Dolls back in time: dolls of historic design

There are quite a few artists who design and create dolls of the present time. Constructing dolls with the latest fashions and even themes, such as fashion couture of tailored shapely, pencil skirts, fitted satin blouses, hair coiffed to perfection, a red hand bag and those high heeled stilettos. Or how about the punk style dolls, with long black bondage jackets that look straight out of the movie the Matrix? Studded lapels and for the girls of punk wear, short red and black plaid skirts, and black wedged high heel boots; very intriguing and fresh.

However, freshness and intrigue can be found also in dolls of historic designs, like that of the 15th and 16th century; The designs that relate to the Queen Elizabeth I of England or of the Elizabethan era. Costuming would also portray the fashions during the time of Shakespeare. It is a style that some doll artists choose to express their appreciation of this time frame and to indulge their serious seamstress abilities. With their techniques they concentrate on working tirelessly on designs that are true to the historic period; capturing the costuming of that era with antiqued designs, using luxurious fabrics; Fabrics such as heavy velvets, trimmed with brocades, lace overlays and fine beadwork. The organza made ruffles around the neck of the dolls costuming, would draw a lineage and bring a remembrance to viewers of the Shakespearean time and historic fashion wear.

Dolls of historic fashion would also have embroidery of gold and silver on their gowns; pearls delicately planted on a dress of silk velvet. Blue folds of taffeta and red, gold brocade; decorates the gown and presents a vision of colors that can illuminate the calm of the night; overlaying the dress with a silk velvet coat. These types of costumed dolls would have a doll collector view them with loving and goo gaily eyes.
Jewelry is added to the costuming. Brooches and fine faux ruby drop necklaces that beautify the dolls elegance and richness; the large fancy hats of felt and silk feathers, silk gloves, wraps with subtle fur collars and beaded tassels. These are dolls designed for the fashions of the past. The dolls are a vision to the history of these fashions. But who are these artists who so lovingly create dolls and doll costuming of this kind? Stay tune to read about some artists who put their hearts into creating historic doll pieces. For comments and questions on this article, email Elizabeth.