A Retros Halloween Bash

"Cocktails?"

" Yes, thank you!"

Bourbon! Gin!…the scene was set for some of The Golden Age of Hollywood’s greatest to come together for a little B&G - that is Beauty and Glamour, for the uninitiated. For everyone making the scene was donning the epitome of B&G: the to this day unmatched liberating fashion insouciance of Retros by Liz Cole.

Gay! Gay! Gay! The fabulous Gay Carrington (fan-made doll with a face-up by Vincent Anthony Studio) made her entrance with Lauren - the two were coming - still ecstatic - from a impromptu singing duo performance in a secret spot in Los Feliz. Gay slithered in a dark woodsy green Lurex number with a side slit and a Lucite necklace by Exsyntrix.

“Dahlin’ you’re killing!” - Lauren whispered. Gay winked at her and whispered back: “I’m a witch, doll!”

Elizabeth Montgomery in Bewitched’s opening sequence? Sorry, but no. This was none other than Sylvia Chase, grandmother to much-later-to-be-born Sydney Chase.

In Retros’ iconic black Vampirah! gown, Sylvia added her pout (bathed in Revlon’s Love that Red) and a hat by Peggy Feltrope to a captivating fashion potion that made everyone go ape!

Now, when J.C. made her entrance, well, it was an entrance as only J.C. could do: made in the shade! Her Retros number, in dark blue and light gray print was all class with a hint of mystery befitting the Ben Cooper mask. 

“Love that you love, dear, but masks are for curtain climbers to have fun on Halloween. This mug and these peepers stay uncovered!” J.C. clamored. 

Tensions of the amorous type heightened when Lauren came back with a tuxedoed flutter bum. “He told me his name was Rock. Hard to remember as I’ve had some sauce already.” - Lauren said in her ultra seductive red skulls and bones pink sheath.

Lauren's necklace, also by Exsyntrix, told the rest of the story. 

“Rock, wait!- Gay called out in her husky voice (hear it here). May I pet your bat?”

“Sure thing, Bombshell! It’s by Exyntrix. My friend Joy knows how to craft a scene stealer.” Rock answered as he threw a half smile in a tux by Chewin Doll and sunglasses by T &E Doll Designs.

Remember Cynthia the Celebrity Mannequin? Well, this bash was much more of a blast - cause not Cynthia - but Vivian the Miniquin was there! And what a devil she was in Retros’ genius red glitter get-up! 

Though Miniquins do not talk, everyone could hear Vivian thinking: “May I have another Negroni?, as well as, “May I fork you, Dreamboat?”

What a bash! What a swell party! Could not have been without the magic of Retros’s B&G, that aura of fun will never end cause we’re too ginchy to go! 

Dolldom thanks LizRetros for many years of plain and simple fun! 

Resources for readers:

Retros by Liz Cole

Feltrope Studios (Witch's hat)

Exsyntrix (All jewlery)

Chewin Doll (male tux)

DAE Originals (Vivian the Miniquin)

Gay Carrington (the Icon)

Vincent Anthony Studio (Gay's face-up)

¿Y los ojos?

"-A ella se le ve que algo raro tiene, que no es una mujer como todas.
Parece muy joven, de unos veinticinco años cuanto más, una carita un poco de gata, la nariz chica, respingada, el corte de cara es... más redondo que ovalado, la frente ancha, los cachetes también grandes pero que después se van para abajo en punta, como los gatos.
-¿Y los ojos?
-Claros, casi seguro que verdes, los entrecierra para dibujar mejor."

El beso de la mujer araña de Miguel Puig

To accompany the beginning passage of Puig's groundbreaking novel, D.A.E's "Dressing for Dinner" Vivian models the quintessential black dress from D.A.E.'s "Perfume Hunting", cut to perfection and executed with flawless precision. That's all that Vivian needs along with her wig by Time of Doll, and subtle turquoise accents to portray the movie heroine of Molina's narration. 

Ain't There Anyone Here for Love?

 The film classic Gentlemen Prefer Blondes has very few moments that do not qualify as exemplary moviemaking. One such scene is "Ain't There Anyone Here for Love?" in which Jane Russell steals the show. Surrounded by a bevy of brawny athletes, Russell reigns supreme as the strongest of them all in her black jumpsuit and flared jacket. 

The unforgettable get-up, along with s second outfit from the movie were recently reproduced by D.A.E Originals for a very special and ultra limited Vivian the Miniquin doll and are currently available exclusively from Happily Ever After. 

Dolldom is happy to feature D.A.E's Vivian and Monty re-enacting some of the key moments of this most unforgettable musical number and movie. Vivian sports a vivid face-up and wig designed to channel Russell's amazing style. A brunette "Modern Dandy" Monty in a Chewin wig and orange square cut provides the beefcake. 

For more information on Vivian visit Happily Ever After. Monty may be found at D.A.E Originals' site.

Dolldom's Holiday Wish Book

Evoking pleasant moments of holidays past is a worthwhile endeavor for any dollector seeking a little comfort and joy. And for many, one of those sweet memories is pouring over the pages of a Sears Wish Book. From Barbie to Matt Mason, those glorious pages promised the latest from Toyland to all children who had been relatively good throughout the year. 

This year, Dolldom aims to relive the fantasy with a beautiful selection of dolls and clothing, many of them by independent doll and toymakers. How lucky are we these days to be able to enjoy not only mass market but also uniquely designed and ultra limited offerings? Plenty!

