The Song

A song can most definitely be a tonic for the soul. It is at times of fatigue (both physical as well as existential) that a song can bring much needed solace or an energizing mood boost.

Tonner Doll Company's complex Déjà Vu line (circa 2013) presented a singer by the name of Judy Watson (one of several reincarnations of the same soul) to evoke the fashion essence of the 1950s. It seems difficult to read the name Judy being associated with music and not think of the exemplary Judy Garland. Though the doll's look is not an homage to the quintessential soul denuder, Dolldom seized the opportunity to pay tribute.

In this Dolldom exclusive, Judy Watson sings her heart out just like her namesake did, always aiming to express the purest emotions that the human heart can feel in fashions created by another force of nature - LizRetros- whose vision of beauty and glamour is ever so divinely original. Bogue's Vogues, the undeniable icon of fashion doll design also joins in the fun, as well as groundbreaking Byanca of Houston. A Gerry Broerman take on a Théâtre de la Mode classic also makes an encore appearance.

Judy sings "For Me and My Guy" in a LizRetros flocked bloom dress. 

"Building the Yellow Brick Road" was one of Judy Watson's biggest hits. So is this beaded LizRetros wonder. 

In a Gerry Broerman interpretation of a Théâtre de la Mode design by Maggy Rouff, Judy debuted "Il'l Go on Singing".

Bogue's Vogues regaled Judy with one of its iconic designs for her show at The Palladium where she moved the audience to tears with her emotional rendition of "Being Myself".

At the same show in San Francisco, Judy wore this LizRetros fab suit to sing "Meet Me by the Rainbow" 

Byanca of Houston's sensational and figure-defining fashion has been worn by many famous personalities such as Madra Lord, but it was Judy who, while singing "The Ferry Song", turned it into a sensation. 

LizRetros' take on the Barbie doll's "Mood for Music" gave Judy's "Bring on the Rain; I'll Always Shine" the very best accompaniment. 

During one of her London shows at The Talk of the Town, Judy wore LizRetros' iconic Lurex dress and revealed not only her left leg but also her heart singing "The Soul Next Door". 

Judy closed one of her performances at Carnegie Hall in LizRetros' leopard gown and brought the house down with "The Man I Sent Away". Necklace by Exsyntrik on Etsy. 

À Versailles

Legendary star Gene Marshall's love affair with Versailles began in 1952 when the beautiful actress visited the palace to support its restoration in a Timothy Alberts' design. Here's the full storyline, as it appeared in Motion Picture magazine:

"Helen of Troy's face may have launched a thousand ships. But a single tear from Gene Marshall's glorious blue eyes helped restore the greatest treasure of France -- The Palace of Versailles.

In 1952 a movement began to restore Versailles. Gene, in France on location for her film PARIS MOON, was invited to an evening gala at Versailles to help raise funds to restore the Sun King's fabulous palace. The dazzling Hall of Mirrors once again played host to France's greatest political, cultural and social leaders. Despite the gentle light from the candelabras, Gene was stricken to see Versailles, the symbol of France's power, glorious history and prestige, slumbering in derelict obscurity. Only ghosts abided here, their music and laughter unheard, the vestiges of royal splendor lying forgotten and faded in its decline. A silver tear traced its way down Gene's flawless cheek at the sight of such sovereign magnificence lying in mournful ruin. A distinguished man, deeply moved by the lovely actresses distress, touched her face with a fingertip. "Upon this tear shall Versailles be rebuilt," promised Charles De Gaulle. The next year the restoration of Versailles began.

Gene's gown is a tribute to the resplendent fashions of Louis XVI's glittering court, Her royal purple satin gown is embroidered with roses and exquisite beadwork. Elbow length gloves, stole, sparkling jewelry, and a silver snood complete the romantic ensemble."

In this late January entry, Dolldom revisits the magic of a night at Versailles with an exclusive portfolio of the iconic purple gown, worn by the original issue model as well as by the new and sophisticated resin version produced by JAMIEshow. To add the proverbial cherry to the top of the sundae, two evocative Tonner Doll Company's Déjà Vu fashions enrich this photo fantasy.





A Night at Versailles - the face of Gene Marshall, circa 1995.


Qui est la princesse?

