The fat lady sang At the Opera...

 

Now on with OUR show!!

All of our shop owners have the same importance. However, many of you may not realize we have two types of shop owners. Most shop owners are individual tenants, but the 2nd category is reserved for larger companies who are distinct because they came on board willing to help CDS sponsor some of the prizes and promotions we have monthly. Obviously having this second category of shops, that we call our cornerstones, helps make our events even more special because of their willingness to help!

 

I tell you this because our latest Happening is actually a sponsored event by one of our cornerstones, Angelic Dreamz (AD). George Gonzalez, the brain child behind AD had decided some time ago to sponsor his own convention, the JamieShow Convention, named appropriately for his original doll. He had also been throwing around the idea for a contest where our shop owners would design a JamieShow gown, and the winner(s)' outfits could be reproduced and sold through AD. So when the convention got to its planning stages, Gonzalez and I set up the contest so that the outfits would be available at his convention, and his convention goers could actually have input as to who won by viewing and voting for their favorites. With this information in hand, Gonzalez would make the final decision. And now, I'm not only pleased to be able to provide you with pictures and information about this contest's individual entries, it is also my pleasure to announce the winners!! Let's get with it. First I'm going to introduce you to the whole collection.

 

 

Entry by Denise Beaudin, Opera
celebrated Maria Stuarda

Deni Doll Designs, Main Street

My gown was inspired by Mary Queen of Scots in the opera "Maria Stuarda."  Historically it is noted that Mary wore a red garment to her execution. Therefore, I chose that color for my garment and employed a beautiful red satin fabric. The gown style has a drop waist fitted bodice, and a full gathered skirt with a train at the back.

 

Continuing in the same style, the upper sleeves are fully gathered, and lower sleeves are a slim fit. A guipure lace medallion that has been embellished with white beads on sequins is placed on the center front of the bodice in the fashion of a stomacher. The gown is trimmed on the neck piece, sleeves, shoulders, and hemline with white guipure border lace. The headpiece is also constructed of red satin, and trimmed with five white lace flowers that are embellished with white beads on sequins. A red feather and a white feather are also part of the headpiece. The necklace is made of white, round pearl beads.

Entry by  Lana Turk - Musical celebrated
Phatom of the Opera

Doll Couture by Lana, Designer Drive 

 For this gown I was inspired by Christine's dress from the Phantom of the Opera. During Christine's childhood her father tells her many stories featuring an "Angel of Music." Christine is eventually given a position in the chorus at the  Opera House. Not long after she arrives there, she begins hearing a beautiful, unearthly voice which sings to her and speaks to her. She believes this must be the Angel of Music. The Voice belongs to Erik, who is physically-deformed and  was one of the architects who took part in the construction of the opera house, and who secretly built a home for himself in the cellars. He is the Opera Phantom.

        To transfer the beautiful feminine flare from Christine's dress I made a shoulder-less bodice . It flares out to a voluminous skirt. I made this dress from turquoise taffeta. I enchanted the dress with burned fabric and some sequins, being careful not to put too much on to keep an elegant air to the dress.  The dress is fully lined and I used a zipper closure.

 

 

Entry by  Frances Weir - Opera celebrated
The Magic Flute

Francesca Doll Couture, Couture Court

Urban Vita is wearing an evening gown inspired by Mozart's opera, The Magic Flute, which premiered in Vienna in 1791. The opera was set in Egypt and I chose the character of Pamina, innocent daughter of the Queen of the Night, as my muse.

 

The one piece, dart-fitted,  dress reflects its Egyptian influence in the line of the skirt and open front seam, the heavily beaded collar, and the front panel. The gown is made of a coffee coloured, ribbed taffeta-like fabric which is shot with metallic turquoise fibers, and is fully lined in fine gold silk. The glass and metal beading are intended to add to a sense of feminine luxury and Eastern mystery.

 

 

 Entry by  Pauline Lyngard - Musical celebrated

 Miss Saigon

BW Designs, Main Street 

 

The musical I chose is Miss Saigon, a modern day version of Madame Butterfly.  Therefore, I felt it appropriate that my fashion has the silhouette of the Vietnamese Ao Dai, in two pieces - dress and jacket. 

The hat has the shape of the "leaf hat."   All was accomplished without being replicas of the traditional versions. Dramatic gold fabric makes a modern statement, but both pieces are lined in pale lavender silk for a softer contrast. The purse is inspired by famous Vietnamese designer "Ipa Nima" known for fancy fabric and feather embellished handbags.

