Forgotten at Fifteen?

Dolldom recalls the first encounter with Miss Tyler Wentworth. A brunette Signature Style basic doll. The designer's designer doll. A bit of Robert Tonner's life experience in vinyl, hard plastic, real wool and cotton. Because this gal wore a luxury uniform to work. Tyler's sculpt spoke when engaged in light and shadow play, making her minimalist face-up approach a delight for our photographers.

Recently Tommy Courtney (subscribe to his blog Tommy Doll as it provides the most insightful perspectives on fashion doll collecting) reminded Dolldom that it was Tyler Wentworth's fifteenth anniversary. And Dolldom felt sad and a bit ashamed to have forgotten. Needless to say, Dolldom thanks Mr. Courtney for once again sharing his love of Tyler in his inimitably always-glow-brightly way. As much as this entry is meant to celebrate Tyler Wentworth on her milestone, it also serves to recognize the talent and enthusiasm with which Mr. Courtney lavished one of Robert Tonner's best dolls and perhaps the one that will define the golden age of his company.

Dear Tyler, Dolldom remembers you and enjoys you on a daily basis as this exclusive portfolio of the permanent collection of the Tyler Wentworth gallery illustrates. Heavy on the vintage element, the Dolldom Tyler Wentworth Gallery focuses on Tyler's ability to transform from young designer to time traveler. Déjà Vu is to us very déjà vu for Tyler Wentworth was on H.G. Wells' time machine early in her production via Le Théatre de la Mode. When Tonner Doll Company began producing miniature versions of the already scaled-down gems of the now historic and successful attempt to keep couture alive, Tyler was back in Nazi-occupied Paris modeling for Marcel Dhorme, Jacques Heim, Lucien Lelong, and Mad Carpentier. And she did not have to be hit on the head to get there, for Tyler Wentworth was, is, and will always be a class act.


A muse with her muse.Tyler's quality fabrication allowed the dolls to stand unaided.  With a little posing, the doll is able to stand with a stand.


A Signature Style basic Tyler. First edition, first wave with very subdued make-up. Dolldom loves the fresh face look. And her Jackie O glasses. And her pearls. And her ponytail. And the tiny wells at the corners of her mouth.


The "Saucy" face is to Dolldom the apex of Tyler's face design. Timeless attitude. This "RTW Glamour" redhead could wear anything and make it look sensational. Even Vilma Flintsone's fur. Necklace by Victoria Garnier.


Karl Lagerfeld Tyler. Way before Mattel did it with Barbie.


The " Signature Style" style is taken to the utter max of glam with the iconic look of "Signature Statement" modeled by the utterly beautiful "RTW Luxury"ash-blonde model. A doll for forever.


A first issue "Signature Style" redhead Tyler. 


"C'est Parfait" from TDLM's collection.


Another "Saucy" Tyler with mink hair color. The "RTW Glamour" models are Dolldom's favorites.


TDLM's "Blush" makes us blush.


Back in the day...For her fifth anniversary, Tyler was celebrated with the grand silk brocade and beaded French lace (reminiscent of the one used in "Party of the Season") "Anniversary Gala" gown. The model boasts the "Saucy" look and a one-time-only fuchsia lip color.




She's got the look. A raven haired "RTW Luxury" models "Le petit ensemble noir" for a retrospective a The Maryhill Museum. What else is needed? Another doll and fashion for forever.




The Tyler Wentworth Boutique offered many classic looks as this "Red Perfection" velvet coat worn by the FAO exclusive "Outfit of the Month" Tyler Wentworth. LBD by Charles Roark.




TDLM's "C'est la Fête" as modeled by the Tyler issued wearing TDLM's "Swept Away" fashion. A smashing redhead with a decidedly vintage look.


Her Royal Modernity. In her second and short-lived face sculpt, this "Ultra Basic" blonde is a perfect example of what may be achieved when a design team has its collective thinking cap on. Tyler wears the extremely sober and ultra luxurious satin RTW Boutique separates.


Am I Wonder Woman Now? The sculpt has been reissued for the Diana Prince line.


"RTW Winter" is a dead-ringer for Bettie Page with her raven ponytail and bangs. Or is it early Barbie's ponytail? It does not matter as Tyler, sporting her Sherry Miller-designed second face-up, is truly her own woman. But this style opens up the possibilities for Tyler, like this fun Retros' dress. Necklace by Stray Cat. Tyler's male model counterpart is JAMIEshow's "Havana Nights" Alejandro in a mix and match of Tonner Doll male doll clothing pieces.


Timeless.

How to close this entry? With Dolldom's only freelance artist repainted doll: a WonderBilly Tyler Wentworth! In Retros, of course!


Va-voom! 1950's Vargas girl. Tyler shows her curves is a mermaid gown made of dead-stock vintage print, as only Liz Cole could envision. Necklace by Joy Jarred. The doll is posing without a stand or any other means of support, testament to the way in which Tyler was engineered.
 

WonderBilly's approach is not subtle and it need not be as the Tyler sculpt can take very dramatic make-up design. This "Signature Style" is vamping up the holidays at Dolldom.


Her earrings are by Facets by Marcia and made for Cissy.

Happy Anniversary, Miss Wentworth! You will always be cherished here.