JAMIEshow's Phoenix does the honors this time.




The face of Miss Marshall, circa 2013.


A day in the court calls for careful fashion selections. Tonner Doll Company's Ma Petite Rose fashion is a wise choice.

Be it with a blonde or a titian wig by Ilaria Mazonni of Time of Doll, Ma Petite Rose is en enchanting confection. J'adore Gene by JAMIEshow is delicious in pink.



La vie à Versailles, vous-dites?



A brown and blue iridescent taffeta frock with gold and sequin beaded trim is sure to impress. Tonner Doll Company's La Vie à Versailles is a veritable period piece.  Wigs by Ilaria Mazonni for Time of Doll.

Note to readers:
The fit of Tonner Doll Company's fashions is not perfect on the Gene Marshall doll as the body dimensions differ. No alterations were done to the fashions in these photos.

All Hallows' Eve 2013

It's that time of year! Dolldom's very special tribute to the best of all holidays. For at Dolldom, Halloween is imbued with the images of Halloween celebrations of old, those based on vintage and antique postcards that portray the magical powers of the Earth, right before cold Winter comes to lay us all to sleep. It's a time for dancing and singing to the Harvest Moon around a crackling bonfire, for carving turnips to hold candles with which to find our way home at night, for reading ghost stories while drinking one's spirit of choice, and for turning into ghouls and goblins by means of an artful disguise.

For this year's celebration, Dolldom enjoys the presence of old and new friends who come together to partake of a good vintage Halloween time. So grab a fistful of candy corn and enjoy the fun.


Bruja bella. Nothing like a glamorous woman in orange and black to define Halloween magic. Tonner's Déjà Vu line introduces basic Emma Jean McGowen, who in Retro's sensational witch costume and Joy Jarred's jewelry, is nothing but the essence of fashion witchcraft!


A classic vampire film is de rigueur this time of year.


And Phoenix Gene Marshall by Mel Odom,produced by JAMIEshow, is our beautiful and eternal beloved.


In her Retros' Morticia Adams dress, cluster of diamonds nekclace and spider bracelet by Joy Jarred, and raven beehive by Ilaria Mazzoni, Phoenix Gene Marshall is the ultimate vamp.



But wait! Here comes the enchantress of all. In her royal blue gown with batty sleeves, also by Retros, J'adore Gene casts the ultimate fashion spell. Her necklace is by Joy Jarred. Her blond pompadour wig by Ilaria Mazzoni for Time of Doll.


You MAY kiss her hand now.


Emma Jean McGowen, the inimitable heroine from Tonner's Déjà Vu line, models a curve hugging sheath by Liz Cole for Retros and a witch hat by Peggy Feltrope. Jewelry by Joy Jarred. The little ghost costume was created by Our Sweet Creations.


Boo! Sad Sally is here!


Wilde Imagination's big eyed girl with the vivid orange cotton candy hair is the ideal poster child for vintage Halloween.


Look into my eyes....and suddenly the air turns cold, cold as ice...


Who is the magnificent apparition who stands in the middle of the ruins?


It's Wilde Imagination's One More Time Evangeline Ghastly in her ethereal gown, perfect for flying through the midnight sky in search of her beloved.


Vintage seven and half inch Genevieve doll is a Japanese beauty made of very malleable vinyl. For this classic Halloween scene, Genevieve models a Retros dress with gathered neckline and full skirt. Her Salamander Poliwogg friends all agree that she is the cutest witch of all. Felt hat also by Retros.


A Gotham Halloween, you say?


But of course! Barbie and Ken, in their original vintage sculpts, impersonate Catwoman and Batman, circa 1960's.


Trick or Treat! The Poliwogg Pumpkin Twins salute you on Halloween!


What would Halloween be without the quintessential scary old witch?
This fabulous lady boasts a uniquely expressive sculpt. Witch Polywogg by Salamander.


And she's ready to fly away on her broom along with her half moon charm.


Mel Odom's Madra Lord closes - and some say - steals the show in her purr-fect and ever so seductive sheath with pussycat print fabric by Retros and a classic witch  hat by Peggy Feltrope. The Enid Collins purse reproduction is also by Retros. Madra's big pumpkin is from Target.

This is Halloween!