GlamourOz Dolls

Australian artist, Jozef Szekeres joins host Louisa Maxwell on The Doll Podcast.

Jozef with his sculpture of the GlamourOZ Supermodel articulated body of his 18 inch fashion doll ELIZABET BIZELLE®.

The GlamourOZ Dolls® Collection of 18 inch dolls with 14 points of articulation: Elizabet Bizelle®, her sister Kotalin Bizell and their two new GlamourOZ Dolls® friends, Lucille Lei® and Bindi Merinda®. These are truely unique Australian Fashion Dolls. To learn more or order a doll glamourozdolls.com

Jozef started his career at Walt Disney world as a senior animator on Aladdin: King of Thieves, Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure, Peter Pan II: Return to Neverland, and Jungle Book II. His comic books are best sellers worldwide and include:  ElfQuest: WaveDancers series for Warp Graphics, the Dartminiseries for Image Comics, and Safety-Belt Man and a story in Dawn: Return of the Goddess (Issue #3) for Sirius Entertainment. You can learn more about Jozef and his work at
glamourozdolls.com.au

To learn more or order a doll Jozef’s website is glamourozdolls.com .

Tamara Casey has designed a range of patterns for GlamourOz dolls and the dolls are also available from her website Fletcher Pattern Company

World Doll Day

Michael Canadas of the Grovian Doll Museum joins host Louisa Maxwell to discuss the origins of World Doll Day and how it has grown into a worldwide celebration of dolls.

This year we will celebrate World Doll Day on June 11, 2022. World Doll Day is not just for doll enthusiasts but a day for everyone to give or share the special joy a doll can bring.

World Doll Day was established in 1986 by Mildred Seeley the renowned doll expert, author and collector. Just as she shared her love of dolls through her books Mildred wanted to establish a day to celebrate the importance of dolls as playthings and the importance of play in society at large.

Mildred Seeley’s Letter

The Grovian Doll Museum

Michael Canadas and David Robinson of the Grovian Doll Museum are planning a big celebration for World Doll Day with workshops and presentations by noted speakers from the world of Dolls. Learn more at : www.facebook.com/groups/worlddollday

Ghosts in the Museum

Recently The Grovian Doll museum was featured on recently on an episode of the Discovery+ show “Ghost Adventures,” where the ghost hunters recorded disembodied voices and spooky activity in different parts of the historic building that houses the museum. Perhaps the generous spirit behind World Doll Day may calm these restless spirits.

The Spice Girls, Celebrity dolls you really, really want! →

Adam Weatherly  has the world’s largest collections of Spice Girl dolls. It’s over 25 years since the band successfully stormed the charts and Adam is hoping to get the dolls, who are the best selling celebrity dolls in history,  into the Toy Hall of Fame.

The Spice girls bounded on to the music scene with their hit “Wannabe” and their catch phrase ZigaZigAhhhh! They took over TV and music channels, and had multiple worldwide number one singles as well as a movie. 

The Spice girls had their likeness cast in a series of dolls that charted their costume and career history. Adam has over 500 dolls in his collection and has assembled an archive of costumes and prototypes documenting the band. Adam has interviewed many of the artists and designers that contributed to the dolls and hopes to produce and book or documentary about them.

Adam and podcast host Louisa Maxwell share their mutual admiration for the band and the dolls that any celebrity doll collector will really, really want.

The Strong Museum Toy Hall of Fame!

Happy Birthday Barbie!

Barbie is celebrating sixty three years as the world’s top fashion model doll. Barbie has been featured on several episodes of The Doll Podcast and we would like to share some excerpts from our archive.

Learn More: Designing Barbie with Bradley Justice Yarbrough and host Louisa Maxwell

Listen Now: Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts I Heart Radio

Surresh

Barbie, Deboxing & Fashion Forward Dolls with host Louisa Maxwell

Learn More: YouTube sensation Suresh on Barbie, Deboxing & Fashion Forward Dolls

Listen:

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Bleuette and La Semaine de Suzette

A little doll called   Bleuette enchanted generations of  French children for the first half of the twentieth century.  She was launched in 1905 by a children’s magazine called ‘La Semaine de Suzette” where she became a huge success with young readers who dressed her and sewed for her.  More than 1,000 clothing patterns were published for her making Bleuette one of the most fashionable dolls in history. 

