one cannot help but feel the tropical breezes.
"After Hours Ballerina", modeled by Stella, is an elegant an classic silhouette re-envisioned in a dramatic combo: red silk and satin blue and white stripes. The full skirt features a high waist, punctuated by a slender red belt. The beading is lush.
"In My Beautiful Balloon", modeled by Sable, is a modern take on the classic "Gay Parisienne" that vintage Barbie doll wore so well.
"How Green Is My Valley", modeled by Sable is a wondrous three-piece cocktail ensemble. The coat is decorated with gold and coral beads and brass leaves. Miss Joan Crawford would have worn it well too. A simple fascinator adds lighthearted touch.
"Pavlova's Paradise Bird" is a luxurious three-piece ensemble featuring peacock feathers and a dream enhancing shade of blue. A flowered fascinator adds prima ballerina glamour to the look.
"Sirena del Mar Profundo", modeled by Stella, is a drop-dead chic creation. Miniature silver sequins and a halter neckline make this gala two piece ensemble a most precious confection.
"Red Sea Parting", modeled by Stella, closes the Fashion Fantastic show. The three piece ensemble features a detachable lace overskirt, allowing the cocktail look to transform into a real regal expression.
Dolldom thanks Ms. Whorton and Mr. Kalinowski for their gracious support during this collaboration.
If it's not happy hour were you are, there is still a way to indulge in all things cool. Julian S. Kalinowski's S-Girls and LizRetros join forces to give us all the best concoction for an immediate buzz: beauty and glamour.
Accompanied by June Christy's ever-gorgeous classic, "Something Cool", Sylvain, Stella and Sable prove to be the coolest gals in town wearing LizRetros' newest collection of exuberant hand-sewn fashions in a spiffy set decorated with furniture built by Mr. Retros.
Something cool, Something cool, Something cool, I'd like to order something cool!
Virgin Queen. A sober black cotton knit dress with copper Lurex threads is mood-enhancing and will never give a headache the morning after. Jewelry by Joy Jarred. Apostrophe chair by Maryann Roy.
Something cool, I'd like to order something cool, It's so warm here in town, And the heat gets me down, Yes, I'd like something cool!
My! It's nice to simply sit and rest awhile, Now I know it's a shame, I can't think of your name, I remember your smile!
Three-Manhattan Lunch. Stella indulges in this sensational raw silk coat and vintage sparkly knit mini dress ensemble. Beaded belt also by LizRetros. Apostrophe chair by Maryann Roy.
I don't ordinarily drink with strangers, I most usually drink alone. You were so awfully nice to me, And I'm so terribly far from home.
Like my dress?
I must confess it's terribly old, But it's simple and neat, It's just right for the heat, Save my furs for the cold!
Lettuce Drink.Stella is as refreshing as a crisp wedge of Iceberg in her vintage tricot mini dance dress. Necklace by Joy Jarred. Apostrophe chair by Maryann Roy.
A cigarette? Well I don't smoke them as a rule, but I'll have one, It might be fun With something cool!
I'll bet you couldn't imagine That I one time had a house With so many rooms I couldn't count them all!
Curaçao! Blue is her color as blue is her mood! Sylvain heads directly to the bar in a silk and mini paillette gown with back zipper closure.
I'll bet you couldn't imagine I had fifteen different beaus Who would beg and beg to take me to a ball.
I'll bet you couldn't picture me The time I went to Paris in the Fall, And who would think the man I loved was quite so handsome, Quite so tall?
Well it's true, It's just a memory I have, One I almost forgot
'Cause the weather's so hot! And I'm feeling so bad
My Glass Runs Over. Sometimes, the event calls for pulling out all stops. And this showstopper is the definition of exuberance with it's mile-long scarf and magenta ruffles. Sable loves the figure-hugging fit and her photographer agrees.
About a date, Oh wait! I'm such a fool! He's just a guy Who's stopped to buy Me something cool!
As winter withers and the sun begins to stay for a visit every day a little longer, both body and soul anticipate the arrival of spring and its promise of fairer weather.
To mark the moment, Dolldom ventured outside with Julian Kalinowski's S-Girls, Stella, Sable, and Sylvain, to capture an evocation of primavera. The occasion called for significance: the human spirit weathers the onslaught of hail, rain, snow, and brutal winds. Perseverance became our theme. The knitted garment evidences resolution and steadfastness for without such character traits, it would not exist - unless, like Penelope, one has a very good reason to undo every night what was achieved under pressure during the day. But we digress.
Henrietta Lockhart's knitted fashions for dolls, designed under the label HillCrestBarbies, combine ecological conscience, vintage style sensibilities, and a delicious palette of yarns. A museum curator by day, Ms. Lockhart spends much of her time handling historical objects. At home, a small collection of mod-era Barbie dolls from the late 60s and early 70s calls on her to design and knit unique outfits sometimes using thrifted materials. Although the clothes are designed primarily to fit the vintage Barbie body, the fit on the S-Girls' more curvaceous body (wider hips and smaller bosom) is ever so perfect. Dolldom's editors are obsessed with the heirloom quality, vintage feel, and originality of Ms. Lockhart's knitted treasures.
