Soul Searching

What to be? Who to become? Do we even have the freedom to decide? Or is it destiny? Essential questions with which many - if not all fashion dolls- have to struggle. Am I the identity that was adjudicated at the moment of sketch or do I enjoy the freedom to seek my own? Katana by Superdoll came to Dolldom with her existential dilemma and we were all happy to support. For you see, Katana is a high fashion doll. A modern high fashion doll. And as much as Dolldom loves high fashion, we tend to move away from modern and edgy. So Katana, a beautifully arresting sculpt with a nose bridge of hyperbolic length, exquisitely deep philtrum, and seductive slanted eyes, embarked on a journey of soul searching. Who am I?




In Retros' Hawaiiana jumpsuit with palazzo pants, Katana starts to connect with her vintage self. Necklace by VJT Designs.


Perhaps a more mysterious approach in electric blue (also by Retros) will suit her silvery braided tresses better?


Katana is still not convinced. She poses beautifully, though, in the midst of her conundrum.

Country music maven? The Retros' day dress is surely unique, but is it really Katana? Necklace by Joy Jarred.

 
Who am I? Really, qui suis-je?

Perhaps a late 1960's fashion plate in Retros' salmon and gold brocade? Breathtaking she is, but still not her true self.


Reflecting. Delving deeply into her being to find her essence.

Et voilà.

In a stroke of genius, Katana slips into Superdoll's black-as-night silk satin separates and JAMIEshow's black sunglasses.


Katana becomes Tante Katana, beloved aunt to Viktor and Agnes Dreary.


Now the children of Dreary Manor finally have proper guidance in important subjects like self realization and fashion.
But something tells us that Katana will continue her search, perhaps after realizing the potential of hair play...

On The Town

On the town, tonight. An elegant town. With elegant folk. Dolldom remembers the days when mothers and fathers would leave the suburban ranch all decked-out for a night on the town!

To bask in the soft glow of such sweet memories, Dolldom features a most scintillating fashion: On The Town, designed by New York City's Fashion Institute of Technology founders Jay E. Watkins and Edward Roberts for Marx and Co.'s Miss Seventeen doll.



As fashion doll scholar Beauregard Houston Montgomery writes in his not-to-be-missed tome Designer Fashion Dolls (Hobby House Press, 1999): "Though herself poorly executed, Miss Seventeen is ravishingly redeemed by her brillinatly conceived wardrobe."

Imagine then what occurs when a superbly executed doll like JAMIEshow's J'adore Gene does the modeling? Fireworks. Created by fashion maven Liz Cole for Retros, this unabashedly vintage fashion is all dramour!
dram  our
dramər/
noun
 1. the exquisite and rare libation born of drama and glamour that makes certain people special.

Enjoy!

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.

Breaking Bad

The fun of a redress. Dolldom and bona fide dollectors live for the thrill of seeing a beloved doll transform.



Benefiting from the rich offerings in the market, Dolldom mixes and matches lines and dolls and comes up with a what-if-fantasy. What if instead of Marylin, Miss Gene Marshall had starred in the film classic Niagara?

Our wardrobe department spotted Tonner Doll's "The Problem with Rose" fashion and immediately acquired it. To go against the expected type, Mel Odom's White Orchid Gene, produced by Jamieshow,  plays the title role of Rose Loomis. And Miss Marshall is 100% bad girl in a brown bob by Ilaria Mazzoni for Time of Doll.  Boom! The screen explodes. Gene is a smoldering presence. And with a beauty mark to boot! "Neat As A Pin" Trent Osborn was captivated enough to miss his lines more than once. Who can blame him!

Something About Mary

2013 saw the debut of Mary Magpie, the very first digitally printed fashion doll created by artist Joey Versaw. Dolldom, always in the pursuit of the handmade and of the retro-inspired, was immediately smitten with this bodacious babe that comes out of a printer. How could we not? Not only can she wear Mr. Versaw's creations, she is also the perfect model for vintage Barbie clothing. And in so doing, Mary Magpie brings a new way to interpret the creations of the ever beloved Charlotte Johnson.

For this Dolldom end-of-year exclusive, three different Mary Mapie models wear sheaths - one of the staples in vintage Barbie doll's closet.

Mary's expressive sculpt and Mr.Versaw's always inspired face painting give the world of fashion dolls a genuinely original vision and a real sense of direction with new freedom to choose your basic model's make-up and wigs.


Blue Moon Mary Magpie with dark chocolate Bettie wig wears jewelry by Joy Jarred and a recycled fur stole by Liz Cole.