Samy Odin

joins host Louisa Maxwell to discuss the history of Bleuette and La Semaine de Suzette.  Samy Odin is a lecturer and author of numerous books on dolls and was the director of the Musée de la Poupée Paris for 25 years.  Now, Samy shares his expertise  and passion for Antique dolls through Chérubins in Paris.

Bleuette and her brother Bambino with La Semaine de Suzette.

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Designing Barbie with Bradley Justice Yarbrough and host Louisa Maxwell

Image Courtesy of Bradley Justice Yarborough.

The original idea for Barbie came from Ruth Handler who headed Mattel toys at the time with her husband Eliott. The team that brought Ruth Handler’s vision to life included Fashion designer Charlotte Johnson, who designed Barbie’s original wardrobe. A more unusual member of this team was  engineer Jack Ryan - whose back round included inventing missiles for the the military.

Engineer and innovative designer Jack Ryan in front of his castle.

Designer Charlotte Johnson. Image Courtesy of Bradley Justice Yarbrough

The First TV commercial featured the result of all the design teams hard work and creativity resulting in Barbie doll and her detailed range of costumes.

Bradley discusses the number one Barbie doll with Rachel Hoffman of the Virtual Doll Convention.

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Ellowyne Wilde, 2022's Hottest Fashion Doll Drop!

This years hottest fashion doll drop is sure to be Ellowyne Wilde!

Robert Tonner’s Ellowyne Wilde.

Designer and sculptor, Robert Tonner, has created many memorable dolls that capture moments of fashion and pop culture.

This years hottest fashion doll drop is sure to be Ellowyne Wilde! She's the Fashion doll who sets the trend - combining different pieces to create her own individual look.

Robert joins Host Louisa Maxwell to share the inspiration behind this new collection and reveals what is in store for Ellowyne Wilde in 2022.

Photos: Robert Tonner and Dolldom Photography

Ellowyne Wilde made a triumphant return last year at 2021’s  Virtual Doll Convention. After a sell out year, Ellowyne is ready to launch a new collection of dolls and fashions for 2022. For more details: The Virtual Doll Convention

Robert Tonner will be at Wonderland Of Play

JUNE 4, 2022 - BRUGGE, BELGIUM

Facebook:WONDERLAND OF PLAY!

Dolls, Centuries of Style Bruce A. deArmond & Louisa Maxwell

Dolls, Centuries of Style

with Bruce A. deArmond

Photographer, author and designer  Bruce A. deArmond’s blog dolledition.com explores the ever evolving love affair between dolls and fashion.

Bruce is an an interior designer who creates signature styes for an international portfolio of hotels, casinos and department stores. He also is passionate about fashion and the role dolls play as models, playthings  and historic artefacts. Bruce’s work in design and retail have given him a unique perspective on the contribution of dolls to fashion as models or reflections of current trends.

Throughout history, dolls have told the story of fashion. As early as the fourteenth century the courts of Europe showcased the latest fashion trends using dolls called Pandoras.  In the nineteenth century elaborate fashion dolls taught girls about fashion and society.  After the ravages of World War Two, Paris couturiers, used dolls in the fashion exhibition Théâtre de la Mode, spreading the word that Paris Haute Couture was back in business. Now, during the pandemic dolls have once more taken to the catwalk for Dior and Moschino with miniature, detailed versions of their couture collections.

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Bruce A. deArmond: The Barry Museum Exhibition, Karen LaMonte: Théâtre de la Mode | VIP Virtual opening

After the ravages of World War Two, Paris couturiers, used dolls in the fashion exhibition Théâtre de la Mode, spreading the word that Paris Haute Couture was back in business.

Dolls have once more taken to the catwalk for Dior with miniature, detailed versions of their couture collections.

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Model Behaviour with Robert Tonner and Louisa Maxwell

Sculptor, artist and fashion designer Robert Tonner joins host Louisa Maxwell to introduce his sensational new Model Behaviour fashion dolls.

Robert Tonner

Model Behaviour the first digital model fashion doll!

