Sophisticated Summer Dressing

Embrace Summer with a Season Full of Stylish Fashion for Every Occasion.

For a day of shopping or lunch with the girls, iconic fashion model known simply as Barbie selects a chic silk suit from Bellissima Couture.  Gloves are from Mattel.  Hat and purse are from The Couture Touch.  Lingerie Silkstone Barbie is from Mattel's BFMC.

The warm summer days ahead call for a versatile, cool cotton striped dress accented with a silk sash.  Dress and jewelry are from The Couture Touch.  Straw handbag is from Mattel's BFMC.  "Friday Night Date" Reproduction Barbie is from Mattel.

Every gal on the go needs a black strapless dress in their summer wardrobe.  Randall Craig's "A La Mode" [turquoise version] silk dress with coordinating knit shrug and beaded necklace will take Barbie from sightseeing to cocktails in style.  Gloves and handbag are from Mattel.  "Gal on the Go" Silkstone Barbie is from Mattel's BFMC.

A Simply Chic Corded Hat for Fashion Dolls

An Easy DIY Project

Actress/Director Ivy Jordan wears a stylish tilted hat of her own creation.  This versatile hat features a corded base that can be trimmed in a variety of ways.

Here's what you will need to make this smart hat:

• Lightweight cardboard.  
• 1/8" wide Butcher's String.  You could also use yarn.
• Circle template.  
• Pencil.
• Scissors.
• Glue.  I used Elmer's Multi-Purpose Glue for this project.  
• Fabric for lining (Optional).
• Assorted trims.

Fig.1

Step 1:  Trace a circle onto cardboard and cut out.  A 2-1/2" diameter circle was used for Ivy's hat.  However you can make it any size you wish.  Cut a slit to the center of the circle as shown in Fig. 1 above.  Overlap 1/4" and glue in place.  Let it dry thoroughly.

Fig. 2

Step 2:  Apply a thin coat of glue to the top of the cardboard hat base.  I used a small paintbrush to apply the glue working a small section at a time.  Wind the string slowly into a spiral shape tucking the end under as shown on the right in Fig. 2 above.  Tip:  I found it easier to begin winding the string a couple rounds in my hand first, then center it on the base as shown above and continue winding until the base is covered.  To finish, glue the end underneath the base as shown on the left in Fig 2.  Let your hat dry thoroughly.

Fig.3

Step 3:  To line your hat, cut the same size circle out of cotton fabric and glue to the underside, darting it to fit as shown above in Fig 3.  I used Beacon's Fabri-Tac adhesive to attach the lining.  You are now ready to trim your hat as desired.

This stylish hat is also suitable for 1:6 scale size dolls such as Barbie.  A 2" diameter circle was used to make Barbie's chic tilt.  Jacket and scarf were borrowed from Buenos Aires Victoire Roux.  Gloves from Mattel.  Skirt and fur are from The Couture Touch.  Lingerie Silkstone Barbie is from Mattel.

Additional Credits:

Pearls and Pink Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.  Her "Smart Set" ensemble [Ashton Drake] is borrowed from her dear friend Miss Gene Marshall.

Hostess with the Mostest

At last, the always glamorous Barbie takes a moment to relax wearing a classic 1950's style hostess ensemble. 

Costume is from the I Love Lucy episode "LA at Last" by Mattel.
 Barbie's hair and makeup were customized by Kert Hoogstraat of Kertkraft.
 Barbie is from Mattel.

3 Ways with Flowers & Bows

From the pages of a leading fashion magazine, Monolithic Studios' film stars Gene Marshall and Madra Lord along with iconic fashion model Barbie show their favorite ways with flowers and bows.

The jacket from Love, Paris is updated with a floral accented bow at the neckline and two small black bows at the waistline.  Teamed with a slim, black pleated skirt gives Miss Marshall's ensemble panache.  Re-shaped hat is from Sandra Stillwell.  Jacket and jewels are from Ashton Drake.  Handbag from Robert Tonner.  Skirt, gloves, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Destiny Gene Marshall, re-coiffed and enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

Appearing on the editorial page, Miss Lord wears a delightful three strand pearl necklace accented with a ribbon flower recycled from Gene Marshall's Press Conference hat.  A small metal hook from a hook & eye closure was sewn to the back of the flower.  The flower is attached by simply hooking it over the pearls.  If necessary, use a mini, needle nose jewelry plier to adjust the hook in order to accommodate larger pearls.  Top is from Ashton Drake's A Lady Knows.  Special Scene Madra Lord is from Integrity.

