Alexandra Fairchild Ford, editor-in-chief of the hottest fashion magazine on the street, has taken the publishing world by storm since the launch of her magazine, Élan, just two years ago. But despite her success and glamorous, jet-setting lifestyle, "Alex" has a classic American style. This year has been an especially busy one with the launch of Élan online and the creation of European versions of the magazine. But one project close to Alex's heart is the sponsorship of "Élan Live!", a fashion show road trip across the country. These cross-country travels include stops in Newport, Chicago, Louisiana, Texas, Colorado, and Los Angeles and with so much time logged on the road, a chic and versatile wardrobe is essential.

For Alex, creating and then building upon Élan's initial success at times seemed a task of monumental proportions and she knew that it would probably not have been possible if she hadn't had the full support of her best friend and the magazine's Entertainment Editor, Paris. Elegant, worldly and in-the-know, Paris always has the inside track on all the entertainment news, but while she has become an important asset to Elan in her role as editor, she has become even more indispensable to Alex as a friend. This year, interviews with the hottest music acts, attendance at movie premieres and award shows will require a versatile wardrobe that is exciting, fashionable, and, most of all, packable!!

Closer to home, Élan's New York offices have relocated to a new loft space which was redesigned to reflect the spirit and style of the magazine by talented young architect Jade Lee. Inspired by her Asian heritage, Jade incorporates the traditional cultural emphasis on balance and harmony into her architectural designs but gives them a fresh, original and modern sensibility. Jade also adopts the same approach to her own personal style and had every opportunity to showcase her hip fashion sense when she was honored recently as "Architect of the Year" in her hometown of San Francisco. Alex so admired Jade's design and fashion instincts that not only did she commission the architect to design some pieces of furniture for her home, but she also asked her to be the guest editor of Élan's "On Image" column for an upcoming issue.

First Stop: Newport
Becoming one of the most popular fashion magazines takes vision, dedication, faith and most of all, hard work. Knowing the Élan staff needed to recharge and enjoy some well-earned R&R away from the City heat, publisher Richard Sebastian hosted a creative retreat at his beachfront home in Newport, Rhode Island over the 4th of July weekend. Seizing the rare opportunity to sleep in, Alex enjoyed a leisurely Breakfast at the Breakers while lounging in crisp navy-and-white-striped cotton pajamas and a coordinating white pique robe with navy piping details and an embroidered "A" over the breast pocket. White wedge sandals with a ruched, navy and white polka-dot strap double as ideal bedroom slippers. The 16-inch Breakfast at the Breakers Alex dressed doll is available as a Brunette with turquoise eyes, a Blonde with green eyes and a Honey Blonde with topaz eyes.

Alex fell in love with the furniture Jade created at Sebastian's home and asked Jade to reproduce the set for her home. Marrying form with function, Jade was guided by the fundamental precepts of feng shui. With emphasis on environmental balance and harmony of form and materials, Alex's New Retreat includes an armless easy chair with a squared back and seat and a matching ottoman all covered in dusty blue taffeta. The chair is accented with a matching loose back cushion and both the chair and ottoman are detailed with a line of piping and box-pleated skirts in the same fabric. Also included is an Indonesian-influenced faux bamboo square side table with a walnut finish and a pair of faceted candlesticks that make a lovely table-top accent.

Even though the day was cool and cloudy, Alex felt that nothing revives the spirits and regenerates creativity more balmy ocean breeze, and set off to stroll along Newport's famed Cliff Walk for inspiration. Grass green-and-white plaid trousers paired nicely with a fitted white batiste blouse with a gathered bust and light khaki raincoat with matching plaid trim on the collar. A green silk chiffon scarf, white zippered boots, and an adorable bucket-style "watermelon" handbag complete the ensemble. Cliff Walk is sold as an outfit only.

The Fourth of July is certainly the perfect occasion to dress with updated American style and when Alex arrived for the holiday buffet luncheon wearing Beach Club she set off some fireworks of her own. She looked cool and fresh on the warm day in a navy-and-white polka-dot sundress with a fitted waist, full skirt and shoulder-tied straps. The dress is banded at the neck and hemline with rick-rack trim and illusion border above a white border and a navy and white belt was secured at the waist. Navy and white spectator pumps and matching handbag are finishing touches for this retro-charming outfit. Beach Club is sold as an outfit only.