Purely Platinum Mary Magpie transforms (and is queen of haughty) in a coal noir Bettie wig. The arched eyebrows have it.


A Eurasian Mary Magpie? Absolutely! Dolldom could not do without an Anna May Wong-inspired Mary Magpie doll! Mr. Versaw's precise hand gave her pencil thin arched eyebrows and the sexiest pout to date. Her coal noir bob wig is minimal and so elegant. Perfect doll. Forever doll.


Mary Wong models a classic black organza cocktail sheath by Bogue's Vogues and a purple cherry pearl bracelet by Joy Jarred.


Red delights and makes mouths water. Marirose's mastery comes across loud and clear in this revision of vintage Barbie's "Pak" silk sheath.


Vintage Barbie Golden Girl's sheath is found easily these days. Why not redress your Mary Magpie in this jewel of a dress? The Japanese fabric is heavy and luxurious and the tiny zipper is a miniature miracle. Add a recycled fur stole by Retros and pearls and champagne diamond necklace by Joy Jarred and voilà you have perfection in doll medium.

For more on Mary Magpie, visit her at Mary Magpie. Better yet, join in the many collectors who have welcomed Mary to their collections and visit her store. Then join the Mary Magpie community on Facebook.  Have fun with Mary Magpie!

Wintertime

'Tis the season! Dolldom celebrates once again the magic of winter with an exclusive portfolio of special moments that can only take place during many of the season's celebrations. Dolls, toys, and beloved Christmas tree ornaments all hold a place of honor all around the home. 


To melt the frost...


"Phoenix" Gene Marshall by Jamieshow models an exclusive design by Vince Nowell, a gift from Dolldom friend Travis Kaller. Her coiffure is a hard cap wig by Italian artist Ilaria Mazzoni for Time of Doll.


SFBJ 301 reproduction Bleuette made by Raven Dolls in Seattle, WA, wears a reproduction dress by Global to visit Santa's Village.


Santa on the Moon! Happy little guy (a reproduction by Back Porch Friends) basks in the light of early morning.


A portrait with her new old doll. "Just Another Dreary Day" Agnes (restyled hair) wears "Stone Cold" to show us her beloved baby.


Vintage Japanese Elf makes a safe landing.


When the weather outside is frightful...


A golden gown is the perfect way to warm the room. A OOAK Mary Magpie (the first digitally-printed fashion doll) by Joey Versaw models a Luke Wilmoth reproduction of a Japanese market Francie doll gown.


Come on to my house! High above a vintage goose feather tree lives an elf...


Snowflakes, falling...


Little Snowflake Princess. Mary Magpie in the new 6 1/6-inch size is a most delicate miniature that shows the artistry and vision of her creator, Joey Versaw. The Dawn-by-Topper-sized doll has molded Mary Jane shoes and many options of tiny digitally-printed wigs to change her look. Dress by Liz Cole for Retros.


Winter Elegance. A Vintage American Girl Barbie doll wears "Pak" satin separates in baby pink and silver glitter.


Her wintery make-up features full buttercream lips, a look only reserved for some dolls from 1964-1966.



Happy snowman (reproduction cotton batting ornament by Back Porch Friends) swings the morning away.

Mountain High!


Mel Odom's White Orchid Gene Marshall, produced by Jamieshow, and Trent Osborn pose on the set of the much anticipated comedy Ski and Sky wearing outfits produced by Ashton Drake.

New Year's Eve! To welcome 2014, a 7 1/2-inch Hong Kong Lilli and her companion wear Retros by Liz Cole.


To evoke the festive spirit of the holiday season, Katana by Superdoll models a Retros day dress and jewelry by Joy Jarred.


Sunny and cold. Just perfect for Mrs. Frosty.




Judy and Libby Littlechap are ready for a winter stroll in the woods in their colorful coats. Dolls and outfits manufactured by  Remco, circa 1962.


Sartorial masterpiece. Trent Osborn defines New Year's Eve masculine elegance.


Gala Gown! The best galas are enjoyed in the Land of Make Believe. Silkstone Barbie Fashion Model designed by Robert Best arrives at the ball as a promise of Spring.


All That Glitters. A vintage Number Three Ponytail Barbie wears the festive "Dinner at 8" ensemble, designed by Charlotte Johnson, to accompany Ken (in Saturday Night Date) to Midge's tree decorating party.


A pretty little dog celebrates her second Christmas!


This winter extravaganza ends with Tyler Wentworth in a vintage-inspired gown by James Bogue and jewelry by Vince Tibavido.

May you and yours enjoy the magic of winter.