In 1895, Beatrice Alexander was born to émigré parents who, like so many other Eastern Europeans, fled the pogroms of late 19th century Russia to freedom in New York. Beatrice's father Maurice founded America's first doll hospital, The Alexander Doll Hospital which was located on Grand Street on Manhattan's Lower East Side, a teeming mecca for immigrants. Though she grew up in the slums within the heart of the city's melting pot, Beatrice was influenced by the wealthy carriage trade that frequented her father's shop and was determined to rise above her station as a working-class clerk. This proved to be a difficult challenge as World War I brought an American embargo against German goods and dolls, the mainstay of the Alexander family business, fell into this category. Determined to help provide for her family and to create a doll that didn't break like the German porcelain dolls of the time, Beatrice and her sisters decided to make cloth Red Cross Nurse dolls in honor of the women who risked their lives on the front lines of the war. The dolls were an instant success.
In 1923, just three years after the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote, Beatrice began her business at a time when women were still an unusual sight in the workplace. Working out of her kitchen with only $1,600 worth of operating capital, Beatrice adopted the title of "Madame" and started a cottage industry business which subsequently moved to a studio in downtown Manhattan. There, Beatrice conceived the ideas for new dolls, helped to sew the dolls and their costumes, and developed shop accounts, determined not to let the male retailers and wholesale suppliers that she dealt with daily take advantage of her. Though the business was doing well, in order for it to grow Beatrice knew she must obtain a loan. She paid a visit to a bank officer who advanced her the money but seemed skeptical of her ability to succeed, viewed her as a poor risk and told her so. In turn, Beatrice made good on her vow to repay the loan before it became due and she never borrowed from his bank again.
Over the years, despite the rationing and materials shortages of the Depression and World War II, Madame Alexander's company defied the odds not just to survive, but to thrive. Under Madame Alexander's direction, The Alexander Doll Company introduced a series of "firsts" that have shaped the doll industry:
- creating composition dolls with painted features and sleep eyes
- using distinctive face molds
- bringing feature baby dolls to market
- creating dolls in honor of living people
- issuing the first doll based on a licensed character which led to the creation of dolls based on characters from popular motion pictures
- pioneering the use of hard plastic as a new medium for the creation of dolls
- introducing the first full-figured haute couture doll (Cissy™) who, in 1956 and 1957 was used in ads for Yardley toiletries and cosmetics that appeared in magazines like Ladies' Home Journal and McCalls
In 1930, seeking to capitalize on her early success, Madame Alexander created an "Alice in Wonderland" doll and after the outstanding popularity of these dolls, shrewdly reissued the doll in 1933 after the release of the Paramount film starring W.C. Fields, Charlotte Henry and Cary Grant. Again capitalizing on the Depression era popularity of the cinema and Hollywood's "Dream Factories," Madame Alexander released her Little Women dolls to coincide with the release of the Katherine Hepburn film in 1933. Similar success was attained with dolls released in conjunction with Walt Disney's "The Three Little Pigs" and other notable films of the day.
An ardent fan of the cinema, Mildred, Madame Alexander's 18-year-old daughter recognized early on the value of Shirley Temple's sunny, hopeful optimism during the aptly-named Depression. However, underestimating the iends. Toasting with a glass of Champagne at midnight, New Year's Eve Alex wore a moss green gown (secured with a real working zipper) overlaid with fine, iridescent bronze net. Flower appliqués of bronze and iridescent green sequins cut a curving swathe around the scoop neckline and down the length of the dress and the same appliqués were also echoed on her evening sandals. Draped off-the-shoulder sleeves flowed into a sheer train of brown and green organza, creating movement and added interest. Alex accessorized with dangling bronze earrings and a coordinating sequin bracelet and wore her dark brown hair parted down the middle to fall simply to her shoulders.