Designer Rober Tonner

Robert Tonner has always been at the cutting edge of fashion so it’s no surprise that his latest dolls, the Model Behaviour fashion dolls, are inspired by the latest trend, digital influencers.

With millions of followers virtual influencers like Miquela, Noonoouri and Shudu are changing our perception of beauty and gender.

With his new dolls Robert creates an intricate story of Moire, a digital model and avatar of style, who in real life is Olivia Chase. Robert weaves an intriguing tale between the fantasy that is Moire and the reality of Olivia

There are four dressed dolls or you can mix and match and purchase the fashions separately.

Olivia Chase

The basic doll is Olivia Chase who  can transform her look with different shoulder length wigs in blonde brunette and auburn.

Mixed Media Moire 

Mixed Media Moire  is a dressed doll limited to an edition of  250.   Moire is ready for the club in a black and silver dress. Dramatic make up and flame red hair tcreate an unforgettable look. The Mixed Media Fashion is also sold separately .

Moire

Star Gazing is an elegant evening look for  Moire. Her   auburn hair is swept up in a sophisticated updo and she wears  a  shimmering a blue gown. Limited to an edition of 250 dressed dolls.

The Star Gazing Fashion is also sold separately .

Romantic Notion Moire 

Limited to an edition of 250 dressed dolls. Moire is  a vision in white tulle, trimmed with pearls. Her long blonde hair adds to the air of ethereal romance. 

The Romantic Notion Fashion is also sold separately.

Read the story in the graphic novel “The Fix” by Robert Tonner.

The Fix

Robert Tonner

Robert Tonner reveals the story behind his new Model Behaviour Fashion Dolls Moire and her alter ego Olivia Chase.

Download The Fix by Robert Tonner

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Robert Tonner will be at Wonderland Of Play

JUNE 4, 2022 - BRUGGE, BELGIUM

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Sindy, The Return of a British Icon

Toy designer Rachel Godfroy joins Host Louisa Maxwell to tell us about Sindy’s new look.

Sindy, the British fashion doll that generations of children and adults “love to dress”, is back!  Sindy was originally launched by Pedigree Toys during the swinging 1960’s. A teenager with a mod wardrobe, straight out of London’s ultra fashionable Carnaby street. Sindy has returned and is again embracing the latest trends as a stylist, fashion blogger and influencer, she also enjoys dancing, riding and caring for pets too.

The new Sindy Play Range for children of all ages !

In 2020 British company Kid Kreations, launched a range of six Sindy Dolls for Collectors. The dolls are based on 1980’s Sindy with the orginal Pedigree face sculpt and a new posable body. Each doll wears a fashion reminiscent of  Vintage Sindy looks - like Weekenders. The dolls are  limited to editions of 1,963, the year Sindy was launched.

Now  in 2021 Sindy has returned to the British High Street with a new range of dolls suitable for Sindy collectors of all ages. The Sindy Play Range includes six dolls each with their own themed playset; a fashion boutique, a bakery, a hair salon, a pet parlour, a ballet studio and a riding stable. Each doll comes in a box that can be transformed, with some paper crafting, into a set for the doll we still love to dress and collect.

In Great Britain Sindy is  available now at Sainsbury’s and Argos stores. At the present time Sindy is not available internationally - for now, those of us who live outside the UK will have to rely on British friends to help us add the new Sindy to our collections. Kid Kreations are working hard to bring the new Sindy Play Range to international fans. Collector Sindy is available from: The Sindy Collectors Club

Sindy Collectors Range

KID KREATIONS BRING BACK SINDY FOR A WHOLE NEW GENERATION TO ENJOY

In the UK Sindy is priced at:

• Fashion Blogger - £20

• Sweet Treats - £20

• Salon Stylist - £20

• Ballet Studio - £25

• Pet Parlour - £25

• Riding Club - £35

To find our more about Sindy:

• Facebook: @sindyplayofficial

• Instagram: sindyplayofficial

• Website: www.sindyplay.co.uk 

Learn more about Rachel’s work at :Rachel Godfroy

Crafting with Sindy

Podcasts

The Doll Podcast Latest News

Stuart Holbrook, The Doll as Art, Part 2

Stuart Holbrook, President of Theriault’s Auction house, makes a welcome return to Vienna Austria joining host Louisa Maxwell for Part Two of our Fall 2021 podcast.

