When doll collectors get creative, fashion becomes part of the story. Each outfit is thoughtfully styled to reflect personality, mood, and imagination. Enjoy this look at dolls dressed up and lovingly curated by their collectors.
Rayne is a 16-inch fashion doll by Robert Tonner. Sally Young said, “Here, Rayne is modeling a wonderful 1940s-era ice-skating outfit that was offered by the Virtual Doll Convention. It certainly completes her vintage Sonja Henie style skating look!
This 2006 Manhattan Holiday Gene Marshall doll by Integrity Toys is wearing the Spotted in the Park outfit by Ashton-Drake Galleries and shoes from Facets Boutique by Marcia Friend. CarrolAnn DiNapoli said Gene and her poodle are on a walk in New York City’s Central Park.
Lindsay Moniz made the dress worn by her Abby portrait doll by Kaye Wiggs.
The fall semester is underway, and Barbara Haring said, “The teacher is making a valiant attempt to get everyone in their seats. Ann Estelle Sophie is reluctant to sit down at her desk until she shows everyone her pretty new dress. Les Cheries Chloe is waiting patiently at her desk for class to begin while the teacher is being introduced to a new student, Lissy (Madame Alexander), by her friend Betsy McCall. Meanwhile, high-energy Jane (Tonner) is busy checking out her new learning materials, reluctant to take her seat until she absolutely must. The teacher is Miss Emma, who I rescued from a resale shop a long time ago. She was the start of my doll collection. All their outfits were created by me.”
“This little Llorens baby boy from Spain is preparing his warm clothes for the coming winter and trying his blanket collection, too,” Dr. Neeti Vyas said.
Susanna Bordin Faggian’s toy collection features a mixture of dolls, dating from the 19th century all the way up to the modern day. They are housed at the Villa Sesso Bordignon (villasessobordignon.it). Faggian said, “Entering this Venetian villa is like opening a treasure chest of memories: visitors aren’t greeted by antique furniture or paintings, but by hundreds of toys that tell the story of two centuries of childhood.” There are displays of toy prams from the 1970s, dolls from the early 20th century, and more! One doll from the collection is Sheila. She was produced by Furga during the 1960s, and with her original dress and accessories, she is prepared for the unpredictable seasonal weather.
Vicki Monthei said, “Mari just remembered she left her shawl at home … again!” The 7.5-inch tan RealFee BJD from Fairyland has on a fi ne cotton and lace dress made by one of Monthei’s friends.
Diane Haley photographed her dolls getting into the festive spirit. In the back are two Miss Revlon dolls and a Shirley Temple doll. A doll by Brenda Mize stands in front of them in a white dress.
Wendy Ehrhorn said the Little Darling on the left was painted by Geri Uribe and is wearing a dress by Nelly Valentino, who painted the Little Darling on the right. The baby doll was finished by Lee-Anne Carpenter.
Kathleen Gauger’s 12-inch Anne Fitzpatrick doll by Robert Tonner pays a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Snowman on a chilly winter day. “She brought warm hats and scarves because even snow people like to stay warm,” Gauger said, adding, “Anne is wearing an outfit borrowed from 10-inch Ann Estelle and was happy to see how well it fi t her, but she promised to return it after her snowy walk!”
“My vintage Patti Playpals and friends are modeling their genuine vintage coats and hats from the ’50s and ’60s. They will be toasty warm when the snowflakes begin to fall,” Lynn Burns said.
Carol Reilly said, “Two of my favorite doll artists are highlighted in Tonner’s Cherished Jac doll. Her face-up is by Jewelianne and the gown is by Red Silk Thread. A great doll doesn’t need to do anything but be gorgeous!”
Cathy Kwasneski’s modern Ginny doll is on display for the fall season.