 

Entry by Anita Stoklosa, Opera celebrated Don Giovanni

Anicetta's Fashions, Designer Drive

Don Giovanni is an  opera in two acts with music by  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart .It was premiered by the Praque Italian opera at the Teatro di Praga on October 29, 1787, and is a staple of the standard operatic repertoire.

My dress was inspired by the form of Donna Elvira. She’s a lady of Burgos abandoned by Don Giovanni.  The gown is pale rose satin decorated with beads, sequins and embroidery. The bodice is fully lined, and the skirt’s  top is made of an airy asymmetrical fabric. Its edges are decorated with embroidery and beads.

 

Entry by Deanna Torigian, Opera celebrated Salome

Babette Doll Fashions, Couture Court

 

  My Opera was Salome  The opera is famous for the Dance of the Seven Veils, but may be known best for the shocking final scene where Salome declares her love for John the Baptist.

I made my Opera dress from green silk satin.  It would be appropriate for the Opera as well as some dancing by a modern day Salome. It is fully lined and has fine net draping and gold toned accents. It was fitted on FR 16" Fashion Teen, but if chosen to be reproduced it will be JamieShow size.

Enty by Cindi Stowell, Rock Opera celebrated
We Will Rock You
BJD Design, Designer Drive
 

Scaramouche is a futuristic heroine saving the world from computer generated music. Nobody in the futuristic world can sing, or have any creative expression, and all instruments have been buried in "rock."  Scaramouche and Galileo discover the buried musical instruments and use them to vaporise the corporation, and send the Power of Rock to the world, giving them the ability to be creative once again.

Scaramouche's gown is made from satin, organza, leather, and soft sheer material. The ruffles have been delicately hand ruched and hand stitched. The four piece outfit includes a sexy bustier which laces up in the back; the two tiered, satin ruched skirt; thigh-high fishnet stockings; and the pleather and beaded wrist cuffs.

 

Entry by Lori Lyon, Opera celebrated
The Marriage of Figaro

Madeleine Rose Couture, Main Street

My gown was inspired by Suzanne, Figaro's fiance and the Countess Almaviva's maid.   The time period in which the opera takes place is the late 18th century.

A beautiful slate blue silk taffeta makes up the corseted bodice with sliver lace applique front,  pink bow accent, and voluminous bubbled skirt.  Tucked on the sides to represent a modern bustle, the skirt trails in the back with black bow adornment.  Silver pink mesh stockings and arm mitts add to the modernized opera look.

 

Entry by Peggy Burney, Opera celebrated

The Tsar's Bride

Creative Couture, Designer Drive

 

This gown is inspired by the opera, The Tsar's Bride, Marfa. This is a modern intrepertation of what she might wear if she were going to the opera today.

 

The gown is a slender straight sheath style with a modified train. It is made of purple silk dupioni lined in white. silk habotai. The bodice is enhanced with a bias strip across the bust with a silver gray ruffle of sparkle mesh and spaghetti straps. It has a low cut back with a velcro closure. The hand-stitched bolero jacket is made of silver gray sparkle mesh with long, fitted sleeves; and a stand-up neck collar. It is enhanced with silver embroidery, purple sequins, and silver beads. The bag is beaded in silver.

 

Unofficial Entry

CDS encourages all of our shop owners to enter our events if they so desire. However, since this is a sponsored event for clothing design, all non-clothing entries were deemed unofficial. The entry that follows fits that category. 

 

 

Entry by Anna Castanes, Opera celebrated La Boheme

Somethings Old, Somethings New, Designer Drive

La Bohème has become part of the standard Italian opera repertory, and is the one of the most frequently performed operas worldwide. I felt I could only emulate the colors from my opera, so I chose the warm colors of red and black.

 

This bedding set includes a reversible coverlet made of silk and ruffled polyester along with three small silk pillows, a large polyester ruffled pillow, and a silk neck roll with ribbon ties.  All pillows are filled with fiberfill.  The bed is not included. The set shown is for a Barbie sized doll, but can be made to suit your JamieShow or other 16" dolls. Thank you and I hope you enjoy our October happening!

 

 

 

 

And here they are - all 9 official entries - aren't they lovely!?! Be sure to click on the picture above to see a full size view of all these beautiful gowns!

