3D in 3D

So what happens when the first digitally-printed fashion doll, Mary Magpie, goes 3D herself? The boundless creativity of creator Joey Versaw brings us this kicky version of his unique Miss Magpie.


Styled with three different sculpted 3D printed wigs, Mary references one of cinema's milestones - the invention of three-dimensional stereoscopic film and channels the vibe of late 80s fashion style.












Articulated and strung, 3D Mary poses beautifully and is ready to take you into the third dimension!


For more on 3D Mary and the world of Joey Versaw dolls, visit his boutique.

Beads and Stones

Fashion dolls live to model. They model everything and anything under the sun. It's their raison d'être. They arrive in their boxes, tied with satin ribbons, and come alive when released from their glamorous bondage, more captivating than before, just in order to demonstrate their gratitude. Beautiful dolls. Fascinating creatures like this year's BFMC Silkstone Classic Black Dress dolls offered by Mattel at conventions the world over.

For this Dolldom exclusive, our editors chose to regale them with the very best in dressmaking. 100% hand made. 100% hand beaded. For no other process reveals craftsmanship and dedication to beauty than the luxurious application of decoration to fabric. Beads, stones, montées, pailletes, baguettes, bugle beads...

Dolldom is honored to present the work of designer Mark G. Harris.

Mr. Harris, known to many as a modern day American Lesage, approaches the process with a strong intellectual stance: each design is measured, balanced, and then lavishly executed on the very best color saturated silks. In this day and age when we allow machines to release us from the work we used to do with our hands, it is most rare to encounter an artist who, in joyful silence, works away in his atelier creating miniature tours de force such as the ones modeled by the forever beautiful Barbie doll.

Mr. Harris, who has immersed himself in the vernacular of '50s Dior, is currently making mock-ups for cocktail dresses. Created for his label Mode de M (M for Mark), Mr. Harris accepts a limited number of commissions each quarter. For more information, contact Mr. Harris via Mode de M.


Modèle M2-001  Café au lait 
Creamy light brown silk sprinkled with sucreries.




Modèle M2-002 Midori
Burnished gold and iridescent blue adorn refreshing green silk.




Modèle M2-003 Chambord
Royal hues combine in this cape and cocktail dress ensemble.







Mode de M by Mark G. Harris

Ciao, Bella!

Dolldom welcomes The Italian Doll Convention's BFMC articulated Silkstone Barbie doll! Beautiful Barbie drove into town in her Austin Healey to pose by The Golden Gate Bridge on her way to San Francisco's Northbeach District. Miss Roberts, always sensational in black, modeled the fourth version of this year's Little Black Dress, designed by Robert Best. Miss Roberts promised Dolldom to cross the bridge for an exclusive session in Dolldom's studios but only after she had enjoyed a steaming Cappuccino at one of the Italian neighborhood's cafés.

Ciao, Bella!

The Elf Himself

Katarina Karsberg, creator of the beloved Myling doll, continues to expand her wondrous world of characters. Born from a quick doodle, Secret Summer, in its 3D form evolved considerably when the porcelain artist and illustrator sat down to sculpt.

 

Ms. Karsberg explains: "I wanted to create a fun little fairy-sprite sort of character, just a fun and friendly little creature! I was experimenting with the face a lot, trying to find something I hadn't seen before."

Dolldom thinks that the goal was attained masterfully as Secret Summer (shown in his Chibi version) brings a most unique point of view to the realm of porcelain mignonette dolls.

Dolldom's Secret Summer Chibi, a boy elf who goes by the name of Poc, enjoys hiding behind books, only to come out when one least expects him to, but when he does come out, it's nothing short of magic!

Eu fallo portuguès!

Last April 9 and 10, 2016, The Portuguese Doll Convention took place in Lisbon. The fun event, organized by The Portuguese Doll Collector Club, also raises funds to support SOS Children Village, a non-profit organization that aims to prevent family breakdown and that also cares for children who have lost parental care, or who at risk of losing it. Beautiful OOAK creations were donated by many freelance artists as well as Mattel's Bill Greening. With SOS Children Villages in Bicesse, Guarda e Gulpilhares and three Strengthening Family Programs in Guarda, Rio Maior and Oeiras, The Portuguese Doll Collector Club maximized their fundraising potential of this event by auctioning a small number of of their Official Barbie Convention Souvenir Doll - a variation of The Barbie Fashion Model Collection's Classic Black Dress. Mattel has created variations for doll conventions around the world including Japan, France, and Italy, yet Dolldom believes that the Portuguese version is extra special. Strongly evocative of the classic look of vintage Barbie, this sunny blonde boasts gorgeous red lips, mesmerizing green eyes, and a creamy sun kissed articulated Silkstone body.

Her LBD variation evokes vintage Barbie's PAK sheath with the amusing placement of the bow at the back instead of the front. Classic black high heel pumps complete the forever stylish ensemble, one that is beautiful as-is but that can also become the foundation on which to build diverse looks for The Barbie Doll.