The Fourth of July festivities were only heating up when the sun went down and Alex was looking forward to the gala being held that evening. Still feeling that navy-and-white vibe, she wore her lovely new Timothy J. Alberts Newport dress. The navy gown has a plunging v-neck halter neckline accented with a flirty white ruffle. The full navy skirt is embroidered with a contrasting white floral pattern as is the scalloped hemline. Keeping accessories simple, Alex wore classic pearl drop earrings, high-heeled sandals with sequined navy and white gingham straps and carried a pretty little navy evening bag with rhinestone-studded circular handles. Newport is a Limited Edition of 1,000 pieces.

After the welcome respite of Newport life, Alex next headed West to Houston, Texas, where Élan was staging another entry in their cross-country fashion show tour. Afterward, a stop at a favorite local spot for some good Texas barbecue was deemed absolutely essential by the entire staff. Familiar with the delicious but messy experience, Alex kept it real and wore Houston Blues, a deceptively simple outfit of jeans and a white t-shirt. Though seemingly casual, Alex's cuffed dark denims have a clever, figure-flattering cut which make the most of her long showgirl's legs. The jeans have yellow stitched detailing and are secured with a snap top button closure and a 24 karat gold-plated zipper embossed with an 'A'. Alex paired her jeans with a simple lined white t-shirt. The shirt has a scoop neck and three-quarter-length sleeves. The outfit gets a little extra All-American oomph from an adorable boxy zippered red handbag and lipstick-red open-toed sandals that coordinate nicely with Alex's choice of toenail polish. Houston Blues is a Limited Edition of 1,000 pieces.

With the very successful Houston show behind her, Alex was once again on the move, this time traveling West to Colorado for the Young Filmmaker's Awards. Glad that "hip/casual" seemed to be the order of the day, she wore Denver Days. Though not directly in the spotlight, Alex nevertheless caused a buzz among the paparazzi when she arrived wearing a café au lait-colored bouclé hooded sweater and slim-fitting coffee bean-colored "leather" jeans. Matching zippered boots and backpack accessorized her together look. Alex wore her curly blonde hair loose to swing around her shoulders, and kept her makeup simple, but created quite a diversion nonetheless. Did anyone actually watch the films?? Denver Days is a Limited Edition of 1,000 pieces.

The next stop for Élan Live was a trip to Arizona for a show at the celebrated spa and resort, Sedona Ranch. There, Alex indulged in a little shopping at a great boutique nearby and, inspired by the local colors of desert and sky, she chose to wear Sedona. She paired a cropped, adobe-colored lace-up silk bustier with a deep "vee" neck with a cream silk skirt with high slits on either side and embroidered with brick-colored paisley flourishes. A simple beaded necklace, lace-up wedgies and a sienna handbag were understated touches to create a finished look. The outfit with its emphasis on a desert-inspired palette, was a great foil for Alex's long auburn hair which was left loose with the sides pulled back from her face and secured by a barrette. Sedona is a Limited Edition of 1,000 pieces.

When it finally came time to return home to New York City, Alex was happy to be returning to her corner of the world. However, with season tickets to the ballet, she wasn't actually home for very long. Attending the City Ballet's opening night performance and gala benefit, Alex took up the favorite mantle of New York women and chose Arabesque, a gown in that fashion-staple color, black. Named for the ballet she was attending, the gown is a graceful off-the shoulder silk dress with cut-out velvet flowers providing tantalizing glimpses of her midriff. The full, floor-length skirt adds to the drama of the gown as do sparkling dangle earrings and a matching choker. Black pumps and an evening bag with jet bead handles are stunning accompaniments. Arabesque is a Limited Edition of 1,000 pieces.

The change of seasons always provides the best excuse in the world to pad the wardrobe with the latest fashions, and Alex knew she'd never be able to resist the siren call of the Extra Texture ensemble. She was also convinced that her new sleeveless, cropped turtleneck top with matching long sweater coat was the find of the season. The color of burnt sienna, the sweater set is knit from a soft, slightly stretchy wool and has an appealing nubby texture. Deep brown croco-embossed "leather" jeans with eyelet ties on either side, sleek black boots and matching black clutch are all elements that make for a very hot look. A rolo-link gold-finished metal belt with a toggle closure provide just the right amount of gleam when slung over her hips and echo the glint of gold from her necklace and matching bracelet. Alex planned to wear her long auburn hair drawn back with loose tendrils framing her face. Extra Texture is a Limited Edition of 1,000 pieces.