 

 

Now a little bit about the JamieShow convention! This was an exciting adventure for the attendees, Gonzalez, and the whole AD crew.  What would be not to love? This new, smaller venue, convention took place September 28-30, 2012 and used a theme of Prohibition. There were organized events such as a visit to the Strong Museum of Art and Toy Hall of Fame.  Workshops were offered that included Photography by Gonzalez, Repainting Eyes and Lips by PegFamousGirls, and Styling Doll Wigs and Hair by Michael Scott.  How fun to "play dolls" with other collectors? 

 

 

A few people even got into character with pink (fake) machine guns found with their table gifts at the Speak Easy meet and greet cocktail party!! And if that wasn't enough, an all day VIP shopping experience was offered at Angelic Dreamz' brick and mortar store.  Then the Sonnenberg Gardens Cocktail Reception gave way to a soothing atmosphere to enjoy drinks under the moonlight; the Veranda of this Victorian mansion overlooking the formal gardens was the perfect retreat to meet and greet and daydream about their recent purchases.

 

Eventually even good things have to come to an end. So it was especially nice to end it with a Closing Brunch and presentation of the Event Doll. The Event Doll was a wonderful flapper named Ginny.

There was also a companion doll dressed in a striking red blazer and skirt named Ling Lan.  Wow, what a smokin' hot modern day Prohibition woman!

And a new companion outfit was also offered for those people who wanted to add to their dapper JamieShow gentleman's wardrobe. 

 

Ah, the magic of another wonderful convention!  Goodbye for now, Angelic Dreamz, and thanks to George Gonzalez for making this dream come true for some of our designers, as well as a shout out to his assistant, Allison Harman, for making this contest a seamless production!

Now let me turn back to our original topic, and reveal who our WINNERS are!  First, the overall winner was Lori Lyon. I'll bet she always feels happy when she hears the music from The Marriage of Figaro!!  For sure Figaro would love her modern day rendition of this Opera's prized diva.

Then we had two 2nd place winners, Cindi Stowell, and Deanna Torigian.  These two were quite different - one won hearts by featuring a Rockin' new wave styling; the other by being a romantic confection one would love to wear to dance the night away!  Congratulations to all 3 of you; we at CDS are soooooo proud of you!!

 These 3 outfits will be reproduced and sold at Angelic Dreamz.  Yes, it will take awhile - approximately 60 days after production begins - but it will be worth it.  Also, if you are interested in any of the other gowns shown just be sure to visit the individual shops and let the shop owners know you want more details or to know when the gown is returned to them for sale.   And, you can be sure we'll keep you advised as to when they are available.  So don't fail to become a follower of this blog or to join our First To Know list to get updates before anyone else! 

Well, all the excitement has certainly been worth it - but it's finally time for me to leave you once more.  But I'll leave you with a little reminder to always check out the shops of CoutureDollShop.com when you think of adding to your doll's wardrobe, accessories, furniture, bedding or any other things you may need!! 

Stay safe and have a boolicious Halloween, and if you need some ghouly doll inspiration, be sure to check out our last blog post as well as our article coming out soon in the October issue of Fashion Doll Quarterly magazine.

Bonjour to Paris......and fashion!!

Journey with us to see how our fashion show turned out in gay Paree; the city of lights and a major fashion dominian. No. we didn't have time to make the rounds to all the tourist attractions...even if we wanted to! Instead we went there with one thing in mind - to do some research on the artist we wanted to take a reference from, to find beautiful fabrics, and to design, make, and photograph our collection. Whew, makes me tired just thinking about it, dahlings!!

Always striving to do something unique - we will be featuring our show next, then we'll do somehting you see on no other runway. We will introduce you to the artist who influenced us, give you a description of the production of the outfit, and then show you some stills! What fun!! - we hope you enjoy it.

Then stay tuned because we invite you to see an individual new line that will debut at the Toykyo Fashion Doll Show from one of Couture Doll Shop's own, Frances Weir.  Her knitwear and hat collections will be featured, and will definitely be as much of an asset to the dolls' wardrobes over there as they are here!!

Okay, enough banter, now on with the show...with a little caution - if you are on a public computer note: this does contain music. 

 

Now, let's look at the designers our shop owners looked to when designing this couture collection!