Mardi Gras is always a wild party and this year is no exception. Alex has been invited to a very exclusive costume ball that advance New Orleans buzz says will be the hottest, can't-miss event of the season. In keeping with the festive theme of the occasion, Alex has chosen to wear a pale pink strapless dress with a form-fitting bodice that closes with a real working zipper. Below, a skirt of pale pink ostrich feathers billows from hip to mid-calf, the feathers trailing to create a graceful, floating hem. Pale pink raw silk "straps" fasten on either side of the neckline to form the base of a dramatic standing collar of ostrich feathers that fan out from the shoulders to resemble the plumage of a rare exotic bird. Around her neck Alex will wear a necklace of graduated crystal drops suspended from a silver collar and her evening sandals also feature double straps of glittering crystals. To complement this ensemble, Alex plans to wear her dark hair in an impressive cluster of tumbled curls atop her head, but it is her makeup that will be really special. Rather than wear a mask, for the evening shades of pink and lilac makeup will be used- from above the brow to the middle of the cheekbone - to simulate the wings of a butterfly, the edges outlined with iridescent glitter. It should be quite a party.
Invited to attend the Music Video Awards, Alex knows that these occasions are really just a fashion show where the music is almost incidental. Each year, participants at this awards show trot out their coolest, grooviest togs and make the scene to be seen! To strike just the right note, Alex has selected an evening gown with edgy style - a floor-length, simulated black alligator dress (secured with a real working zipper) with a gleaming surface finish that catches the light and a cut that follows every curve. On the bodice, feathers in shades of red and orange fan upwards towards the face like the feathers of a phoenix rising from the flames. Alex's matching black evening bag also features these exotic plumes and other accessories include simple strappy black sandals and a black openwork choker. Alex's black shoulder-length hair will be kept relatively simple, straight with curled ends and bangs swept to one side, and her eye makeup will be dark and smoky, her lips a dark red.
Casual, yes, but with a nod toward Hollywood glamour. This was Alex's approach to the outfit she planned to wear to attend the opening of Sunset Grille, one of Malibu's hot new restaurants. To achieve this effect, Alex wore funky low-slung bronze vinyl pants (fastened with a real working zipper) that were sleek and a more than a little daring when paired with a bronze sheer organza tie shirt and a fabulous beaded bra top beneath. Around her bare midriff, a spectacularly simple gold double-strand belly chain accentuated the positive, and was the only item of jewelry worn with this outfit. Bronze evening sandals and a beaded evening bag to match the bra top are just the right accessories, and Alex wore her straight, below-the-shoulder coppery hair slightly curled under at the end, with bangs framing her face.
Cyber Launch Alex. Knowing that the next Internet wave is about to hit, Alex is preparing to reach for the beach by launching the new Élan webzine. After all the hard work and high hopes, Alex wants to rocket this new venture into cyberspace with style and has chosen a deceptively simple little black dress to do it in. Made of a slinky, stretchy fabric, the dress is sleeveless and form-fitting through a bodice fastened with a real working zipper, and the skirt falls in gentle folds to the ankle. A leather turtleneck collar is a standout feature and echoes the knee-length black "alligator" boots Alex has selected to wear with the dress. To compliment this look of understated elegance Alex wears a black headband to hold back her sleek blonde hair and carries a black zipper-top handbag.
On a recent, very busy, trip to Milan to touch base with established designers and meet new talent on the scene, Alex still found time to do a little shopping, and Milano Alex is her coveted find. A pair of slim-fitting cranberry wool trousers fastened with a real working zipper are topped by a soft capped sleeve turtleneck sweater in the same shade. Over this, an ankle-length suede coat is also stunning in cranberry, and short black boots and a black leather tote are sharp contrasts in color. Alex's dark hair falls from a side part in waves to her shoulders and her eyes are an intense blue.
