Capturing Joy: Photographing Children

Children. Tiny tots. Little darlings. As with any other doll, children have unique attitudes and energy that ought to be captured in a good portrait. And as with any other doll, our love for our children should not impede us from discovering and showing their best side or angle.  It is important too to engage them in the process of portrait making. Children will have fun selecting a special outfit or costume and scouting for the perfect location in which to compose the portrait. Most importantly, once in front of the camera, most children (except Agnes and Viktor Dreary, below) will smile and be playful.

Capturing them in a reflective moment when they are lost in their thoughts or absorbed by play will garner a revealing glimpse into their essence, the one that will remain consistent all throughout life.

 29" American Character Betsy McCall chose this tranquil spot in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.

Eliseo by Paola Zakimi wanted to have his photo taken in his room with his toys where he feels most at ease. He is a timid lad. 

Japanese Skipper wanted to show her studious side for her application to private school. She wore her glasses and her most precocious gaze. 

Ricky smiles in his 5th grade portrait. He just learned that he made the Honor Roll. 

A first issue Tiny Betsy McCall by Tonner Doll Company selected a dress by Great North Woods Designs. She lives to model. 

 Viktor Dreary does not smile, ever. And that is not a character flaw!

A vintage Skooter smiles in anticipation to a trip to Caneel Bay Plantation. Sunny days ahead is what we hear her eyes say! 

Perk Pioneer "Keep" proved to be an ideal model with his pensive look and handsome features.

 If you have been blessed with many children, getting them all to stand still may prove more challenging. Problem solved! Take several photos of them and use Photoshop "layers" to compose the ideal image. 

Creative back lightning can impart a glowing mood to your little angel's portrait. Marx Toys' Twinkie reminds us of vintage illustrations of child saints. 

 Blythe, customized by Diem Chau and dressed by Sara Lanzillotta, poses in a silent corner of a fantastic fossil garden.

Above all, enjoy taking the photo. The most perfect image will come from the enjoyment of the moment in which both photographer and subject aimed to create an instant of eternity.

Fabulous Faces: Wonderbilly Receives Dolldom's Award of Excellence

Nowadays, there seems to be an emphasis on reality and real life. Reality shows are the most obvious manifestation in today's mass entertainment. Real people in T-shirts and jeans are interested in real people in T-shirts and jeans letting it all hang out. This current fascination with the quotidien has even impacted the realm of fashion dolls. As fragmented as the most dysfunctional of families, the doll collecting world has sectors that prefer their dolls to look like and wear "the real thing": from anatomical detailing on breasts to up-to-the-minute fashions such as those spotted in shopping mall boutiques. Then there are others who collect fashion dolls to revel in the drop-dead glamour and sophistication best illustrated by Erwin Blumenfeld's iconic photo for Vogue (below).

 For there is nothing more inspiring than a woman (or man, for that matter) who is aiming for an ideal of elegance and style. Yes, jeans and T-shirts can be sexy and glamorous - when worn by the fabulous Barbie Basics 2.0. But there is a more rarefied type of glamour, one that in spite of existing frozen in time, is to this day, referenced by style mavens of the likes of Angelina Jolie and Sarah Jessica Parker.  In this universe of pure glam, lounge lizards abound in smoky piano bars while exuberant dames unabashedly bask in the glow of chunky jewelry. For no one can deny that shapely, full lips do make a woman look good.

 

 Barbie's make-up by Billy Lope. Fashion by Liz Cole.

Think about it... It's morning and there's no coffee (or vodka) left in the flat. What to do? Go out to the corner market to fetch some. But not before putting on big dark glasses and applying a true-blue red lipstick – it's as basic and essential as breathing and walking in stiletto heels. It could be said that Vintage Barbie left its indelible mark (blood red, we should add) in our collective mind and our idea of glamour is not about insipid reality. It is about an impossible chic that sounds very much like Spanish sexpot Sarita Montiel singing Quizás, smells like Shocking perfume by Schiaparelli, and tastes like whiskey-infused Maraschino cherries.

 The ultra fabulous Sarita Montiel

It's about face that no one ever forgets, as Tyler Wentworth (below) proves with her come-hither new look designed by make-up artist extraordinaire Billy Lope.

 A Signature Style first issue Tyler Wentworth found her inner sexpot with the help of Billy Lope.

The very democratic Mr. Billy Lope, who prefers to remain (unsuccessfully) under the radar, always starts his Wonderbilly e-Bay auctions at 99 cents. Finding inspiration in the classic vintage looks of Tex Avery cartoons, Dale Messick's Brenda Starr comic strips, and the intoxicating glamour of Hollywood's Technicolor dreamland, Billy not only salvages the factory-produced set, he gives each one of them a life – torrid at times – as he only paints when the mood is right. As the girls in this portfolio can attest to, he must be in the right mood all of the time. One more thing is evident: Billy leaves a big chunk of his happy heart in each one of his vivacious dames. Reason why Dolldom gives Billy Lope its first Award of Excellence of 2011.