For the perfect little cocktail dress, Alex felt like she needed a shot of color and found it in Confetti, a brief little number in a flattering shade of olive. The seamed, form-fitting dress zipped up the back and had beaded halter straps. Confetti is spangled with large, multi-colored paillettes that also add a flirty fringe when suspended from the dress' short hemline. An olive handbag with a beaded handle and trim also sports more of the paillettes, as do the velvet olive mules and the dangling earrings swinging above her shoulders. Confetti is sold as an outfit only.

Faced with a schedule jam-packed with meeting after meeting, Alex knew that Market Meeting would stand her in good stead. An iridescent lilac "leather" jacket has a round neck, detail stitching and snap closures and looks exceptionally chic when worn with a matching shoulder bag punctuated by black grommets. Beneath, a stretchy turtleneck catsuit with flared legs provides a sleek backdrop of black relieved only by the rhinestone buckle of a hip-slung belt and a silver lariat necklace hanging around her neck. High-heeled silver sandals and the glint of silver earrings mirror the iridescence of the jacket. Market Meeting is sold as an outfit only.

As every professional woman knows, there is only one little magic word to remember when contemplating extending your wardrobe: separates, separates, separates. Bearing this in mind, Alex decided it was time to shop for her Sweater Set. Comprised of three versatile components, it includes a button-down, lime sherbet-green cable-knit sweater with a fringed deep vee neckline. The plum sleeveless sweater has a cuffed turtleneck collar and Alex felt it would be a very useful- and pretty - addition to her wardrobe since it would be perfect to pair with jeans, a skirt or even dressy trousers. A blue cable-knit wrapped sweater has long sleeves and a flattering deep vee neckline. Sweater Set includes all three sweaters, dolls sold separately.

Techno Tweed makes a stylish statement for the office and is an easy way to go from day to evening. Alex wore this multi-colored tweed suit lined with iridescent green satin for the cyber launch of Elan and immediately knew she'd chosen well. She received numerous compliments on the fitted jacket and straight knee-length skirt which are elevated beyond the classic by the playful decorative fringe ornamenting the collar, cuffs and hemline. Underneath, a seamed, lace-trimmed "leather" bustier adds a bit of edge which and just a little hint of danger to the mix. High-heeled zippered black boots with silver buckle detailing, a matching black "leather" shoulder bag, and a silver choker and stud earrings complete the ensemble. Techno Tweed is sold as an outfit only.

For an upcoming Élan party, a formal gown was definitely required and Alex thought Twilight the perfect choice for a memorable evening under the stars. Aptly named, Twilight is composed of a deep blue velvet bustier embroidered with large beaded blossoms and a slim, floor-length skirt of iridescent sapphire blue silk satin. A train of the same satin lends a dramatic sweep to the skirt and is sure to look marvelous on the dance floor. A beaded evening bag and a magnificent silver and blue "moonstone" necklace and matching earrings are elegant. To compliment the romantic mood of the outfit, Alex will wear her hair in long coppery curls allowed to flow over her bare shoulders. Twilight is a Limited Edition of 1,000 pieces.

Always taught that the right bag and shoes can make all the difference to an outfit, Alex considered Final Touch a wise investment in versatility. Final Touch consists of a vibrant orange "leather" handbag with stitched detailing to be paired with black and gold brocade slides with matching orange soles, a white handbag with black piping and matching wedge sandals, and a square black iridescent sequin evening bag with "patent leather" open-toed heels.

The Alexander Doll Company, a New York-based company, is now celebrating its 79th Anniversary, continuing the tradition, elegance and innovation of Madame Alexander® dolls with a full line of fine quality, handcrafted collectible dolls, baby dolls and play dolls. The company has created a series of "firsts" that have shaped the doll industry and has always been a pioneer of style and quality in this community. The Alexander Doll Company is the only remaining major manufacturer of handcrafted dolls in America.

For More Information Contact: Sally Fischer Public Relations, 212/246-2977

Alexander Doll Company, 615 West 131st Street, New York, New York 10027 Phone (212) 283-5900, Fax (212) 283-4901