Despite the dizzying pace of past year, to her great personal satisfaction, Alex managed to finish the book she was writing on vintage fashion. Now that the publication date had passed, a whirlwind book tour is on the itinerary and packing a stylish, versatile and travel-friendly outfit is paramount. To fit the bill and take her from book signings to morning show interviews, Book Tour Alex wears a flattering black suit that comes with both a trim, knee-length black skirt and tailored black trousers. The black jacket features a striking detachable red faux fur collar that picks up the beautiful shade of red in the tight long-sleeve tee and sheer red print blouse that can be worn beneath either suit variation. A pair of black boots to wear with the trousers and black pumps to wear with the skirt cover all of Alex's footwear bases, and she brings along a red patent leather, half-moon shaped handbag, a black leather shoulder bag with a chain strap, and a black leather travel bag. (Alex's sweater, skirt, boots, and travel bag all fasten with a real working zipper.) And, after packing lingerie, stockings, gold earrings and an all-important hair clip, Alex is nearly ready to face the press and her public. Nearly. Before hitting the book tour trail Alex will have to grab the necessities contained in the new Book Tour Accessories Travel Kit. The kit contains indispensable items such as a smart black "crocodile"briefcase and matching agenda book to keep track of every important engagement, an elegant watch with a silver bezel, black velvet strap and red face, a copy of Alex's new book, "Alex's Closet - Vintage Clothing, An Expert View," a black fountain pen to sign all those books, a lined pad for note-taking, a bottle of "designer" mineral water, and her set of keys. Book Tour Alex has bent-knees for maximum poseability.
The holidays should be extra-special for Alex this year, giving her a chance to relax, catch up with family and friends, and generally take a brief breather from the challenge of running a hot, new magazine. Collectors can now bring Alex's home to their own homes with the new Santa Baby gift set, a holiday scene in an elegant home environment that comes to life simply by unfolding the template found in the Santa Baby box. Built of sturdy chipboard construction, once unfolded, the template reveals the "wallpapered" walls and "hardwood floors" of Alex's living room. A white "wood" and "marble" mantel and fireplace are a focal point of the room and a round table (easily assembled) to be covered with a Christmas-green satin tablecloth is another welcoming element. Also included are a cranberry wreath, gold planters and other decorative elements, a carpet, small gifts, holiday cards for the mantelpiece, a punchbowl and andirons for the hearth. Posing Santa Baby Alex against this warm and welcoming backdrop is a very pretty sight. She wears a lovely two-piece holiday outfit of a sleeveless dress (secured with a real working zipper) with a rolled collar, fitted bodice, and drop waist in rich crimson satin. The matching evening coat is lined in contrasting blush pink silk, and features a round neckline so that when worn with the dress, its rolled collar doubles as one for the coat. A jeweled wreath brooch anchored on the collar is a lovely festive accent, as are matching crimson silk sling back heels and a bow-tied green and crimson velvet clutch purse. Alex wears her hair in a sophisticate cropped gamine hairstyle that frames her face, drawing attention to her large, almond-shaped blue eyes. An attractive, holiday-inspired shopping bag filled with wrapped presents is also included in the set for when Alex is ready to "play Santa."
The Ocean Drive Collection
Due to shoot the new collections in South Beach, Florida, Alex knew that she would also have to have the right wardrobe to throw herself into the wild nightlife of hot Miami clubs and restaurants. To achieve just the right look and attitude for the high-energy South Beach scene, Alex turned to designer Tim Alberts, appreciating his ability to translate the fashion runways of Paris, Milan and New York into fashion as art. Inspired by the colors and pulsing beat of South Beach, Tim created his chic new Ocean Drive Collection just for Alex.
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of South Beach is definitely the surf and sand populated by fit and tan bodies. Named for Alex's favorite Miami Beach hotel, "The Tides" is now also the name of the swimsuit she will wear for a day on the sand. A metallic gold and white maillot with halter straps is a glamorous basic that is elegant when worn with a sheer gold and white print sarong cover up. To shield her from the sun's strong rays, Alex will wear a hot pink straw picture hat with a cupped, turned-down brim and fashionable while sunglasses. To carry her comfortably over sun-baked sands, Alex has white wedgies and will carry a hot pink drawstring beach bag. But the most indispensable item? A white beach towel for poolside or beach use. The new "Tides" dolls come in three versions, a redhead with blue eyes, blonde with green eyes or brunette with brown eyes, and all three versions have bent-knees.
