Hollywood Dolls

"A Gothic love story about a governess haunted by a romantic Ghost in a dark english mansion on the Yorkshire moors. When the lovely governess arrives at the gloomy mansion, she is chilled at her uncanny resemblance to a haunting portrait of a former daughter of the mansion who disappeared on the moors one night..." (from the leaflet of Ashton Drake's Midnight Angel)

What you see is a repainted Tonner Scarlett -- not to look like Vivien Leigh, but an imaginary character inspired from classical paintings of women. I think I was thinking of images of Maine and Monet when I thought of doing this portraits. I had been long looking at Ashton Drake's Midnight Angel Ensemble, somehow haunted by its beautiful detail. Thinking this would be perfect for an Edwardian/Victorian outfit for the Tonner Scarlett mold. I was never drawn to strong featured dolls. I personally think that feminine-ness is close to beautiful-ness! And so thought of repainting this close to classical soft features in paintings of women.

The outfit is just the cape over the doll. The skirt was a creation of Alana Bennett (notice the nice embroidery at the bottom which Alana did -- a good value if you have her do a gown for you; she does do more). The inside gown has "leg-o-mutton sleeves" and is made of a wonderful pale rose cotton, lace collar and detachable cummerband. Notice also the beautiful detail that Ashton Drake did at the bottom: a "looping" applique. Underneath this, you will find a full netted crinoline.
The navy blue wall coat is faithful to capes done during the period as it is made of wool; edged with gold piping along its hem. There are bows at the back is fully lined. The top of the coat sort of flies so I had to clip it at the back (thanks to Nikki for that suggestion). The pale rose dress underneath (I am surprised) fits the doll well; you just have to tug a bit-- although I would think she would be uncomfortable with it -- who wasn't during the Victorian/Edwardian corset era. Notice the bonnet of gold brocade, black chenille and black cord. I adore the little rose brooch! The outfit also comes with pearl earrings which the doll is not wearing. The dress is designed by Nicole Burke, winner of the 1997 Young Designers of America Student Competition. You have to hand it to Mel Odom for giving that opportunity to a lot of young talent. Over-all I think that Gene's clothings are classic and each one worth getting -- whatever fits your collection.

I hope you enjoy the portraits! Thanks to Joe Blitman of www.joeslist.com for this outfit. Coming up next: Vivien Leigh does Ashton Drake.

I was told by a member of the Scarlett Vinyl Yahoo Group that this dress is a re-creation of the movie by Gene Tierney -- "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir".




This is not Scarlett, nor is it Vivien Leigh. Having seen the cover "Great Women Masters of Art" by Jordi Vigue, I thought it appropriate to do a portrait doll following the softer features of women found in classical paintings. specifically the painting of "Lady Elizabeth Foster by Angelica Kaufman. This is purely coincidental (or better yet, by "accident"). I had purchased Ashton Drake's Gene Marshall outfit called "Love's Ghost". It was a bargain in joeslist.com; I was not aware however, that the Gene doll has perhaps the smallest waist for a 15" inch doll. It wouldn't fit the Franklin Mint Scarlett -- what more, a Tonner Tyler body.

But first things first.

It is by accident that I tried undoing the bun of a spare Tonner Scarlett "Receiving Guests with Melanie". It was a doll special to me as it was donated by good friend Eric Caron for me to practice on. I realized having undone the bun that the hair there had been cut shorter than those at the sides. You can just imagine the pain of realizing that. Also since I never liked the top hairstyle of simulated curls, I pulled it, unravelling long twisted bangs that didn't look so bad -- if only the hair at the back wasn't cut short and if I didn't test my curiosity and pulled it out. Silly me. But such is my curiosity with things. Life is short, why not just redo the doll with a whole new look. And since I love the Victorian era, might as well do something from that period.

Hair has been tied into a side pony -- only lower. This hides the shortened back well.

It is by accident that I also caught sight of Ms. Vigue's book with the cover of Lady Foster.

