21st Century Chic

The aqua and cream French Provincial atelier is booming with activity. In the background, Ella sings Cole Porter like no one else can. Bouquets of Calla lilies, coral roses, and tuberose scent the air already charged with the excitement that only the visit from a fashion icon can generate. In his pewter silk moiré bergère, James Bogue, tall, blonde, and distinguished, awaits the arrival of his long time muse.
“My source of inspiration in creating Bogue's Vogues is, as it has always been, Barbie herself. When Barbie returned to the world of high fashion with the Barbie Fashion Model Collection, that inspiration was renewed. Her elegant and very stylized countenance along with her modern model’s attitude make me feel like Barbie has reached her zenith. She is a 21st century idol who dreams of mid-20th century sartorial sensibilities; a modern woman who wears only the most inspired, perfectly handcrafted, and truly elegant designs, regardless of what the current fashion capers decree,”states this Texan for whom no detail on a dress, cape, or hat is ever overlooked.

“My style as a designer is classic, I'd say my greatest strength is to underplay the look, as being overdressed is like putting a gaudy frame on a beautiful painting,” he ads with a smile. “The process for Bogue's Vogues begins in the imagination, the idea can be daytime, evening, or cocktail wear, then it moves onto fabric selection and the basic construction of the garment, and culminates with the finishing details which more often than not end as something very different from the initial idea, almost as if the design took on a personality of its own. The crowning glory for a look is of course, the hat. Change the hat and you change the attitude, the tone, the intention.” These are clearly the musings of an artist who lives through his art and dives into the challenges as well as the glory of his craft, all the while understating the architectural qualities of his designs as well as the exactitude of his cut.

 Welcome to 21st century chic, welcome to Bogue’s Vogues.



Merveille. Tailored dress designed in natural raw silk with silk taffeta lining. The polka dot waistline sash and matching hat add Doris Day pizazz. Barbie's make-up by Billy Lope. Bracelet by Joy Jarred.







Inauguration. Sleeveless, scoop neck evening sheath in brilliant aqua brocade hides under the matching coat with velveteen collar and cuffs and self bow closure.



Black As Night. Betty Draper Barbie dons one of Bogue's classic looks in voluptuous organdy separates. Necklace by Joy Jarred.







Cocktails at 21Club. This coat and dress in black and white cotton print and black silk and white button trim will take Barbie from museum to cocktails. The flocked tulle hat is de rigueur for making heads turn when walking down Fifth Avenue.



Who's The Boss? In ivory cashmere coat and dress with silk taffeta lining and a towering matching hat, there is not doubt who owns the show.



A woman of consequence. The matching steel silk dupioni suit boasts a jacket with a fringed border. Bracelet by Joy Jarred.







Scintillating Soirée. An evening dress and coat in silk organza with gold embroidery and painted dots is pure and unadulterated 60's chic. Chain link necklace by Joy Jarred.



Mon cher Irving! The essence of the Bogue’s Vogues look, Barbie is the quintessential fashion plate in a cotton print cocktail dress with a free flying panel. The monumental black velvet chapeau steals the show. Barbie's make-up by Billy Lope. Pearl bracelet by Joy Jarred. Rhinestone bracelet by Randal Craig.


All fashions by James Bogue for Bogue’s Vogues
Jewelry by Joy Jarred
Sofa and cushions by Anne Morrison for Morrison Studios

The Wonderful World of Color

What are you doing New Year's Eve? Dolldom hopes your soirée is safe and above all fun, just like one of ours a couple of years ago....when a black and white New Year's Eve party ended up being full of color.

Back in 1952, Madra Lord and her gal pal Gay Carrington decided to enliven the party at Monolithic Studios by arriving terribly late and causing a commotion of color...for the invitation clearly said black and white gala attire only.


The mood immediately changed when Madra Lord and Gay Carrington arrived in Retros by Liz Cole and jewelry by Joy Jarred.


"Where's the bar? I'm awfully thirsty." Miss Lord needed serious irrigation and went directly for libations.


Gay Carrington followed suit. "Never mind the onlookers, dahling!" - she whispered to her fiery redheaded friend.


And the story ended in the inevitable way. Trent Osborn captivated by the color and sass of the terrific twosome headed directly to where the action was. And the rest, dear friends, is history.  1953 ended up being a very colorful year.

And isn't that what we all wish for 2013?

Happy New Year!