 

Pat Stoughton  Petite Moonbeams

 Mme. Madeleine Chéruit (1906-1935) was among the first couturiers of her generation, and one of the first women to control a major French fashion house, Place Vendôme in Paris, from 1906 to 1935. She was a leader who produced fashions with a French style, and had mostly aristocratic clientele, who favored richly ornamented dresses; later gowns were adorned with hand paintings.  She designed new walking suits and afternoon dresses that became the rage in 1914.   Her designs are seen to be simple yet she used elegant, soft fabrics – but was also able to help transform high fashion into ready-to-wear couture.  Today her designs may be found in collections of major museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.  In 2008, her fashion house was reestablished at its original location, 21 Place Vendôme, Paris.

My name is Pat Stoughton and I own Petite Moonbeams. The dress shown is a soft silky print with slim satin straps that slim the body in Cheruit fashion. 

The bodice is adorned with a cream braid.  On her head is another Cheruit hallmark, a silk cloche embellished with a scalloped trim.  Mme. Cheruit used both feather boas and chiffon ribbons to complete her outfits so I felt it only appropriate to accessorize this outfit with a boa.

Mary Watson
GreenThread Design Studio
 

 

Sonia Rykiel, a famous Paris designer, is best known for her sweaters and knits.  She invented The Poor Boy Sweater which made the cover of ELLE fashion magazine, and brought her fame.  Because of it, she was crowned "Queen of Knits" by the American fashion industry in 1967.  I, however, was inspired by a Spring 2009 fashion show where several designers recreated her face dresses. 

 

I love the orginal dress designed by Sonia so I designed one for my pink wigged Barbie. How fun is this dress!?!  This dress was created by Mary Watson of GreenThread Design Studio.  You can visit my shop at Couture Doll Shop.com.  This runway creation titled, “Thank God for Flat Irons!” is made from a photograph of my doll printed onto photo fabric.  The dress was then designed by draping the photo fabric on a doll form.  I used dyed sheep's wool for the hair. 

Frances Weir
Francesca Doll Couture 

The House of Rodier was founded by Eugene Rodier in Paris in 1848.  The Rodier name is well known in fashion circles for its ready to wear knits which were first introduced in the 1950's, and for using interesting yarns, distinctive patterns and textures.

 

The tradition continues today with the use of inventive designs, rich colours, fine detailing and colour related separates.

 

My name is Frances Weir, owner of Francesca Doll Couture, and my model, Amelie, is wearing a three piece ensemble inspired by the House of Rodier. The featured piece is a hand knit, short sleeved, tunic dress knit in a dark red French pearle cotton.  The tunic is worn over a sleeveless sheath dress in an amber coloured fine, pure silk. Both pieces are complimented by a short collarless coat. The burnt orange, raw silk coat is fully lined with amber silk matching the dress.  The tiny gold bead ' buttons ' add a touch of French flair to the softly pleated short coat and the rich colours are pure autumn.

Elizabeth Fenton
Nasha’s DollBoutique  

My designer is Valentino. His designs are extraordinarily beautiful and timeless haute couture. His fabric choices were rich, masterfully embellished, and extravagant. His fashions have been worn by the highest echelon of society.  Valentino retired in January of 2008 after 45 years in the fashion business.

 

Hello from Elizabeth Fenton of Nasha’s Doll Boutique.  D’oro is a two piece, exquisitely sophisticated suit. It consists of a sleeveless, fitted, bias cut dress with a deep keyhole shaped back.  It is paired with a collarless, fit and flare jacket cut from gold and cream paisley silk brocade. Fur detail at the jacket cuffs and silk ribbon at the waist add the perfect finishing touches.

 

Anita Stoklosa

Anicetta's Fashions

Coco Chanel. famous for her timeless designs, trademark suits was my muse.  The main characteristic for fashion from this the leading creator of all is a jacket - always collarless with a round buton. Opening her first shop on Paris ’s Rue Cambon in 1910, Chanel started out selling hats. She later added stores in Deauville and Biarritz and began making clothes.

Greetings from Anita Stoklosa, Anicetta's Fashions.  My outfit was inspired by Coco Chanel. I love suits, so I decided to make a little collarless jacket with round buttons reminiscent of her style. I used taffeta and jacquard fabric, and my jacket and skirt are fully lined.  The chic, yellow, felt hat along with the purse, jewelry and stockings were also created by me. Modeling is Darla from Integrity Toys, but this fashion will fit Silkstone Barbie perfectly as well.