Film star and doll collector Jane Withers with Stuart Holbrook President of Theriault’s . Image courtesy of Theriault’s

A hot topic this year has been the discussion of the doll, not just as a historic object but as a piece of art in its own right. Stuart Holbrook and host Louisa Maxwell discuss landmark doll collections with unique pieces of such quality that they cross the line from antique to fine art. Stuart explores the Barry Art Museum with it's world class collection of art at Old Dominion University in Norfolk Virginia, in the USA. The Barry Museum’s doll collection spans three centuries of fashion and society. The dolls are shown alongside great works of art challenging the viewer to see the doll in terms of art and the society that created them. 

For more details about the Barry Museum:

• Collection:https://barryart.emuseum.com/groups/dolls/results

• Visit the blog of Bruce A. deArmond : http://www.dolledition.com/about

Historical Dolls and Automatons in the Barry Art Museum Collection

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We lost a remarkable collector recently, Hollywood Star Jane Withers. She was one of the most famous child stars of the late 1930’s and starred in many movies with Shirley Temple. Jane always played the naughty to Shirley’s nice.  Jane Withers amassed a legendary doll collection she even had gifts given personally to her by Eleanor Roosevelt. Stuart shares his memories of Jane Withers and tells some insider tales about her movies and friendship with Shirley Temple.

SHIRLEY TEMPLE'S LEGENDARY ITALIAN FELT SALON DOLL KNOWN AS "PINKIE" BY LENCI Pinkie Featured in the film Bright Eyes, starring Jane Withers and Shirley Temple. Image courtesy of Theriault’s.

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Artist Dolls

Stuart also predicts that the work of today's doll artists will soon be the much sought after collector prizes of tomorrow. Stuart discusses market trends and the rising interest among collectors in artist dolls. To learn more about these artists and see their work go to the website of The National Institute of American Doll Artists : https://www.niada.org

TWO GERMAN CLOTH MINIATURE DOLLS "BEAUTY AND THE BEAST" BY BAPS. Germany BAPS, late 1940s.image courtesy of https://www.theriaults.com

The Doll Podcast host Louisa Maxwell with guest Stuart Holbrook.

Stuart Holbrook, On the Road, Part 1

Stuart Holbrook, president of Theriault’s Auction house, has made a welcome return to Vienna, Austria. A year ago Stuart joined Host Louisa Maxwell for the first Doll Podcast and here they are, one year on, enjoying coffee and delicious Viennese cake while talking about one of their favourite topics, dolls. 

Stuart has a years worth of adventures to cover, so this episode comes in two parts: Part One Thursday October 14th and Part Two out a week later so be sure to subscribe at Apple Podcasts, I heart Radio or where ever you find you podcasts to get the whole story.

Stuart is well known for travelling the world in pursuit of rare antique dolls and childhood playthings. During 2020 Covid clipped his wings but, as soon as it was safe, he took to the road in the USA to meet doll lovers and unearth treasures. One of the most remarkable discoveries was an English wooden doll and her trousseau dating from the eighteenth century. She achieved a record price of almost $300,000 at Theriault’s in May 2021.

In Part One of our conversation - Stuart fills us in on collector trends and how the demand for dolls rose to new highs in 2020. Covid kept collectors at home but, in these uncertain times, we are reassured by the fact that collectors around the world can meet a through online events, auctions, social media and of course - The Doll Podcast - to share our love of dolls, their place in history and of course our hearts. 

Billye Harris, Shares The Value of Dolls

Listen on: Apple Podcasts

Billye Harris is an appraiser for popular TV series The Antique’s Roadshow on PBS . Billye has had a rich and varied career in the world of dolls and has sought to educate and entertain about the study of dolls and their place in art, craft and social history.

Billye joins The Doll Podcast’s Host Louisa Maxwell to discuss her career in antiques and some of her favourite dolls, she also shares her admiration for the United Federation of Doll Clubs - or UFDC for short. The UFDC is an international organisation that promotes research, education, conservation and the appreciation of dolls. Billye is an active member of the UFDC serving on the Collections Oversight Committee at their renowned doll museum in Kansas City. Her contribution to dolls was recognised when Billye Harris was awarded the UFDC’s Ralph Griffith Award of Excellence for her work promoting dolls.

