Whether you prefer the glamour of the French court, a touch of history, or your martini shaken but not stirred, one of the artist circle dolls for 2003 is sure to please you.
Pompadour Cissy “Summer”, is the 3rd doll in a series of four, designed by Timothy J. Alberts. Pompadour Cissy “Summer” appears at court in all the golden splendor of the summer sun. This costume called the “grande habite” was the most formal and ceremonial of court wear. All aspects of this gown, from neckline to length of train, were strictly determined by court etiquette. And, a lady’s most important diamond jewelry was a necessary accessory to the gown. Her hair, styled in a mid-18th century powdered hairdo, is decorated with flowers and one of the diamond butterflies Pompadour so loved. The entire gown is made of gold silk embroidered with golden threads and embellished with golden bows. The train, made from the same fabric, can be adjusted for ease of movement.
For 2003, Doug James has opted to tell a story from history, with his design. The tale is that of “Pocahontas”, one of the original Americans, and about the visit she made to the court of James I, in 1616. “Pocahontas”, dressed in English court attire, wears a lavishly trimmed silk charmeuese purple dress with brocade over robe. Underneath, she wears a hoop petticoat. Her jet-black hair is styled quite like it was worn at that time and is adorned with a lace diadem. Black silk shoes and sparkling jewelry are lovely finishing touches. As a gift for the king, she offers a decorative ceremonial peace pipe on a cushion. An interesting aside to history, the Indian Princess, Pocahontas, was buried in England until the 1990’s.
New to the artist’s circle this year, renowned doll creator Mel Odom makes his debut with a Cissy entitled “Cocktails”. Dressed in a iridescent copper taffeta dress with fuchsia undertones, Cissy wears her coppery red hair coiled into a chignon and tied with a black velvet bow. The dress features a wide ruffled hem, and an interesting sash treatment at the waist. A fuchsia tulle petticoat, a black satin, lace and tulle hat, black lace and satin shoes, long black gloves and a necklace complete her ensemble. All that’s needed is the “Cocktails”, and for this Cissy arrives at your door carrying her own martini glass.
The Alexander Doll Company, a New York-based company, is now celebrating its 80th 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.
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