 Sunday Best Barbie Fashion Model lost all traces of lilac and lavender chez Billy. She wears a James Bogue ensemble.

Green eyes complement her tomato red lips.

Joe Tai's En in Liz Cole's superb couture got total glamorization from Billy. Necklace by Joy Jarred.
 

And to celebrate Billy's Award of Excellence, Dolldom introduces it's first official model. The Face of Dolldom is Princess Patti Fantasia Candelabra, a former Silkstone Spa Barbie, who with her new Wonderbilly face is our exclusive representative.

In a Yatabazah Luxury Wig, Princess Patti transforms into Natasha. Necklace by Joy Jarred.

Dolldoms' Princess Patti transforms yet again in a Yatabazah Luxury Wig.

Dolldom thanks Wonderbilly for sharing his gift of joyful and playful style. Life is short, live it glamorously.

To contact Wonderbilly, leave us a message in comment area below. 

Stupendous Stones

"Topaz doesn’t reflect light like a diamond, it gathers light as if it were a secret to be kept.”  

Mark G. Harris

How to start the new and shiny year? With a celebration of the neck. Ever since Mattel gave the Barbie doll her legendary wardrobe chock full of accessories such as graduated pearl and pearl drop necklaces, and even sparkling bead chokers, the world of fashion dolls has not been the same. Mark G. Harris, head designer at Mode de M (M as in Mark) has taken Dolldom by storm with his exuberant designs using real gemstones as well as gold beads and findings. This is real jewelry, ladies and gentlemen, and Mr. Harris has created it for real dolls. The innate beauty of the natural stones is highlighted by Mark's expert play with color and scale. Our model, a Number Three Barbie doll in her stark Solo in the Spotlight gown, is the ideal backdrop for this celebration of color and texture.

Orientalia

A classic presentation  of emeralds and gold, this expressive design will go with everything, even under a white cotton button down shirt. 

Amorous Amethyst

Turquoise, baroque pearls, gold and grand amethyst create a garland of love and a most regal statement. 

Tourmaline Treasure

Grand marriage of colors. Apatite, Australian jasper, tiny faux pearls, gold beads, and pink tourmaline compose a melodious salute to nature.

Vintage Orbs 

Vintage cloisonné beads add depth to this arrangement of gold beads and faux petite pearls.

Patriotic

Red, white and blue! Rubies, rock crystal, and lapis lazuli will ignite the evening with sparks of color and light. 

Timeless Topaz

 Fit for a princess, this exquisite palette of turquoise, gold and white topaz briolettes is soft and eternal, like blue skies after a spring rain.

Holiday Décor: Keeping It Simple

Winter delights with its longer nights and chilly morns. But when the weather turns frightful outside, dollies of all materials enjoy the warmth and coziness of a well-appointed home, no matter the size. This year, Dolldom offers simple ideas with big visual impact, evocative power, and a eco-friendly-green approach. After all, it's not how much you decorate, it's how much the décor brings a smile to your heart.

A fishbowl vase, used year round to hold moss or flowers, protects precious vintage ornaments inherited or collected from visits to your favorite flea market. This collection of green and blue ornaments comes to life when displayed together. A single gold ornament punctuates the impact of the monochromatic approach.

No tree? No need! A dry branch cannot be beat if what you want is to enjoy the details of your ornaments. Against a white wall, the colorful orbs pop out at you. Cost: a walk down the street or in the woods.

A collection of pottery need not disappear during the holidays. Add a special card and a precious dollie to your arrangement to add that special touch of Toyland magic.

A Hummel ceramic angel candle holder (maybe from Grandmother's collection) gains presence when encased inside a glass vase with an op-art etched design and surrounded by small vintage kugels.

If you insist on a tree, have a tree! This small wonder is made of white goose feathers and holds vintage ornaments in a white, gold, silver, moss, and anemic red palette. 

Dolldom welcomes creatures of all types, not only dolls, as long as they achieve a successful stylizing of the human reality. Vintage and antique toys (and those inspired by them) enjoy special display space.

  This antique squeaker toy smiles with vintage joy at everyone who looks. Yes, only to those who look. After surviving the last 100 years, it is a crime to touch these treasures unless cotton gloves are being worn.

This tiny and very spooky snowboy has movable arms and a smile made with mini coals. 

This year, dare to go simple and spend the new found treasure trove of available time enjoying the magic of the glittery nighttime sky.

 Best wishes for a soulful winter. 

Tyler's Back

It was with great delight that we at Dolldom received news late in October about Tyler Wentworth. Forever a member of this world of aromatic vinyl, Tyler has never not been present. In fact, few dolls maintain their integrity after their tenth anniversary the way our gorgeous designer has.

 2010 Ultra Basic™ Raven Tyler Set is a basic doll and features Tyler's original head sculpt, green eyes and a new skin tone called Lily. Now Dolldom claims for a Sydney Chase with the same look. Promo photos by Storm Photo Studio.