Anna Castanes

Something's Old Somethings New

Dolce and Gabanna is the luxury fashion house that was my inspiration for making a bedding set that will make your doll feel like she lives in the palace of Versailles - think luxury and splendor!  Dolce and Gabbana style was originally inspired by eclectic, thrift shop Bohemia, and their original casual lines attempted to set trends rather than follow them.  In today’s latest, Fall/Winter 2013, couture collection you will see embroideries and laces  throughout the collection as well as the rich fabrics they are now famous for.

Hi from Anna Castanes, Something's Old Somethings New.  Let's go back in time!  This bedding set includes a coverlet made of satin embroidered fabric with a crepe underlining; a pleated pillow also made of crepe fabric; and a satin embroidered valance with two sided panels of lace with pearls.  Bed and furniture not included. I hope you enjoy this item as much as I enjoyed making it.

Kevin Kilmer

CLICK DESIGNS by KEVIN

Christian LaCroix was my inspiration for this Challenge, LaCroix is known for his Avant Guard designs, use of color, and outlandish designs - all aimed at creating a High Couture runway look.  LaCroix's use of color in his designs is breathtaking in that he uses colors that most designers would steer clear of putting together.  He uses practically every color imaginable, and his designs are revered the world over.

 

My name is Kevin Kilmer, owner of CLICK DESIGNS by KEVIN.   Since Christian LaCroix was my inspiration color, shape, and form were the order of the day, and this is a fitting tribute.  Done in lime greens, fuschias, pinks, greens, and golds with feathers, satins, silks. tulle, and recycled, dyed fuschia rabbit fur, this design exudes red carpet runway vibes from top to bottom!! Also, as a side tribute to my favorite British Sitcom, Ab Fab; I call this design "LaCroix, Sweetie Darling."

Peggy Burney
Creative Couture

 

Catherine Malandrino is an innovative French designer now working in New York City as well as in Paris, and my inspiration for this event.   She has worked in the Paris couture houses of Dorothée Bis, Louis Feraud, Emanuel Ungaro, and in the 1990s was the creative force at the French label "Et Vous" in Paris.

She has designed for such stars as Brooke Shields, Drew Barrymore, Mary J. Blige, Madonna, Kim Kardashian, Demi Moore, and Beyonce. Malandrino currently designs two collections: her contemporary line and a runway line that features shoes and accessories including jewelry, handbags, and belts. Her lines are represented around the world.

 

My name is Peggy Burney, and I invite you to visit me at my shop, Creative Couture.  My fashion is a short sheath made of cream organza and cream leather. It has a deep V neckline in front and back. This dress is daring because it consists of peek-a-boo strips of organza mixed with the leather.

Ina Murphey
LaPetite Fashion Promenade

For the past 25 years Karl Lagerfeld has been the creative director of Chanel. He has taken the legacy of Coco Chanel, enhanced it, and taken the design house to new heights of popularity and power. With his white ponytail, dark sunglasses and fingerless gloves, he is one of the most recognizable designers in the industry. For his Fall 2012 couture collection he chose a color palate of silver gray and dusty pink with a theme of New Vintage, signifying something to come, and something that will last.

Hi there!  I hope you’re when you are looking for fashions you will come visit me, Ina Murphey, at my shop, LaPetite Fashion Promenade. 

The two piece evening ensemble I’ve designed utilizes the same pink and gray color palate as Lagerfeld's, and incorporates various design elements and materials reminiscent of those used by Coco Chanel. The coat is made of sparkling silver fabric with a texture that reminds one of the legendary Chanel tweed fabrics along with pink gimp braid edging. The strapless gown is made of pale pink knit satin and silver lame’ satin. The Ostrich feather skirt features hand beading at the neckline and waist.

Kari Stackhouse

Tres Chic Boutique

 

My model, Poppy, turned to Hubert de Givenchy to design her Fall/Winter wardrobe. She loves his elegant yet youthful designs. Hubert de Givenchy is a French fashion designer who founded his own couture house in Paris in 1952. He is famous for designing fashions for Audrey Hepburn as well as Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy, thus successfully bringing together Paris couture and American Hollywood. He considers fabric to be the inspiration for creating fashion and has said, "Fabric is the most extraordinary thing, it has life. You must respect the fabric." His esthetic is classical, pure, and elegant.

Hi, I'm Kari Stackhouse of Tres Chic Boutique.  On a recent trip to San Francisco the unforgettable opportunity of shopping at the fabulous Britex fabric store presented itself.  The two fabric pieces that I simply could not leave the store without were the houndstooth silk and the colorful silk print featured in my design. I had no intention of using them together until I started preparing for this event, and then these fabrics seemed inseparable.  