The designers of Barbie's chic suit were right on trend with the jeweled ribbon bow accent.  A jeweled button could also be sewn on a ribbon bow for a similar effect.  The OOAK turban is from The Couture Touch.  Trace of Lace Silkstone Barbie (re-styled) and the Tweed Indeed suit are from Mattel.

First Look at Fall

Hot off the press, the July issue of Mademoiselle looks ahead to fall.  It's required reading for the new season's colors, fabrics, silhouettes, and design details.

Cover girl Barbie wears the timeless cardigan style jacket and matching slim skirt from Mattel's American Airlines Stewardess (#984) with the blouse from her "Walking Suit" ensemble.  The original bow has been replaced with one borrowed from Gene Marshall's collection.  Handbag is from a Gay Parisienne reproduction.  Fur from PD Root.  Hat and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Dusk to Dawn Barbie is from Mattel.

Spotted in a fashion ad, Hollywood film star Gene Marshall models a chic suit from Sandra Stillwell inspired by a Betty Rose design.  Gloves and scarf are from Ashton Drake.  Handbag and bracelet from Integrity.  Hat and earrings are from The Couture Touch.  Shanghai Siren Gene Marshall, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

And the news from Paris....

Mademoiselle Victoire Roux is featured in the magazine's editorial section highlighting the latest hats from Paris.  Blouse is from Bogue's Vogues.  Hat, fur, and earrings are from The Couture Touch.  Buenos Aires Victoire Roux is from Integrity.

A Forties-Style Fourth

Credits:

The Fabulous Forties Barbie is from Mattel.  Styling from The Couture Touch.

Happy Birthday Barbie!

Barbara Millicent Roberts

You look Mahvelous darling!  Here's to many more years of glamour and fun.

Perfectly Suited for the Holidays

A cocktail party with friends or an intimate dinner for two suggests an elegant suit ensemble as the perfect choice.  Barbie chooses a one-of-a-kind, fur-trimmed suit of rich burgundy and black moire silk with matching handbag from Hunter-Goldblatt Designs.  The floral-trimmed, black headband from Ashton Drake's "Little Black Dress" set is fashioned into a chic pillbox.

Barbara Millicent Roberts

Credits:

Walking Suit Silkstone Barbie is from Mattel.

Styling from The Couture Touch.

Color Me a Fashionable Autumn

The news from Paris.....Colorful, whimsical hats are all the rage and were prominently featured on the runways of the top fashion houses.

Join us as the original, iconic fashion model and her sophisticated Parisian counterpart add their own colorful twist to a fashionable fall wardrobe.

A Model Life Barbie

Barbie pairs black with contrasting bright colors that spell drama.  Dress and fur are from Dressmaker Details.  Purse from Madame Alexander.  Jewels and gloves are from Mattel.

Buenos Aires Victoire Roux

Victoire makes a strong fashion statement by mixing red with black and white houndstooth.  Jacket and gloves are from Mattel.  Necklace is from Randall Craig.  Bracelet from Joshard.  Earrings from Ashton Drake.  Skirt is from The Couture Touch.

Black and White Bathing Suit Barbie

Beige is ever so chic when paired with vivid touches.  Suit, handbag, and brooch are from Mattel.  Fur from PD Root.  Earrings from Integrity.  Gloves and bracelet are from The Couture Touch.

Credits:

Silkstone Barbie is from Mattel.

Victoire Roux is from Integrity.

All hats and styling are from The Couture Touch.

Click HERE for instructions on making these Captivating Chenille Hats.

Captivating Chenille Hats

A new DIY project for fashion dolls.

Warning.....These delightfully whimsical hats are highly addictive.  Simple shaping of a chenille pipe cleaner and a little imaginative trimming can yield spectacular results.  Who knew a pipe cleaner could be so chic!

J'Adore Gene Marshall.  Suit from The Couture Touch.

"Haute Luxuries" Veronique Perrin.  Dress from Bogues Vogues.
 Purse from Mattel.

Black & White Bathing Suit Silkstone Barbie.  Fur from Integrity.

Click HERE for the tutorial which includes instructions for both 1:4 and 1:6 scale fashion dolls.

Casual Summer Dressing

Two incomparable divas show just how chic casual dressing can be.  Mix and match separates begin with a core wardrobe basic, the notched collar blouse....a staple in any era.

