Step into Spring....

with a stylish trio of daytime fashions.

White Orchid Gene Marshall

Monolithic Studios' star Miss Gene Marshall wears a reproduction of a Theatre de la Mode Paquin design by Robert Tonner, circa 1946.  "Portland" is a rich brown linen dress accented with a white collar and banding detailing. A marvelous, matching, off-the-face breton hat highlights Miss Marshall's lovely features. The embroidered gloves, train case, and chair are from Ashton Drake.

Paquin, 1946
Photo by David Seidner.

Caribbean Kiss Gene Marshall

Miss Marshall chooses a sleek dress style, based on a 1945 Vogue sewing pattern, in a delightful abstract print. OOAK dress, hat, and gloves are from The Couture Touch. Shoes are from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection.  Fur muff and jewels are from PD Root.

Buenos Aires Victoire Roux

Victoire Roux

With a nod to Barbie's original "Career Girl" (1963-64), Joshard creates a smart suit ensemble worn by fashion diva Victoire Roux. Topping the ensemble is a divine hat from The Couture Touch. Poodle is from Randall Craig. Chair is from Retros by Liz Cole.

The Models:
White Orchid Gene Marshall, wearing the Hutton auburn wigcap, is from JamieShow.
Caribbean Kiss Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake. Hair restyled by The Couture Touch.
Buenos Aires Victoire Roux is from Integrity.

Small Changes

Whether it's a new hat or simply an alteration in trim, small changes can often make a big difference in the look of an ensemble.

The Walking Suit from the BFMC 2012 Atelier Collection takes a dramatic turn with a new hat from Joshard.  I added the vintage millinery floral.  The fur muff is borrowed from Muffy Roberts.  It just doesn't get much better than this.

Mattel's Holiday Hostess Barbie doll dons the chic black suit from Fashion Royalty's Suited Luxury paired with the stunning hat from D.A.E. Originals Weekend in New York set.

Fashion Royalty's Adele Makeda models the aqua satin gown from Mattel's BFMC Delphine.  I replaced the original pink floral accents with vintage millinery floral and added a touch of real mink for a soft elegant look.  OOAK jewelry set, gloves and purse (Mattel) complete the ensemble.

Barbie by Joshard

Click photo to enlarge

I just adore Joshard's interpretation of a vintage bubble-cut Barbie.  She has such attitude!  Here is a blond version in Mattel's Vera Wang.

Click photo to enlarge

Joshard's sultry brunette bubble is stunning in Integrity's Midnight in Monaco Veronique Perrin beaded gown.  Genuine fur drape.

Click HERE for Joshard Original's website.

Inspirations: OOAK Artists

Thanks to local doll shows and publications such as Barbie Bazaar and Millers, I discovered a whole new world of doll collecting via the OOAK Artist.  In 1993, my Dad picked up a copy of the March/April issue of Barbie Bazaar magazine that featured an article about the OOAK creations of Chiemi Nakagawa.  I was excited to learn that there were other collectors doing what I was doing: designing, sewing, and creating for our Barbie dolls. Here are 3 of my favorite OOAK Artists:

Click photo to enlarge

"Joshard Originals" is the combined talent of Joe Seminerio and Jeff Bouchard.  They specialize in retro 40's, 50's, and early 60's.  All of their timeless ensembles are masterfully accessorized with coordinating hats, purses, and jewelry.  Click here for Joshard Originals website  Photo Credits: Mattel's Holiday Hostess Barbie doll is wearing a suit and bracelet from "Joshard Originals". Hat from Ashton Drake, gloves and purse from Mattel.

Click photo to enlarge

Inspired by vintage films and fashion designers such as Charles James and Edith Head, James Bogue of "Bogue's Vogues" creates 1950's glamour ensembles that are simple yet classic.  His elegant daywear and evening looks utilize beautiful fabrics, impeccable fit and workmanship.  Click here for Bogue's Vogues at Etsy  Photo Credits: Mattel's Fashion Editor Silkstone Barbie wears an iconic taffeta shirtwaist dress from "Bogue's Vogues". Hat from Mattel, purse from Integrity.

Click photo to enlarge

Bradford Samuel pays homage to the classic 20th Century Haute Couture with his ensembles inspired by fashion greats such as Dior, Fath, and Balenciaga. His one-of-a-kind dolls capture the sophisticated and stylized look of iconic 50's models such as Dovima and Sunny Harnett. He shows a remarkable attention to historical detail and scale right down to the smallest accessory.  Photo Credits: OOAK dressed doll by Bradford Samuel.