Dressed In Holiday Style

The Holidays. End of the year madness. At Dolldom, Winter is a time to reflect. And to thank the Universe for her generosity and smiles. And for all those genuine doll lovers who share with us their passion and their vision. You know who you are and we thank you deeply and profusely. From the bottom of our hard vinyl, PVC, and porcelain hearts: Thank you for a beautiful year. May we share many more.

In this exclusive portfolio, Dolldom shares the beautiful creations of many companies as well as the awe-inducing talent of the most amazing freelance artists creating miniature perfection for our dolls.




Licorice Crush Madra is resplendent is Retros and Joy Jarred.




All About The Eyes Gene by Integrity models Blossoms In The Snow designed by Tim Kennedy.




The elegance of Tyler Wentworth is much missed. The black and white Signature Statement is a tribute to her style.


Oona, the mystery actress in Gene Marshall's world, goes for holiday cocktail's chez Trent Osborn in Retros and Joy Jarred.




Beautiful Bleuette. This reproduction doll by Raven of Seattle has the patina of an antique model. She models a cat print dress and a brooch - a gift from Joy Jarred.






The intoxicating beauty created by Julian Kalinowski and Liz Cole. These two artists, were they separated at birth? A OOAK Lilly Lalka by Mr. Kalinowski wears seasonal fun by Liz. Once Lalka makes her entrance and takes off her hat and shrug, the essence of elegant sexy impregnates the room.

Vintage Charmin' Chatty by Mattel wears beautiful versions of the McCall's pattern cape and jumper set.




The Hong Kong Set! Mini versions of Barbie and Ken are rare today. When found, they deserve to model fashions that capture their uniqueness. And who better than Liz Cole for Retros? Little Lilli was made a princess recently as she is the original fashion royalty - notice her pout.

May your days be merry and peaceful!

Glam Femme Walking

A gown connotes spectacle; it's woman at her most traditionally beautiful. Yet the gown limits its wearer to those functions that even at the end of 2012 speak of preconceived notions of what woman is meant to be, do, and look like. The suit defies most of these mandates and allows woman to join the world, make decisions, and play the game. Taking ownership of what is to this day quintessential power attire has provided women a way of taking charge of their own lives while maintaining their allure and sex appeal. The model above wears Jacques Fath’s town suit, in a photo by Willy Maywald at Le Musée d’Art Moderne, Paris, 1951.



The Barbie doll continues to have a love affair with the suit. Images of Barbie wearing the iconic Commuter Set, the all work and no play Busy Gal or the Doris Day-looking Career Girl form part of pop culture and prove that since her inception, Barbie Millicent Roberts was meant to integrate into the world at large. In these suits, Ruth Handler's teen-age fashion model transformed into a cosmopolitan woman who could rule the boardroom as well as the catwalk.




Christian Dior’s elegant town suit, in a photo by Willy Maywald, Paris, 1950

Dolldom takes the time to look back at one of 2012's very best dolls: Barbie Fashion Model Collection Walking Suit. From the slightly over-sized houndstooth fitted to impress to the dramatic 1950s eye make-up, this dressed doll designed by Robert Best proved that Mattel can be indeed swell.










Dovima wearing cloche hat by Balenciaga ( in a photo by Avedon at the Cafè des Deux Magots in Paris, August 1955), serves as inspiration for Barbie's dramatic eye make-up.




Dior's Cruise 2010 collection is pure 1950's glamour. And so Barbie.





In this exquisite video produced by Mattel, Robert Best takes us on a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Walking Suit Barbie. Here's to more timeless style, courtesy of the Barbie Fashion Model Collection.

Patsy Returns

Effanbee's Patsy arrives with a new look and attitude this December. The well-loved character now boasts inset eyes, creamy vinyl, a beautiful chocolate brown wig, and an unmistakeably Tonner sculpt. The line will offer several dressed dolls as well as beautifully detailed fashions.




Dolldom stylists dressed her in a Retros hand knit sweater set by Liz Cole and made her look after a very fast elf. The set was made to fit dolls such as Bleuette and Ann Estelle.


Basic Patsy's snowy white undergarments are adorned with a black satin ribbon. Very sophisticated. A daring Skootles sneaks into the photo.


Patsy models a Bleuette blouse and pleated skirt set reproduced by Global.



Patsy uses the Ann Estelle body sculpt created by Tonner Doll Company allowing her to share clothing with her as well as with some of Bleuette's fantastic fashions.