Mabel Lorkovic (aka Madra Lord) teams the blue and white window pane checked blouse from Ashton Drake's Star Wardrobe Collection with a navy pencil thin skirt and matching belt.  Mustard accessories give the ensemble a sophisticated look.  Circa 1950's.

Barbara Millicent Roberts (aka Barbie) wears her iconic yellow body blouse with a multi-colored, floral, gathered skirt (Country Fair #1603, Mattel).  The casual look is elevated with pops of black and white.  Circa 1960's.

Credits:

OOAK hats are from The Couture Touch.
Handbags are from Mattel.

The Divas:

Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord is from JamieShow.
Walking Suit Barbie is from Mattel's Silkstone Barbie Fashion Model Collection.

Happy Easter!

It's The Holidays!

Fashion Yourself a Very Vintage Christmas.

From Smart to Sizzle

First came the cool sophistication of City Smart....then the refined elegance of Sunday Best.  Now get ready for some sizzle!

Inspired by Mattel's 2003 "City Smart/Sunday Best" fashion, Barbie wears a chic daytime ensemble guaranteed to turn heads. Sheath and hat are from The Couture Touch. Purse, gloves, and necklace are from Mattel. Chinoiserie Red Sunset Barbie Doll was a 2004 Barbie Bazaar Special Offer.

City Smart

Sunday Best

City Smart and Sunday Best are from Mattel's Barbie Fashion Model Collection.

Nostalgic for Barbie

A reproduction brunette ponytail Barbie
in my vintage Campus Belle (1964-65).

No, I haven't abandoned the stars of Monolithic Studios. Gene, Madra, and the gang will inevitably return. But lately I have been nostalgic for the doll that started my love of fashion, sewing, and designing. As a child I spent idyllic hours dressing and redressing my beloved Barbie doll.  As a grown woman, I still enjoy spending idyllic hours dressing and redressing my beloved Barbie doll(s). So pardon my trip down memory lane....just enjoy it!

An Iconic 1959 Sheath Dress

Nothing could be more chic than the modern, sleek lines of a surprisingly flattering, form-fitting sheath. 

The Apple Print Sheath #917 (1959 - 1960) was a smart, figure-hugging dress that accented Barbie's every curve. The rolled collar and delightful print made this an eye-catching ensemble. The identical sheath was also paired with a black faille coat in one of the most coveted outfits from the 900 series, Easter Parade #971 (1959). It was Haute Couture at its finest!

Photo courtesy fashion-doll-guide.com

The sheath saw its greatest popularity during the 1950's and 1960's. Its simplistic design gave the wearer a sense of glamour and sophistication. In 1962 Mattel created the Fashion Paks for Barbie that included the Silk Sheath (1962 - 1963). The slim skirt and fitted bodice were accented with a wider rolled collar and self-bow accent. The sheath was available in pale yellow, black, turquoise, red, green, white, and golden yellow. 

Bias rolled collar sheath pattern with interesting seam detailing designed by Luis Estevez.
Made by McCalls exclusively for The Quaker Oats Co., 1959.
Photo courtesy vintagepatterns.wikia.com

A decade earlier, Dior created an antithesis to his New Look called the "Vertical Line", a sleeker sheath with fitted bodice and a longer, pencil-thin skirt. It often featured a scoop or boat neckline enhanced with collars and bows.

Photo by Gordon Parks, 1949.
Courtesy glamourdaze.com

The versatility and elegance of the iconic sheath dress make it a must-have for every miniature fashion diva's wardrobe.

Credits:

The Models & Fashions:

Trench Setter Barbie from the Barbie Fashion Model Collection wears the apple print sheath from the vintage reproduction Easter Parade (1994). Bubblecut wig was borrowed from a vintage Fashion Queen. All from Mattel.

Holiday Hostess Thanksgiving Feast Barbie wears a vintage pale yellow silk sheath. Dress & accessories are from Mattel. Purse is from Randall Craig.

Trench Setter Barbie wears an OOAK periwinkle sheath ensemble from The Couture Touch. Purse & bracelet are from Randall Craig. Shoes & earrings are from Mattel.

Bibliography:

Barbie Fashion, Vol. 1 by Sarah Sink Eames.

History of the Sheath Dress from the fashion archives at startupfashion.com

The Second New Look of 1949 from glamourdaze.com

Barbie and Victoire Roux in Paris

Barbara Millicent Roberts is ready to take Paris by storm joining French fashion model sensation Victoire Roux for a fashion shoot highlighting Fall suits.