In past seasons we have seen her judiciously reduce her offerings in order to place the spotlight (what a generous gesture!) on her friend Antoinette. And as much as we love that young super model with the amazing morphing powers, at Dolldom Tyler exists without rivals. She has it all. The storyline. The full decade. A place in fashion doll history. Her own dress form. She even has Sydney Chase! No one touches Tyler.

Tyler wears her own design, titled Convertible Cocktail. This red number gives any little black dress its run for the money.

For this Dolldom exclusive, our gal pal shows us a new look for the winter of 2010. It's all very I'm-a-modern-Geisha-and-I-love-Kabuki-make-up for the glittery end of the first decade of the 21st century.

 And it's all as classy and chic as Tyler has always been. After all, that is how she and her brood will go down in history. As the epitome of classic American style. No fads, no gimmicks, just good design. We bet all of our treasury of porcelain de Sèvres, that in ten years, we will still be wearing Wentworth while some pretty funky fads will be making some poor unfortunate souls ponder: "What was I thinking?"

Here's to Miss W. 

Classy Cocktail Talk: Stirring a Moment of Happiness

With a glass (vintage, s’il vous plait!) in hand, the civilized set marks the end of business for yet another busy day. That moment when the day pauses and dresses up in soothing navy blue velvet best exemplifies those eternal instants of perfection to which the denizens of Dolldom aspire. For the cocktail hour is a most magical ceremony that when properly executed will regale you with an unabashed feeling of possibility. After an intense journée of mad productivity, who does not desire to reward the brain, the palate, and the soul with a delicious libation?

We at Dolldom insist that the perfect cocktail hour looks not unlike a witty evening spent with Myrna Loy and William Powell (and Asta!) in their Nick and Nora incarnations for The Thin Man.

Even tragic heroines played by Joan Crawford and Gloria Swanson honored the cocktail, although a tad too much.

Dolldom celebrates the promise of happiness that only a well-mixed drink can deliver with delightful variations of classic cocktails that not surprisingly are the faves of many of Dolldom’s favorite designers. The twist, you may add? It’s all in the details.

The Knitter’s Poisson

A favorite of knitting maven Uyek, creator of the kicky Lettuce dress and uncontested queen of the turban, The Knitter’s Poisson is a purist’s delight.

Ingredients:
2 ounces of gin. Dolldom suggests trying No. 209, San Francisco’s own gin.
A drop of water. Hetch Hetchy only please.
Five or six capers on a toothpick. One more for the bottom of the glass.

Chill the gin over ice in the freezer. Pour in a brandy glass, add a drop of water and one perfectly salty caper. Mix with your caper laden toothpick.

The M2M

A variation of The Greyhound, The M2M is nothing but inspired genius, just like the exquisite world of Mark G. Harris' Mode de M (M as in Mark, for the uninitiated), one that is rich with beads, rhinestone montées and iridescent silks.

Ingredients:
2 ounces of vodka
4 ounces of Ruby Red grapefruit juice
Pomegranate seeds

Chill the vodka over ice in the freezer. Add Ruby Red juice. Stir. Pour into a vintage cocktail glass and drop as many pomegranate seeds as your heart sees fit. Serve neat.

The B&G

(Beauty and Glamour)

The drink favored by Retros’ Liz Cole, The B&G is a playful way to give life to the vodka Martini with a twist.

Ingredients:
2 ounces of vodka
Sufficient white vermouth to bathe the inside of your mixing glass
Jumbo Lemonhead hard candy

Chill the vodka over ice in the freezer. Pour vermouth in your mixing glass, swirl around to cover its walls. Discard the rest. Pour chilled vodka and stir. Serve over a jumbo-sized Lemonhead hard candy. Float a paper-thin lime slice. Serve neat.

The Dr. Y

A drink that could only be served to those who are thirsty for life, The Dr. Y is a beautiful way to give the Cuban Mojito quite a make-over. If a Yatabazah wig can make any doll more beautiful, wait until you taste what basil and licorice will do for the rum-based standard.

Ingredients:
3 ounces of vodka
1 ounce of Metaxa Ouzo (Greek pastis)
10 basil leaves
2 ounces club soda
Juice from one lime
Paper thin lime slices

Mix the vodka and Ouzo over ice. Break the basil leaves with your fingers into the mix. Stir. Pour into a Collins glass and add club soda and lime juice. Stir well.

L’éléphant rose

For those of us who enjoy our cocktail while reading a favorite passage from a beloved book. But be careful, L’éléphant rose is sweet and comfortable as childhood but can have the same effects as overindulgent parents.

Ingredients:
2 dashes Maraschino
1 part bourbon
2 parts red vermouth
Five generous dashes of bitters

Bathe three large square ice cubes with the bitters and Maraschino. Add the bourbon and the vermouth and stir until well-chilled. Serve neat in a festive juice glass.

But truly, the ultimate cocktail moment has to be the one shared by Cary Grant an Eva Marie Saint on that sexy train in Hitchcock's North by Northwest.  May your next cocktail hour be as divine. ¡Salud!