Billye Harris and the PBS Antiques Roadshow Team. Image courtesy of Billye Harris.

Billye Harris actively promotes the love of dolls through UFDC events and conventions. Here she shares some doll memories with: Sammy Odin, Bradley Justice Yarbrough and a doll friends reunion with : Valerie Fogel, Marshall Martin, Craig Rosborough and Pat Blyth. Images courtesy of Billye Harris.

Billye shares her love for cloth dolls on this episode of the doll podcast. The rare Maggie Bessie cloth dolls were made in the USA by sisters Maggie and Bessie in  Billye’s home state of North Carolina. Images courtesy of Billye Harris.

Billye Harris appraiser on PBS's Antiques Roadshow.

THE DOLL PODCAST

The Doll Podcast brings you the latest news, views and interviews from the world of Dolls. Join us as we get up close and personal with doll experts, designers, creators, and collectors celebrating antique and modern Dolls

The Doll Podcast is presented by Photo Journalist Louisa Maxwell who is fascinated by dolls and their wardrobes as they chart social history in miniature. She has written for Doll Magazine and and presented features on vintage fashion and toys for the Britain’s BBC TV and Radio, ITV and Chanel Four Television.

"I first became fascinated by dolls as a child when my mother gave me her favourite childhood companion a bisque doll. This has been the foundation for my quest to find out more about these dolls and the lives of the children that played with them. During my own childhood I was fascinated by Sindy and Barbie with their fabulous homes and wardrobes. These dolls charted not only fashion history but my own history and this nostalgia continues to fascinate collectors as many wish to find that toy that brings back the magic of child hood."

The Grovian Doll Museum with Michael Canadas

Doll Museums are becoming more of a rarity but the Grovian Doll Museum  has taken an innovative stance to make their collection a success. Museum director's Michael Canadas and David Robinson  curate rare dolls, doll’s fashions, furnishings and accessories. They also organise lectures and workshops in the museum and online making their collection accessible to all.  The museum is part of the Carmel Doll Shop established by Michael and David in 1989, in Carmel, California. They attract collectors from around the world who seek fine dolls, dollhouses and toys. 

Michael and David also share their expertise through presentations for the United Federation of Doll Clubs at events and conventions. The Grovian Doll Museum is an opportunity for them to to help educate and entertain the doll collecting public and raise funds various charitable organisations.

In 1864 Miss Rose Percy  started her career  as a charity fundraiser during the American Civil War raising funds for wounded soldiers. Her stunning wardrobe included jewels from Tiffany’s and an extensive wardrobe of embroidered finery. Today she continues her charity work with the patronage of the Grovian Doll Museum.

Museum directors Michael Canadas and David Robinson 

Michael Canadas of the Grovian Doll Museum.

Dare Wright and The Lonely Doll

Dare Wright photographed and wrote the best selling series of The Lonely Doll Books. They tell the story of Edith, a doll that wants to find friends and when two bears enter her life, love and acceptance come too. Dare’s haunting and beautiful black and white images not only convey Edith’s adventures but also the moments of loneliness refecting the fears and isolation many of us face in childhood. Perhaps it is this honesty  that has made the books so enduring.

Dare Wright’s goddaughter, actor and writer Brook Ashley featured in several of Dare’s books and has now written a biography of Dare Wright. Her book is a unique and intimate portrait with more than four hundred of Dare’s own photographs, self portraits, family snaps and stills from her books. The book reveals the story behind the enigmatic images that have cast a spell over generations of children and adults.

Photographer Dare Wright.

Brook Ashley

Dare Wright’s Goddaughter.

Brook and Edith

Photograph By Dare Wright

Dare Wright’s mother, Edith Stevenson Wright (Edie), was one of the 20th century’s most accomplished American portrait artists.

Dare photographing her  Madame Pompadour Lenci Doll for Lona, A Fairy Tale.

Dare and her brother Blaine.

Edith and Little Bear. Photography by Dare Wright.

Wilde about Ellowyne with Robert Tonner and Host Louisa Maxwell

Since their launch in 1991 Robert Tonner’s dolls have captured the imagination of collectors worldwide. His dolls have won numerous awards and have the distinction of being exhibited in the Museum of Decorative Arts at the Louvre in Paris.