Debut Barbie

Barbie makes her entrance wearing a signature print swing coat over the black satin sheath from "Vintage Elegance" Candi fashion by Hamilton Toys. White with black trim patent clutch is from Randall Craig. Hat, belt, and necklace are from The Couture Touch. Earrings are from Integrity. Coat and bracelet are from Mattel.

Suite Retreat Barbie

Barbie slips into a chic bubblecut wig from D.A.E. Originals for an evening location shoot at a Paris cafe wearing a raw silk jacket from the "Natural Instinct" Candi fashion over a slim black skirt. Jewels, gloves, and scarf are from Mattel. Fur and skirt are from The Couture Touch. Hat with replaced trim is from the Manhattan Moods "Fashion Week" suit ensemble by Hamilton Toys.

Victoire Roux

Just in from Buenos Aires, Victoire models the sophisticated black wool suit from the Manhattan Moods "Fashion Week" Candi fashion ensemble by Hamilton Toys. Purse is from Integrity. The dramatic, leopard-trimmed hat and matching gloves are from The Couture Touch.

Credits: 
Debut and Suite Retreat Silkstone Barbie dolls are from The Barbie Fashion Model Collection by Mattel.

Buenos Aires Victoire Roux is from Integrity.

A Thailand-Inspired Costume

There once was a princess in a land far away....

Exotic Intrigue Barbie wears an elegant costume featured in the Christopher Varaste article "Runway to the Orient" for the June 2004 issue of Barbie Bazaar magazine celebrating the 45th Anniversary of Barbie. The Francis Ford Coppola epic "The Legend of Suriyothai" (2003) served as inspiration for this wonderful design by Waramon Cain.

Movie poster courtesy alchetron.com

Based on a 16th Century historical figure who was regarded by the Thai people as the "great feminist", the film portrays the life of the beautiful Princess Suriyothai.

Credits:
Exotic Intrigue Barbie (Caucasian) is a 2003 Avon Exclusive.

Rediscovering Old Favorites

Sometimes Spring cleaning, or in this case Summer cleaning, can often yield forgotten treasures such as a misplaced outfit and a pair of Silkstone Barbie dolls that lost their "hair" appeal.

A reproduction Fashion Queen Barbie doll is ready to take the fashion world by storm. The "Fashion Editor" ensemble gets a stylish new look by adding a black skirt, black patent belt, and fabulous jewels. The costume's original leopard skirt was fashioned into the dramatic turban. Hat, gloves, necklace, and brooch are from The Couture Touch. All other pieces are from Mattel's Barbie Fashion Model Collection.

Trench Setter Silkstone Barbie is tres chic in her bee-hive platinum wig from Monique. Mademoiselle wears the delightful cocktail dress from "Midnight Mischief". Bracelet is from Randall Craig.

Suite Retreat Silkstone Barbie is a vision of vintage elegance in the gown from the Hollywood Premiere Movie Star Collection. Necklace/ bracelet set and the chestnut bubblecut wig are from D.A.E. Originals "Weekend in New York" Haute Doll Exclusive set.

Credits:
Dolls and costumes are from Mattel's Barbie Fashion Model Collection unless otherwise noted.

Dressing for the Cocktail Hour

A chic daytime dress superbly executed in sumptuous silks or satins and topped with an elegant chapeau. Gloves, handbag, and costume jewelry mandatory. In the late 1940's, Dior coined the term "cocktail dress", and with it our fascination with the cocktail culture.

During the 1940's. black was the favorite color for the cocktail dress. J'Adore Gene Marshall wears a classic Bogue's Vogues black silk sheath accented with a side drape. Accessories include a marvelous black suede and pleated faille toque with jet beading accented with a lavish turquoise feather cockade and a matching structured handbag, both from The Couture Touch. "Diamond" jewelry and bow-enhanced black gloves are from Ashton Drake.

1950's cocktail dresses were either form-fitting or full-skirted with low plunging necklines and cinched waists. Silkstone Barbie Parisienne Pretty wears the navy silk stunner from Haute Doll Magazine's D.A.E. Original's exclusive "Weekend in New York" set. She wears her original earrings and hat. Pearl necklace and fur are from Mattel.

By the 1960's pastel colors were the preferred choice for cocktail dresses. Mattel's Mad Men Joan Holloway wears Integrity's Fashion Royalty yummy "Purple Factor" wiggle sheath borrowed from Adele Makeda. A perfect color for her titan tresses.

Source: metmuseum