Platinum Power

My Choice Momoko from 2019 by Petworks in a vintage store find.

Let's Go Wild!

Lark (Lark Emerald Witch) by Joey Versaw is ready for the cold in Francie doll's "Wild Bunch" 

Blue Christmas

A Castle exclusive Licca-chan with blue hair wears Endangered Sissy

La vie MOD

Prototype Black Meadow by Joey Versaw rocks Francie doll's "Floating In"

Visions of Sugarplums

Black Lilli Lalka by Julian S. Kalinowski is serene in her gala gown

Golden Gal

The utterly fabulous Fanfan by Nav Sikand goes to meet Anouk in a sensational hand beaded mini by LizRetros

Trendsetter

A vintage Goro-chan by Takara gives us a lesson in style in his F-A-B jumper by the gorgeous Endangered Cissy

Monster of Love

Joey Versaw's Piewhacket revives our love for the world of Trolls.

Giantess

A prototype 16-inch Ludy Laminous by Julian S. Kalinowski takes our breath away in a silk dress by  D.A.E. Originals.

Santa's Helpers

2-inch 3-D printed and hand painted Troglyns by Joey Versaw are at the ready! Will they appear inside your stocking?

Famille heureuse

Holiday family portrait: a treasured collection of mignonette Myling dolls by Katarina Karsberg embodies the mysterious magic of the doll. 

Christmas 1954

Vintage holiday style: Vivian the Miniquin by D.A.E. Originals gives good face in a OOAK gown, also by D.A.E. Originals. 

A New Fashion Queen

Gorgeous Tallulah by Joey Versaw is regal in Marirose Couture's cocktail dress. 

Shinning Star

A Sylvain prototype by Julian Kalinowski defines holiday glow in Clare's Couture brocaded pantsuit. 

May you and yours enjoy this holiday season in good health and peace. 

Authentic Glamour

 D.A.E. Originals' latest collection arrives, not by sleigh, but just in the "nick" of time for some last minute additions to your letter Santa Claus. Dolldom is sure that they will be happy to spoil you with one of this ultra limited edition fashion wonders. 

In customary D.A.E. Originals' style, each fashion ensemble is a perfectly miniaturized and expertly achieved evocation of a gem of the golden age of couture. Accessorized with a bounty of accessories, the fashions delight not only dollectors but also fans of fashion who marvel at the richness of the fabrics and the flawless construction of the garments. Made for D.A.E Originals' Vivian the Miniquin doll in any of her three iterations, the looks also fit other fortunate 1:4 scale dolls in your collection, such as Gene Marshall. 

But it is truly a resin ball-jointed "Dressing for Dinner" Vivian doll who owns the show at the windows of Diamonds Department Store. In wigs by Time of Doll, Vivian does her miniquin best captivating the passerby who can't help but stand and take in the magic. 

For more information on this most recent drop, visit DAE Originals.

Park Plaza

Circa 1955. This day dress is made from a voile cotton printed with vibrant blue and hot pink irises. Close fitting bodice has perky white collar and cuffs, trimmed with tiny blue buttons. Her circle skirt is held out with a white tulle petticoat. Accessories include: blue hat trimmed with pink roses, jewelry made of white and glass pearls and blue tulip beads, black belt, black faux leather pocket book, hot pink short gloves, hot pink shoes.

Downtown Shopping
Circa 1957. Our raspberry pink silk suit is just the ticket for a beautiful spring day. The jacket has faux pocket detail, fringed collar and lined in a fun floral print! A floral print sleeveless top has attached silk straight skirt and removable berry colored taffeta belt. Accessories include: berry colored taffeta hat, crystal and pearl earrings, stick pin, white short gloves, berry colored pocket book and cream colored shoes.

Avenue Montaigne
Circa 1948. Inspired by Dior’s “Cocotte” day dress, our version is made from silk and rayon micro houndstooth cloth. Intricately made day dress has close fitted bodice with black silk cuffs and collar. Straight skirt has double bustle effect peplums and kick pleat. Accessories include: Black hat, trimmed with black tulle, pearl jewelry, black gloves, black belt, black shoes and black nonfunctioning parasol.

Royal Blue Cocktails
Circa 1957. Inspired by the House of Dior, our cocktail bubble dress is of blue iridescent silk taffeta accent with a black silk bow. Topping off the sleeveless dress is a crop jacket in silk taffeta, accented with black buttons and lined in white taffeta. Accessories include: black feathered cocktail hat, crystal jewelry, white long gloves, black sparkle hand bag and black shoes.

At the Opera
Circa 1952. This evening costume is made of mauve colored eyelash fabric set off with hundreds of tiny paillettes. The strapless gown has a full skirt with wine colored sash and matching back bow. Matching evening coat is lined in mauve satin. Matching wine colored bow at neck line. Accessories include crystal jewelry, long white gloves, glittery evening clutch, tulle petticoat and gold shoes.

Empress
Circa 1953. This golden yellow embroidered tulle ball gown is fit for a princess. The strapless bodice is covered in intricate lace trim and AB crystals. Her multi layered sweeping skirt has yards of embroidered tulle netting and accented with more AB crystals. To complete her look, she covers her shoulders with a lavender tulle wrap. Accessories include crystal and pearl jewelry, long white gloves, dancing shoes and a layered tulle petticoat.

For more information on this most recent drop, visit DAE Originals.

All descriptions by D.A.E. Originals.