And since I had Gene's "Love's Ghost" which resembled the painting, might as well. The top of "Love's Ghost" is the only part of the dress used here; it is tightly held by a sash (Franklin Mint's Christmas with Ashley Sash). The skirt is from Alana Bennet's other creation, the hat is Gene's, tulle is by me.

So here she is. Pardon the photograph. I must learn how to fix the settings in my digicam. I must have touched something there that lessened the pixels.

I ordered at least 4 Gene dresses (this including). They might just go unused considering they don't fit the Tonner doll -- any suggestions?


"Great Women Masters of Art" by Jordi Vigue (image from Amazon)

Thanos Samaras is a Greek actor and avid doll collector. He is also an amazing artist. His video for the 2008 Blythe Beauty Contest, taking place annually in Tokyo, which you can see below, is incredible. More please Thanos! And here is the official Blythe site.

Sin in the City is the name of a Situation Comedy thought up by the talented Amber Park. Not only is she a gifted photographer, she makes all the jewelry and styles the dolls uber-fashionably. This image is one of several from the latest release:
Season 2: Episode 15 - Sin in the City - A Safe Place to Belong.

Pictured are Erin, Yuri and Kumi, Nu.Face and Nu.Fantasy dolls respectively, from Integrity Toys.

I hope Amber puts all of these stories together in a book one day. In addition to the pictures being enjoyable to look at, the text is funny and well written.

If you would like to see the past episodes of Sin in the City click here.

Congratulations, Amber!

One novel that I will always uphold as one of the most un-droppable reads is Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca. Released in 1938 (nearly the period that Gone with the Wind was released), and enchanting readers all over. The title of the story points to a wealthy man's wife who mysteriously dies in a boat accident. But the lead of the story is girl described as plain and lacking in confidence. She is an assistant to a wealthy dowager, and while vacationing in the Riviera, her whole world changes. What seems to be whirlwind courtship brings her be the next wife of Maximilian de Winter. The reader is somehow made to believe that it would be a marriage that changes the course of her life. But upon reaching the Manderlay, mansion of her wealthy husband, she only realizes that she will live forever under the shadow of the beautiful, charming and alluring deceased wife -- Rebecca.


Her antagonists range from the lingering mementos of the dead wife to one strong member of the household who believes Rebecca is irreplaceable. Mrs. Danvers -- the mansion's keeper and head of household may as well be the living haunt of Manderlay. Schemes, and subtle verbal assaults are made by her to make this new wife feel her lack vis-a-vis the dead wife. There is even a point where Mrs. Danvers encourages the new wife to end her sorrow -- go ahead, jump out the window, it's going to be easy, it will be fast. A turning point is where the young wife is made to wear a gown to celebrate the reawakening of Manderlay, encouraged by Mrs. Danvers -- only to realize that this would be one of the biggest mistakes she'll ever make as the new wife of Max de Winter.

Rebecca was made into a film. Lawrence Olivier was to play Max de Winter; and it was produced by David Selznick. It isn't surprising that the young Vivien Leigh -- fresh from her success as Scarlett -- would audition for the part. I have attached a link to that rare screentest here. Copy paste to your internet browser.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxTEDtkXxxM


Unfortunately, Ms. Leigh, despite her ability to bring Scarlett to life, was not the choice. She was deemed "beautiful" (a contrast to the lead's plain description) and fresh from GWTW, she had not the time to prepare for the role. But she so wanted to play next to her beau, Lawrence. Selznick was said to have explained it to her via mail: that the choice of the lead is just as crucial a manner similar to the choice Scarlett. And it was meticulousness that made Scarlett a success. In effect trying to make her understand and justify the choice not being her. Why if the new wife looked like Vivien, I think the dead Rebecca would have to be even more beautiful.

Perplexing though is the choice which Selznick had for the role: Joan Fontaine -- sister of Olivia de Havilland (a rival of sisters which I think is strange too). For Joan was not really plain (my opinon). Well judge for yourself. Watch the film. The novel is slow with its descriptive narrative, it picks up towards the middle. Not a Grisham novel in pace, but something you'd like to read, curled up on a cold day beside a window. It has to be read slowly. I think the novel was much better than the book -- as is the case most of the time.