In this Dolldom exclusive,  The Official Barbie Convention Souvenir Doll models her LBD and coats and hats ranging from vintage made-in-Japan treasures to the more recent BFMC.

Classic Barbie beauty for today and for always. Para sempre, Barbie!

Dolldom thanks María Margarida Salvado Campos for her kindness and support in the production of this entry.




Olà! Barbie never looked more fetching. Lariat belt by Joy Jarred.


High Color! The palette used for her make-up is rich and delectable.


Urban Jungle. Barbie models a OOAK recreation of her classic Red Flair coat and a black version of her Commuter Girl flowered bandeau.


Sobriety Above All Else. Barbie can be both sober and stylish. This time she wears Fashion Editor's bouclé car coat over her sheath and carries all important documents in her classic purse.


Lo rouge et le noir. With Fashion Designer's red faille coat and necklace and Roman Holiday's braided bandeau, Barbie is ready to teach her fashion designer apprentices.


In Manhattan! Robert Best-designed orange wool coat for The Breakfast at Tiffany's Collection by Mattel  pairs perfectly with the classic sheath. An orange feather straw bandeau by Maryann Roy completes the fall look. 


Tribute to Charlotte. Barbie dresses like Charlotte Johnson, the famous designer of her early wardrobe, in the often-overlooked Peachy Fleecy coat. A print scarf from Winter in New York and Boulevard's jeweled pin add more layers of vintage style. A portrait of Ruth Handler looks up in approval.



For more information on The Portuguese Doll Collectors' Club Convention for 2017, visit their beautiful blog.

Pink Bubbles for English Girls

The magnanimous Bobby Taylor, creative force behind the mythical Pink Bubbles Doll Spa, and Julian Stanislav Kalinowski, creator of the mysterious Miss Sévinyl and Solange dolls, recently got together to do what doll geniuses do best: play. Mr. Kalinowski and Mr. Taylor fans of each others' work decided to give Miss Sévinyl and the upcoming Solange the Pink Bubbles Doll Spa treatment. The results are nothing but earth-shatteringly beautiful.

 Mr. Taylor came up with five different styles that present a good variety with varying hair lengths and styles ranging from casual to more dressy. He added hair ribbons to several noting that colors can be changed to match their costumes. Alternatively,  other decorative add-on's such as flowers or even strung beads may be substituted for added variety and looks.

Dolldom is thrilled to present this exclusive portfolio and thanks Mr. Taylor and Mr. Kalinowski for sharing their collaboration with us!

Mr. Taylor thought that there should be at least one shorter style and opted for this basic bobbed look. Dolldom loves the way it frames her face and shows her expressive eyes. It's slightly asymmetrical and can be adjusted as desired. Mr. Taylor happens to like one side hanging just a bit lower than the other.





Due to the thickness of the hair Mr. Taylor  wouldn't recommend going much shorter than chin length as it will tend to start sticking out on the sides. The key to this look is the sleekness and is set firm for neatness and longevity. Dress by Tania Lawrence.

The inspiration for Miss Sevinyl's set was a photo of Mattel's Stacey!





It's a simple low ponytail style with the side curls eliminated. Mr. Taylor opted to keep the forehead curl to add a bit of interest and finished with a simple black hair bow. A simple heat set for the ponytail and forehead curl and Miss S is ready to do what Miss S does best: look glamorous in her Liz Retros dress. 

This next  set showcases Solange's original long hair and was given added height on top.



The front half just at the ears was pulled upward and given a thick braid which is pushed up slightly and pinned. It's accented with an under-tied black ribbon detail. The fabulous style gives the illusion of an added hair-piece so popular in the 60's.



Rachel wears an elegant up-do featuring her original side-swept bangs, braided crown and rolled under bun. Fashion by Tania Lawrence.



Mr. Taylor thought that at least one evening look would be good in the mix and this style was achieved by pulling the hair up to the crown and tied. A piece was used for the braided hair wrap and pinned and the rest rolled under and again pinned. Fashion by Tania Lawrence.



Mr. Taylor decided to do a side-swept style to add something different to the group.



The side-swept bang is pulled back and attached behind the ear. The rest is pulled to the side, tied and then divided into two separate ponytails and decorative ribbons keep each one neat.  Each tail could also be braided as well for some variety.



Mr. Taylor and his Pink Bubbles staff have come up with a winning combination of looks mixing styles with the inimitable characters of Mr. Kalinowski's dolls.  Here's to these two supremely talented gentlemen of the fashion doll world!

Pink Bubbles Doll Spa 

Séverine, Miss Sévinyl and Solange Dolls

Basic Black

A black dress and Barbie. Two classics enjoy a revisit.


Paris Fashion Doll Festival "Classic Black Dress Barbie" changes into a number designed by Bill Greening for the Barbie Basics line.


The one shouldered number is nothing but dramatic.


Therefore, regular issue "Classic Black Dress" Barbie opts for a silk satin version by Vince Nowell.


A perky bejeweled bow accentuates a pretty mouth.