The exhibition Dolls: Collections, Stories, Traditions, explores the under-representation of positive images reflecting the Black experience in the mainstream toy and doll industry, as well as the socio-historical implications of that fact. The dolls and artifacts on display were assembled Read more
Ever wondered how your favorite guy dolls would look in drag? Well, wonder no more. Fueled by RuPaul’s Drag Race, we’ve given some of our vinyl hunks a full makeover. Judge the results for yourself – some are more successful Read more
By using a vintage handkerchief you not only save yourself a lot of work by using the hanky’s original hemmed edges as a feature of the dress, but you can also produce something quite unique for your doll. This is Read more
Try this dressmaking pattern, it works for a variety of dolls. An Alta Moda homage to Barbie. plus it works for Ellowyne, Sasha, and other 16-17 inch dolls. Choose a lightweight fabric that will press easily. Franklin used the graphic Read more
Too often our handsome male dolls just serve as arm-candy for the girl top model fashionistas – so we’re giving them some space of their own for a change. They certainly rose to the challenge – none of these guys Read more
When these dolls were first sold in Japan they were available in both doll stores, and stockists that sold plastic models and kits for boats and airplanes. According to Takara’s research, 70% of sales were to men. Apparently, many male Read more
The Alta Moda dolls by Furga were the Italian high fashion dolls of the mid 1960s. A range of three initial dolls, Susanna, Sheila, and Sylvie, was launched in 1965. They were joined by the somewhat wild-eyed Simona in 1966. Read more
The birth of Miss Barbie Millicent Roberts in March 1959 caused turmoil in the doll market. This teenage fashionista made manufacturers realize that their offerings were looking old-fashioned and out of step with the modern shopper. Not surprising then that Read more
I‘ve always had a fascination with the underdogs of the doll world. Those dolls who are perhaps less fortunate in the looks department, the ugly stepsisters, the ones that unkind people might just call butt-ugly. I think beauty takes on Read more
What a brilliant marketing strategy. Unfortunately it’s no longer current, but it did run successfully for a while in the UK. On a trip to the local grocery store with my mother, while still in kindergarten, I spotted a marvelous Read more