I thought the combination was unexpected and youthful, while still maintaining elegance. Poppy's two-piece suit is made of 100% silk with recycled vintage mink accents, and a slim band of ultrasuede trim on the empire bodice of her dress. She chose to accessorize it with a teal ultrasuede handbag, matching headband hat, and elbow length gloves. Please check out Poppy's "Pretty in Paris" ensemble in my shop.
 

 And with this last entry we say au revoir to Paris, but stick around as I walk over to Couture Court; you don't want to miss my interview with Frances Weir of Francesca Doll Couture -- it is a treat!!

 

 

Blogmeister: Who are you? In other words - tell us a little bit about the real person behind your business name?

 

 Francesca, an endearment used by my younger sister for me all my adult life, is a persona - a classic couturier with elegance and flair. I decided to incorporate "Francesca" into my shop name when I created my website two years ago, as I feel it lends a European nuance and implies a certain sense of style, a certain "je ne sais quois".

 

Blogmeister: How and when did you discover your love for creating fashion art in the doll world?

 

Dolls were always a big part of my childhood but with three boys of my own, parenthood as a single hockey-mum, and a full time teaching career, my last doll, tiny Betsy McCall, remained tissue wrapped in my cedar chest for decades. She was sweet but I decided, during a move, that I did not need to keep her any longer. I discovered that the internet was the perfect place to buy and sell dolls. I sold her and then immediately had regrets .

As an adult, I knew there were doll collectors but up until that move about ten years ago I knew nothing at all about fashion dolls or even Barbies. I knew Transformers! This was a whole new world.

 

First I became interested in vintage Barbie fashions as I loved the care taken in construction and details. Then I found a local doll club and a friend introduced me to Silkstone and Fashion Royalty dolls. I was hooked. I had the time and I loved to knit and sew.... creating couture clothing for these lovely dolls was just the next step.  And, te internet was a wonderful place to share my original doll fashions.

Blogmeister: Did you begin creating for yourself then transition to creating fashion art offered for sale?

 

My interest in vintage Barbie fashions led me to selling my thrift store and garage sale finds on line. That in turn led to me knitting, sewing and selling my own creations. The feedback I received has been very positive. I discovered there was a good market for my creations and after googling "ooak" I was on my way. On line auctions gave me the opportunity to sell to doll lovers and collectors all over the world. It was exciting and lucrative, too.

 

 

Blogmeister: Was anything or anyone a significant influence on your work initially?

 

Several people have had a significant influence on my work: my Mother whose pre-war, pre-marriage wardrobe told stories of high style and fine fabrics; my Paris born mother-in-law whose parents owned couturier shops in Brussels, Paris and Biarritz; my dear friend whose shopping acumen and fantastic hats have inspired me for years; and my sister whose savvy style reflects a classy French flare.

 

 

Blogmeister: Today where do you find inspiration for your projects?

 

Oh, inspiration is everywhere: vintage photos, patterns and magazines, old movies, pieces of jewelry, gardens, landscapes, flowers, feathers... it just goes on and on.

 

 

Blogmeister: For people who would like to create their own fashion art, would you have any words of inspiration or advice?

 

If you can imagine it, you can create it. I see a design in my mind and then I go for it. I do not often even draw, I just visualize, especially when I am knitting.

I think good photography skills would be helpful in recording and sharing creations. I keep intending to take a course, but I am too busy!

 

Blogmeister: Lastly, what's up for you right now?

 

Well, selling doll fashions online has had some interesting results. I have met some very interesting people both online and in person. Most recently I was contacted by one of my customers in Japan. It turned out my buyer is the Horsman Doll Rep for Japan and he was interested in purchasing a selection of my ooak hats, hatboxes and Urban Vita fashions to feature in the Tokyo Doll Show in September. I just completed and shipped his order and I am can't wait to see photos from the show. Maybe another year I will go in person. That would be quite an adventure.

Thanks, Frances, this has been fun - and enlightening  for our viewers.  They will be sure to want to visit your shop for all the latest if they haven't had the opportunity yet.  You can find Francesca Doll Couture on Couture Court.

And now it's time to say au revoir until we meet again in October.  I hope everyone is enjoying the last days of summer, and you are looking forward to the Fall Festivities that will be upon us very soon! 

Yes, it's time to pull out those winter outfits we love, and to add new items, too.  Couture Doll Shop.com will have some lovely winter things you'll want when we return! Take care, mon cheri!