Robert Tonner is about to launch a new edition of a firm favourite, Ellowyne Wilde with an all new sculpt and  range of costumes. Ellowyne will be launched in March 2021 and we can’t wait to hear all the exciting details.

Petal Pusher 16" Dressed doll with rooted saran hair.

LIMITED TO 200 DOLLS | PRICE $250.00 | Available to registered participants of the Shoot for the Stars Virtual Doll Convention

Ellowyne Wilde, The Virtual Doll Convention

Robert Tonner creates magical worlds with his dolls and tells stories of haute couture, literature, action and adventure. Not only has he created chic fashion dolls but realised meticulous sculpts of Hollywood film heroes: Scarlett O’Hara, Harry Potter, Superman, Spiderman, Laura Croft and many more iconic characters. 

He brings a fresh perspective to doll making breaking down barriers with the first transgender doll  Jazz Jennings. He celebrates style at any age with his doll of super model Carmen Dell'Orefice, still strutting the catwalks in her 80’s. He created  Emme the first plus size fashion doll reflecting contemporary discussions about our perception of beauty and whether size matters?

To Robert Tonner doll making is just like fashion design - he recognises the need for dolls to be setting trends rather than following them.

TAKING SHAPE

16" Dressed doll with rooted saran hair

LIMITED TO 150 DOLLS | PRICE $235.00 | Available to registered participants of the Shoot for the Stars Virtual Doll Convention

Ellowyne Wilde at The Virtual Doll Convention

TURNING HEADS OUTFIT

LIMITED TO 125 OUTFITS | PRICE $125.00 | Available to registered participants of the Shoot for the Stars Virtual Doll Convention

FACE TIME OUTFIT

Face Time Outfit

LIMITED TO 125 OUTFITS | PRICE $125.00 | Available to registered participants of the Shoot for the Stars Virtual Doll Convention

THE 2021 VIRTUAL DOLL CONVENTION MARCH 26-28, 2021.

The new Ellowyne Wilde Doll is available to registered participants of the Shoot for the Stars Virtual Doll Convention.

Robert Tonner shares his fabulous collection of dolls with Rachel Hoffman.

Louisa Maxwell unboxing Grace by Robert Tonner in February 2021.

Rachel Hoffman on the Doll Podcast with

Louisa Maxwell

The Virtual Doll Convention

Learn More

Tamara Casey of Designs by Jude

will be giving a Sewing Class and FREE Pattern at the Shoot for the Stars Virtual Doll Convention. You can learn more about her patterns:

Robert Tonner New Dolls for 2021!

Robert Tonner will be returning to The Doll Podcast later in the year to reveal his new dolls for ‘Sideshow”

Paris Collection, French Dolls & Treasures

Samy Odin served as the director of the Musée de la Poupée-Paris for twenty five years, during that time he was fortunate enough to curate exhibitions with  some of the world’s most beautiful and precious dolls .

 Samy is an author of numerous books on dolls and shares his expertise lecturing at conventions and exhibitions. He also host’s doll tours of Europe, with exclusive access to  collections not normally available to the public. Now with his new venture Chérubins Samy not only explores the world of dolls but of artefacts representing the lives of children through history. 

 Samy joins us on The Doll Podcast from Paris to discuss the beautiful and chic French Fashion dolls and tell us about his life and work.

Podcast Link: https://thedollpodcast.buzzsprout.com

Above: Violette and her extensive wardrobe and accessories.

Above : Lilas a Rohmer doll from the Napoleon III Era .

Above: A Bru Fashion Doll with a wooden body and a fabulous trousseau by the Haute Couture designers Maison Worth.

Samy is the author of numerous books including the Bilingual book "Brimborions" accessories and other trinkets for fashion dolls. A Chérubins edition.

It is the first in a collection of books "Les Friandises". The book pays tribute to the miniature world and the trinkets of times past that thrill so many doll collectors today. The treasures are based on the private collection of Marie-Claude Wagner.

To find out more about Chérubins, Samy’ Odin’s books, and doll tours:

https://www.facebook.com/cherubinsparis