It’s summertime! Let’s take our dolls to the beach. The Bold Doll dusts off some perennial favorites for an imaginary day out at the seaside.
Whether it’s a stroll along the promenade, a little snorkeling, or a spot of tennis, these guys have got you covered. Vintage Ken wears his original Swimsuit outfit #750 (1962-63); Billy by Totem international, wears flippers, goggles, and snorkel, all found on eBay (he favors ‘swimwear optional’ beaches, so the towel is to save everybody’s blushes); Vintage Allan wears Ken’s Time for Tennis outfit #790 (1962-63).
It was a challenge to create some photographs for this post, as most of my dolls are currently in storage. I had to rely on a handful of hardworking old faithfuls that were available at short notice, and rarely let me down. It’s interesting to note how few dolls you actually need to have plenty of playtime enjoyment. We tend to get hooked on the newest, brightest, shiniest thing, but I often find that it’s the dolls that I keep going back to over the years that actually bring the most pleasure.
Miss Barbie #1060 (1964) with her innovative sleep eyes, and newly introduced bendable legs, wears her original swim suit in pink with golden dots, a pink and sparkle fringe swim cap, and open toe shoes. She is relaxing on her lawn swing complete with original planter. Ideal’s Mitzi, in original purple velour bikini (stay out of the pool in that!), has been sent off to get some drinks from the bar.
Fashion Queen Barbie (center), in a vintage pre-printed cut-and-sew kit dress, with red vinyl bag, and mules, wears a titian bubblecut wig. Midge (right) in a spectacular blonde beehive wig, models a blue and green floral kit dress with coordinating crop jacket. Their best friend Julia (left), from quite a different era, pops in Tangerine Scene #1451 (1970). All three are ready for sightseeing with binoculars, a camera, and a book – in case a quiet moment is called for.
When Paris becomes a seaside resort. An assortment of Mdvanii (by BillyBoy) and Persia (by Darrell Wallace) dolls in bespoke Mdvanii fashions. From left to right: Platinum Persia wears a pink silk crêpe de chine coat-dress from a range of separates made for Claudia’s Collectibles; Mdvanii with a russet bubblecut wears her Tour Eiffel outfit of fur-trimmed tweed jacket over a tailored red dress, with matching gloves; Raven-haired Persia wears an off-white shantung silk wrap skirt with beaded blouse from Mdvanii’s Garde Robe selection of original outfits, she carries an original gilt handbag; Mdvanii in hot pink wears her standard-issue black bob wig and the Notre Dame suit ensemble; Blonde Persia is dressed to the nines in Mdvanii’s satin and chiffon gown, Champs Elysées, she has even pinched Mdvanii’s mirror to check her makeup. The nerve! Mdvanii’s wigs were designed by Alexandre de Paris, and her makeup was created by Mel Odom. All but the platinum Persia doll are tottering in Mdvanii’s original resin high heels.
Two Peggy Ann clone dolls are ready for a smart summer lunch by the sea. Sunglasses at the ready and precautionary jackets in case of a chilly breeze. These dolls, cheaply-made in Hong Kong with lightweight blown vinyl bodies, can still pack a punch in the style stakes. Both have dramatic green eye shadow and wear vintage 1960s outfits.
Nothing beats a summertime black and white ball. From 2003, Modern Circle articulated Barbie with bright yellow hair and a vintage face sculpt, wears a contemporary gown with faux fur capelet, for RandD Susie. Taking center stage and fully-prepared in case the bar runs dry, a vintage Barbie with a very full bubblecut. She’s in the somewhat era-inappropriate Midi Magic dress #1869 from 1969. At right, is American Character’s Tressy with a sleek bob, wearing her Black Magic evening gown from 1965.
This feature first appeared in Fashion Doll Quarterly magazine, Summer 2020.
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