A Little Night Music

December fantasy. An icy blue watery land. A woman. And her little black dress. Les rêves d'un garçon's Soo is Dolldom's December princess who sprints across the ice in 2010 Tyler Wentworth's RTW Boutique's LBD named "The Uptown Dress." Made of chiffon and adorned with a jeweled belt, the cocktail length dress, limited to 300, is a modern classic.

All The Leaves Are Gone

Fall (well, winter, for some of our readers) has arrived and with it shorter days and longer evenings. Evenings meant for glamorous activities like stargazing on an outdoor deck while sipping a well-shaken and even better-strained classic cocktails. But what to wear?

RDG Doll's Ujjwalla honors Dolldom by being the model for this fall-themed entry wearing the sensational styles also created by Keith Kwek for his very limited Les rêves d'un garçon line of resin mannequins de mode and couture.


The look is hued to match Dolldom's cocktail of choice: The Manhattan.



Mix one part black mesh long sleeved top with one part Bordeaux lamé skirt. Add two parts burgundy fur coat, and a dash of gold toe-capped leather booties.


Ujjwalla wears a titian center part ponytail wig by Chewin.


 The golden drop necklace is by the always fabulous Joy Jarred.

Friday Night Delight: Bon-Bon Mary Magpie

A treat on a Friday night! Why not? After an intense workweek, any dollector in her/his right mind finds an oasis of delight in the beautiful dolls in her/his collection. To illustrate the point, Dolldom features quite a delicacy: Miss Bon-Bon Mary Magpie!



Oregon artist Joey Versaw's muse - rendered idol-like in rich chocolate brown - models rich styles from the four corners of the world in this Dolldom exclusive feature. From Poppy Parker to Brani Mladenow, Miss Magpie proves once again that she is a fashion plate supreme! For who else combines 3D printing and hand painting into such a glamorous whole?


In Poppy Parker's golden silk gown, Mary defines sensational.




In Brani Mladenov's purple and black ball gown, Bon Bon is luscious.




In Retros, she the epitome of chic. And check out her bling by Mode de M!


Dolldom hopes you enjoy this treat. Viva Mary Magpie.

First Love

Dolldom is honored to present artist Joey Versaw's newest line of fashion dolls: "First Love"! Mr. Versaw's visionary line of dolls is born from his desire to enrich the ways in which fashion dolls exist in today's market. This is the very first line of gay male dolls that convey a true sense of respect for the struggles of men who have had to create families for themselves in order to live fully integrated and productive lives.

Employing the same technology used to create Mary Magpie, the world's first ever 3-D printed fashion doll, "First Love" features three distinctive sculpts for three distinctive personalities. Their body - anatomically correct and defined - is realistic and made for modeling. From Mr. Versaw's own couture to Ken to FR Homme, "First Love" will show off the look like only these family of young men can.

Dolldom sat down with Mr. Versaw last summer to talk about this ground-breaking new line of male dolls.

Dolldom: Why "First Love"? Why do a line of gay male dolls?
Joey Versaw: Being gay is not easy. Remember when your heart beat so fast you thought it was about to explode? Remember the heated breath on your neck and soft fleshy lips against your own? A hand holding yours in the movie theater? A sideways glance with a smile that made butterflies dance in your stomach. One will always remember his "First Love"!



Dolldom: So you are romantic then?
Joey Versaw: Yes, but it goes beyond that. "First Love" is a line of real boys dealing with real everyday problems. Coming out, finding what to wear Friday night, discovering who they are, dealing with family and society, and yes, falling in love for the first time! In life sometimes we choose our family. Sometimes our birth family is not there for us but in its place we meet kindred spirits who become our family.



Dolldom: Who composes this new cast of characters?
Joey Versaw: I was inspired by my friends and countless people who created a village of  people who love each other and are always there for one another. Joey, Justin, and Gum are those people. A family thrown together by fate. Joey is the glue that holds the family together with his constant laughter and nurturing qualities. Justin is the content, the computer geek, the best friend who is always there for you thick and thin. Gum is the joker, the bad boy with a heart of gold who always makes sure there is an adventure to drag the other into.



Joey Versaw: Joey is the boy next door who always has a kind word to say and smile on his face. Justin is all about fashion. He lives and breathes for it! Ever since he found his mother's copy of Vogue he has been hooked! Gum is always getting into trouble! Thank goodness for Joey and Justin pulling him out of bad situations! All Gum thinks about is men and music. He is in a cover band called "Pink Hair and the Sing-a-Longs"!













Dolldom: They are well-defined characters.
Joey Versaw: As a artist, I wanted to provide a line of boys that would be more than a novelty. An actual line of real and realistic young gay men. I wanted a line of dolls to reflect the realness and bond of the gay community. Not hyper-sexual novelty gay dolls but rather true blooded real boys with real stories and courageous lives to lead.






Dolldom: We love that you've created a line of wigs just like you did for Mary Magpie!
Joey Versaw: Yes! "First Love" is also about hair play! Have you ever met a boy who does not care about his hair style?



First, there is Gable, a classic look.



Then there is Slater, a cute up do.



Then there's Pony!



And Blade, the faux hawk!

Dolldom thanks Mr. Versaw for sharing this amazing new line of limited editions dolls. To inquire about "First Love" or Mary Magpie and her friends, visit their boutique. You may also read about them in the latest issue of FDQ magazine.