Venture outdoors with Miss Lockhart and the S-Girls with the accompanying exclusive portfolio and make sure that you visit her boutique. There is surely one very special doll in your collection who is looking forward to a new knitted fashion for this coming spring.
Pimples! Off-white and salmon yarns interlock in this classic sheath. Necklace by Joy Jarred. Modeled by Sable.
Chocolate and caramel yarns with hints of gold render this cap-sleeved sheath named Gourmande.
Modeled by Sylvain.
Printemps! Spring defined: variegated lavenders and greens with hints of golden sunshine. Lariat by Joy Jarred. Modeled by Sable.
Al fresco! Lemon bars with a touch of rosemary come to mind thanks to this hostess two-piece set inspired by a vintage design. Modeled by Stella.
Crocus watch! Soon the ground will recite its poem of color. Sable awaits the moment in The Balcony, a blue-grey cocktail dress with stole neckline design.
Adieu, Alcatraz! Navy and buckwheat stripes provide freedom in Parallelism, an apron style cocktail dress modeled by Sylvain.
Hidden Nature. Sylvain goes to work in a stupendous chimney-collared two piece set combining sky blue, cocoa and lavender yarns.
Love you, Emma Peel! Springtime is the time for playing with dolls outdoors. Sylvain enacts a dangerous scene from her favorite TV show in this HillCrestBarbie's tour de force jumpsuit aptly named Will and Moxie.
The dolls of Julian S. Kalinowski are all
the rage, as the British doll maker continues to delight collectors with
new faces and experiments. At first glance, it could be easy to say that Mr.
Kalinowski's S-Girls, with their
three distinct sculpts and OOAK fashions, are the best example of decadent
exuberance. Yet,
to enlighten our understanding and eliminate these superficial perceptions, Dolldom
went right to the source - the doll maker himself.
Dolldom: Aren't
the S-Girls' Stella, Sable and Sylvain your current experiment in decadence?
Mr.
Kalinowski: My work is not about decadence. I work within the
limitations of my ability and in what's available for me to use. I'm restricted
within the discipline of my own limitations. In that regard, my work is the
opposite of 'decadent'. My dolls are not fashion dolls. They are 'anti
fashion' dolls. Fashion is transient, it's part of its definition. I take
inspiration from pre-existing 'classic ' ideas, appropriate everything, and put
it together in a new way to create a 'dolly bricolage '. I learned my craft by
copying the classics. That is the oldest, established method of becoming an
artist. I cut my teeth by painting two thousand Lilli dolls and that taught me
gestural painting; the discipline of a factory worker. After that I applied
what I'd learnt to Séverine, my first
'original' doll. She was my mood board and my opportunity to experiment with
ideas. Now, with the S girls, I'm working consecutively in two different ways; Sable and Stella are orthodox dolls, they are pretty and generic. But Sylvain is my first art doll as she is
at odds with the accepted notion of what a doll is about. Everything about her
is intentionally ambiguous.
In the end, it is up to collectors to decide how they wish
to characterize their dolls. Mr. Kalinowski enjoys the fact that those who acquire his dolls
project their own fantasies when photographing and playing with his
creations. For that is the power of the doll as a receptacle for one's hopes,
dreams, and perspective on life.
Volupté Sylvain, Stella, and
Sable
overpower the salon with their unique fashion tastes. Fashions by Debbie Farne Sang and Mode de M.
Mad Dash
Having
gotten lost in the forest, Stella, Sable
and Sylvain make the most of the natural surroundings. Fashions by
LizRetros, Rosina Haskell, and Clare Duncan.
Julian S. Kalinowski's new line of dolls, the S-Girls, have loads of fun modeling very cool couture. For this mid-October Dolldom entry, black versions of Sylvain and Stella pay homage to Jack Hill's Foxy Brownin luxurious pantsuits created by the talented Clare Duncan of Clare's Couture. Located in Brisbane, Australia, Ms. Duncan's designs are genuine one-of-a-kind as she conceives, creates and stitches each outfits herself. Ms. Duncan has always enjoyed the company of Barbie dolls and her fascination with their world of miniaturized fashion
has never diminished. Ms. Duncan now join forces with Mr. Kalinowski to create exciting styles for the one-of-a-kind S-Girls. For more information, visit Clare's Couture Facebook page.
A Real Shakedown! Clare's Couture and the S-Girls. Foxyland! Necklaces by Joy Jarred.
Olive green and golden brocade pantsuit is luxe and leggy.
Pistachio was never yummier with golden thread embroidery at waist.
DOLLDOM is a showcase for ideas intended to inspire, amuse, and guide the modern dollector. Fashion, art, décor and gastronomy, it's all here for you and your friends. It's Life Deluxe, DOLLDOM style.
Copyright
All of my images are copyrighted Ernesto Padró-Campos.
Please do not use my images without my permission.
Sable- fresh from her scandalous stint in Berlin - stretches before her dance routine.
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