New Outfits from the Ocean Drive Collection
For doing some shopping at some of South Beach's most prestigious boutiques, the Ocean Drive ensemble is a terrific choice. A silk dress with a looping turquoise and white pattern features a keyhole halter neck that crosses at the front and wraps around to be fastened at the nape of the neck, and the dress is secured at the back with a real working zipper. A white straw picture hat with a cupped, turned-down brim, a matching straw shoulder bag, white sunglasses with turquoise lenses, white high-heeled sandals, and gold hoop earrings finish the look. And Alex's many purchases (classified as "research," of course) are contained within three pastel shopping bags included with the outfit. (Outfit only, sold separately.)
The perfect choice to host the luncheon she has planned on location for staff, Alex has selected "Soleil." Suited to her status as a "golden girl," Alex wears a shimmering gold short-sleeve blouse of moire silk with a cream punched leather skirt which is secured at the back with a real working zipper. A gold chain belt loops around her waist and with high-heeled "snakeskin" mules she carries a matching white leather and caramel "snakeskin" shoulder bag. Gold and "diamond" earrings will glitter at her ears and a pair of gold sunglasses are a final, finishing touch. (Outfit only, sold separately.)
While supervising a shoot in a sun-drenched locale, it is a primary mandate to be a) cool; and b) comfortable. And it doesn't hurt to look pretty and chic, either. This is why the new "Laguna" ensemble is one outfit that really works. It consists of a sleeveless patterned midriff top in shades of blue and green with a tie front to be worn with turquoise silk shantung clamdiggers fastened with a real working zipper and a cloth hat in the same turquoise shade. Underneath, a black halter bikini top will really cut the heat as the midday sun climbs high in the sky. Finally, black leather slides, a denim shoulder bag with colorful beaded fringe, sunglasses with black frames and blue lenses, earrings, and a leather ponytail accessory helps to pull it all together. (Outfit only, sold separately.)
Wearing the right clothes for the right occasion instills confidence in the wearer, and this is a lesson Alex learned long ago. The right clothes in this case include the new "Tropicana" ensemble. A wrapped blouse with a full, ruffled shawl collar is fantastic in iridescent hot pink silk and, when paired with a white ankle-length pleated skirt patterned with gold shapes, the whole look is breathtaking. Gold high-heeled sandals, elaborate hanging "Indian" earrings, a gold chain necklace with pearl pendants and a straw palmetto fan are perfect accompaniments. (Outfit only, sold separately.)
When planning to hit some of South Beach's hippest clubs, Alex reached for the new "Atlantico" ensemble, one of her grooviest outfits. Ideal for dancing - and being noticed while you do it - "Atlantico" consists of a cool sequined aqua halter top with a sexy, laced back that ties at the waist. Wide-legged, silk georgette trousers in the same shade of aqua reveal a glimpse of midriff above the draw-string waist and coordinating high-heeled sandals add a few extra inches of height. With the addition of long, dangling silver and aqua earrings, a pearl and aqua beaded choker, and a little evening shoulder bag on a chain-link strap, Alex is ready to experience the magic of the Miami moon. (Outfit only, sold separately.)
New Outfits from the Woman of the Year Collection
When it is finally possible to grab a few precious days of R&R, Alex loves to head for the slopes where, invigorated as much by the Vermont scenery as the bracing chill in the air, she can mentally regroup and recharge before heading back to resume her challenging roster of responsibilities. For schussing down the slopes (or even for just a good, old-fashioned snowball fight), Alex is right on in the "Sugar Mountain" ensemble, an ice-blue turtleneck sweater with stretchy, deep sapphire ski pants. A zip-front pale blue parka with a real working zipper, also has a quilted lining and an elasticized waist embellished with an ornamental band of blue and silver snowflakes. The border of white faux fur trim on the attached hood matches the fur used to create Alex's aprés-ski boots, creating the image of a very attractive snow bunny, indeed. (Outfit only, sold separately.)
A quiet weekend away with friends in Rhode Island is also another welcome respite for Alex and the "Newport Drive" ensemble is definitely the "what" in "what to wear." Equally great for a walk by the water or dinner at a casual restaurant, "Newport Drive" features a pair of form-fitting black jeans with a real working zipper and a short matching jacket. Underneath, a cropped argyle sweater is just trendy enough to compliment her cool black boots and gold hoop earrings. (Outfit only, sold separately.)
