It takes a very bold doll to pose in next to nothing, or to break out from the usual look. We spend a risqué evening with some of our current favorites.
Gene Marshall Black Lipstick, the monochromatic resin doll, wears Havana Nights basque, Gene J’Adore’s gloves, Hollywood Canteen rooted wig cap in silver, and her own shoes. All by Jamieshow. Chairs by Minimagine. Pillows by TheBoldDoll.
Only the boldest dolls signed up for this assignment. Partial nudity was specified: if clothing was available it would not be the usual and unexpected wigs would be worn. We made it clear, however, that any animals used in the shoot would be strictly faux. In celebration of the anniversary of the virtual doll room, TheBoldDoll.com, a few dolls were invited out to play. The site is an electronic collection of dolls, an entirely personal overview and might not be to everyone’s taste, but if you find something here that’s of interest, or if there’s anything you’d like to see, please get in touch.
The original wire-frame Milou the Mannequin by Wendy Roper, inspired by the Théâtre de la Mode mannequins at Maryhill Museum of Art, Goldendale, WA. Original face-up by Charles Fegen of Superdoll Collectibles. Micro-sequin gown Blackjack by Superfrock. Necklace and bracelet from the Lux collection by Horsman. Black high heels for Rini also by Horsman.
I have no idea what it is about dolls that makes otherwise sane adults devote so much time and energy to their collection. Collecting dolls became, and has remained, a guilty pleasure. Particularly for a guy, doll collecting is a different can of Barbies and many people just don’t get it. I think this is why doll-collecting groups are often well-attended by men as a kind of peer-support.
Arran by Kinsman, wears, ahem… nothing. He poses with a selection of TheBoldDoll custom pillows, in a wig by Rêves d’un Garçon (RDG) for the Kya resin fashion doll. His dog is a repro Fripon terrier, briefly produced by Restoration Hardware as a tree decoration. The leather document case is by Fashion Doll Agency, Paris (FDA). TheBoldDoll signature red lip pins in the background.
There’s also a stereotypical male obsession with lists and putting stuff into order, things with which any male collector, whether of snowglobes, stamps, or scrimshaw, will identify. Ranking, tick-box completion, and an obsession for detail might be included here. While I’m not saying that all men have a trainspotting tendency when it comes to collecting, maybe there is an inclination for us to find a subject area and then stick with it compulsively to the exclusion of all others: whether it be acquiring all of the Sybarites, or every single Fashion Royalty character, or the entire Silkstone range.
Nina Acid Bubble Wow! A hand-made doll by Nunzio Carbone of Fashion Doll Agency, Paris (FDA) models a custom dress and tote from TheBoldDoll. Small bag and OOAK blue heels by FDA.
For myself, I love to find out the story behind the dolls, then to write about them, fixing them up if necessary, and taking pictures. Many collectors love the excitement of finding an old forgotten doll languishing in a garage sale or on eBay, especially if a bit of minor restoration is needed.
Jamieshow’s Oona, from the Hollywood Canteen collection, wears her own pearl earrings and necklace. Hat, dress, bag, heels, and hose all from Mass, by Superdoll Collectibles. Silver and black wig found on eBay.
However, I can become obsessive about a particular line for a brief period, or maybe I’ll find some vintage knitting patterns that I can adapt for modern dolls (another guilty pleasure). I’m also a fan of wigged dolls for the added possibilities they offer.
Kya by RDG, models dainty mesh panties, a pink pashmina, pink heels with rhinestone embellishment, and a handy weekend bag for a quick getaway. All by Superdoll Collectibles. Jewelry is Pink Ice by Horsman. Platinum cropped wig from Arran by Kinsman. Giant champagne goblet on loan from stylist.
Nowadays I’m not too bothered if folks don’t get it, and I’ve been lucky enough to meet a great gang of local collectors who get together every month to talk dolls and get the skinny on what’s new. They are a great source of inspiration and I would encourage everyone to join a neighborhood group, or set one up if none exists.