SO WHAT HAS THIS GOT TO DO WITH DOLLS?

Well, let's just say I wish Tonner would do gowns from Hollywood films or heroines from novels: Jane Eyre, Rebecca, Little Women, Sabrina. It would be fun to see those characters interpreted in doll form. Heathcliff and Cathy, Mr. Rochester and Jane Eyre, etc. etc. It would be a good effort to revive interest in the classics.

Three new Twilight character figures were announced today by the Tonner Doll Co. If you haven't read the series, these three are a small nomadic group of vampires who provide most of the plot of Twilight. Victoria is a major bitch.You may or you may not be wondering what happened to her shoes. This trio of phlebotomists goes shoeless. What? Did you think they forgot shoes for the dolls? Victoria actually comes with flat and high-heel feet so she can run around on her toes. Doesn't everyone?

Laurent doesn't play much of a role in the books, but this doll is the best of the three IMO. I love the faux leather jacket and the tight cords. He's even got the tops of his boxer shorts sticking up from above his belt.James is a serious predator. His outfit makes more sense to me. I don't understand why they describe him as "devilishly handsome." This doll is the only one out of all of Tonner's vampires that actually has a sickly pallor and could be a vampire.When I saw these dolls at the reveal at the Tonner store last month I wondered why one would want the bad vampire dolls. Then again, why would anyone want vampire dolls in the first place? Logic does not belong in this discussion.
I understand the attraction to Edward as he is highly romanticized in the book. I have to admit that I read them all...at least I think I read them. They're like Chinese food. You're hungry again shortly after reading them. They are quick reading, not frightening (unless you know good literature) and possibly entertaining if you want to know what the teeny boppers are screaming about.
All I want from this trio is the clothes.

The suggested retail price for each doll is $179.00. Apparently between August and now, the price was raised by $20 per doll. Did the economy suddenly get better when I wasn't looking? You may be able to see the price on the cards of my photos. It says $159. These vampires exact quite a price, don't they?
Production is 1000 of each and they are due to arrive from the beginning of October through December.
Pre-Order at Cherished Friends for $153.

Among the dearest friends I've found online who has shared his passion for GWTW and crafts is Eric Caron. Sorry Eric! Pardonne moi. I am taking the liberty so share with the rest of the world what you have shared with me. Herewith are fabulous, and amazing miniatures that Eric did when he was still in his younger years (note Eric, "younger years", which means I still consider you young). It is amazing how that at a young age his eye for proportion, symmetry, and scale are at a level that can be considered "expert". Yes Eric, you are an expert at it. Instinct in talent is a rare thing too. A look at these miniatures and you can see, aside from the symmetry, the tone and mood that captures Gone with the Wind. They capture the color of the dress as well as the shrubbery and greenery of Tara.

Take note of Scarlett's ruffled dress and the Tarleton Twins behind. The gown seems to even ruffle with the wind. Notice too, peeping from Tara's window, Scarlett's Mammy: "...why didn't you invite those gempmum for supper?"
Take note too of the green Twelve Oaks gown which captures the color and splashes of detail the dress had.
Amazing too is the simulation of Scarlett's hair and shape of ace.

All are my faves, but my best favorite (if there is ever such a line) is the Tara porch with Scarlett's shadow.
Aside from GWTW, Eric also creates miniatures from his favorite TV show, Little House on the Prarie (mine too!)
I wish you all the best in this endeavour Eric. And I wish that time would be gentle and lend us its hands to dabble into what we love even more than we expect. Similarly to Margaret Mitchell's line, I can only parallel your talent to Tara -- it's the only thing that lasts. Do take care of it my friend, Eric.

"Land is the only thing that matters. It's the only thing that lasts" - Gerald O' Hara (from GWTW by Margaret Mitchell