Introducing Paris
Once Élan was off and running like a runaway train, Alex realized that an important part of her formula for continuing success would be to surround herself with good people who had a passion for their chosen profession and the talent to be successful within it. When the time came to engage a new Entertainment editor, she knew unhesitatingly that her long-time friend Paris was the only choice. When students at FIT, they both studied fashion journalism, became roommates and close friends, establishing a bond that held despite the fact that their careers often carried them to different ends of the globe. Hip, savvy, knowledgeable, well-liked and very connected, Alex knew that Paris would be an indispensable asset for the Élan, and was delighted that the new position would have them circulating in the same orbit again - at least some of the time.
When informed that she was to receive the Woman of the Year award, Alex asked that Paris be allowed to present it to her, making the experience even more meaningful for them both. Both thrilled at the honor and touched by her friend's gesture, Paris knew she would have to wear an outfit for the ceremony that would befit the significance of the occasion. Since Paris would be making her first appearance as Entertainment editor of Élan, in many respects, the awards ceremony was also her own debut and she chose accordingly. For the big night, the clear winner was the Grand Entrance ensemble, a ball gown of burnt orange silk with a low neckline and slender straps of tiny sapphire beads, the glorious orange color beautifully complementing her warm, deep brown complexion. The fitted bodice tapers to a dropped waist with a full skirt falling in voluminous folds to the floor and is fastened with a real working zipper. Sapphire and burnt orange beads cluster within copper outlines to form embroidered blossoms which are scattered on the skirt, with a single flower ornamenting the bodice. The dress is lined in a deep purple silk, matching a wrap of the same material with beaded fringe at the ends. The skirt is given extra "ballast" by a deep blue organza petticoat and on her feet she wears organza evening sandals of the same hue. A small rhinestone purse is Paris' only other accessory for the evening and her hair has been swirled into a glorious mass of tumbling ringlets, anchored with a few sapphire beaded hair pins. Paris' beautiful African American complexion is only slightly enhanced with blush, her almond-shaped eyes accentuated with smoky makeup and her lips are a deep crimson.
Even an Entertainment editor can get a little weary of endless parties, but when the chance arises for Paris to enjoy a relaxed dinner with friends at a favorite restaurant, she reaches for La Concorde. When dressing for such an evening, Paris loves to wear her burgundy suede knee-length skirt with a funky sleeveless knit sweater striped with wine, ivory, brown, and orange, both pieces secured with a real working zipper. She tops this off with a matching burgundy suede knee-length coat, fully lined in mauve satin, with a fabulous fluffy burgundy faux fur collar. Wine colored pumps and gold earrings make for simple accessorizing, and a wine "crocodile" handbag is a must-have to carryall. (Outfit only, sold separately.)
Accessory Kits
This year, Madame Alexander® is pleased to introduce new accessory kits to add dimension and variety to Alex and Paris' wardrobes. In addition to the Pashmina Kit, the Misty Magic and Sensual Essential Lingerie Kits, and the Cape Cod and Dinner And A Movie outfits that debuted last year, the Alex accessory collection now also includes the Alex Hair Kit, Finishing Touches, and the Book Tour Travel Kit (mentioned above).
The Alex Hair Kit provides just about everything Alex will need to create a wide range of versatile hairstyles for every occasion. It includes blonde, brunette, and redhead wigs, a variety of hair clips, beaded barrettes and trendy hair stix. All comes packaged in a neat little hatbox bearing Alex's name and her signature pink-and-black colors.
The new Finishing Touches Kit provides a way to accessorize that most women will envy! It features three chic little handbags with coordinating shoes - a natural straw handbag with leather handles in a bucket shape with a large pink blossom embroidered on the front is paired with pale pink and white bow-topped sandals; a black leather shoulder bag with pink roses embroidered on the flap closure is matched with black mules adorned with the same embroidery; and a black handbag glittering with black beading is perfect with black punched leather high-heeled sandals.
The Alexander Doll Company, a New York-based company with a factory in Harlem, is now celebrating its 78th 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
