FDQ
SPRING 2009
FASHION DOLL QUARTERLY
Tonner’s New Fashion Muse Tyler’s Getting Married! The Twilight Phenomenon TonnerCon 2009 “On Film”– Crawford and Davis together again!
spring 2009 $10 US $12 canada www.fashiondollquarterly.net
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Empire For all the newest looks visit:
CLOTHING BY HALO REPAINTS Fashions for all 16” dolls
Whttp://www.halorepaints.com W W. H A L O R E P A I N T S . C O M
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*Empire is not affiliated with any doll manufacturer. Layout Design by Matthew J. Powley
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FDQ FASHION DOLL QUARTERLY
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Pat Henry
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Alexandra Forbes
SALES MANAGERS Dorinda Balanecki Marsh Matulionis
SENIOR EDITOR LeeAnn Bernard
FASHION EDITOR AT LARGE Denise Jefferson
FASHION WRITER Amanda Arnold
COPY EDITOR Kathleen Quinn
PHOTOGRAPHER AT LARGE Matt Sky
MARKETING MANAGER Mary Jo Gennaro
CONTRIBUTORS J. David Buttry, Doug James, M. Dalton King, Marsh Matulionis, Sally McDonald, Mercy Neumark, Maryann Roy, Pam Tobey, Angela P. Wade
FDQ MEDIA 299 Eastern Parkway Germantown, NY 12526 USA (212) 961-0662
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PARIS FASHION DOLL FESTIVAL
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FDQ CONTENTS volume 6, issue 1A SPRING 2009
ON THE COVER The latest addition to the wonderful world of Tonner dolls now includes a new muse, Antoinette. This lovely 16-inch fashion doll has the leaner model body and improved articulation, along with a lovely new sculpt. Photo courtesy of Tonner Doll Company
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Letter from the Editor Patchat! Events– Tonner Calendar Twilight Dolls The Wedding: What Will Tyler Wear? by Pat Henry Bette Davis: Never Below The Title by Marsh Matulionis Joan’s Second Wave Last Look
www.lulusdollworld. com
www.lulusdollworld.com
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EDITOR’S LETTER H
ello from IDEX and the Tonner breakfast! By now, you have had the pleasure of seeing the latest fashion doll introduced by Robert. At press time, her name was Antoinette. We say that because our exclusive intel was so advanced, all the details had not yet been finalized! This young lady was quiet and shy in her youth. No one seemed to pay attention to her at all. Then one day, as she blossomed into womanhood, the world began to take notice. Suddenly, she was the inspiration of writers and playwrights, the muse of artists, and the darling of the fashion world. Her languid body and ethereal face made her the golden child of the haute monde. And now, she can be your muse as well.
Antoinette is Robert Tonner’s new muse, and may become yours, too! She makes her first appearance at the IDEX breakfast, with more incarnations to come.
Robert explained that as Tyler’s tenth anniversary approached, he felt that he had done so much for Tyler that the cycle had become complete. He, too, needed a muse. Someone that would inspire new ideas and attitudes in his fashion doll designs. And so Antoinette’s leaner silhouette, fluid articulation and dramatic style gave him a fresh perspective on what he wanted to bring to his line each season.
Which is not to say, of course, that Tyler isn’t having a big year herself! If you haven’t heard, Ms. Wentworth is getting married! Yes, to Matt O’Neil, financier and volunteer fireman. It will be the event of the season, of course. But the biggest question on everyone’s lips is not where or when but what will she wear? And so, we asked our editors, as well as bridal expert Mark Ingram, and Robert himself, what Tyler might design for her own nuptials. Tyler, however, wasn’t talking. For even more drama, take a look at one of the world’s greatest actors, Bette Davis, now immortalized in vinyl by the Tonner Company. Who better to have a fashion standoff with the wildly popular Joan Crawford doll? Just don’t leave them together on the same shelf. You may find them in the morning with their tiny hands wrapped around each other’s throats! The rivalry between these two divas was legendary. While working on “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?”, Miss Davis had a Coca Cola machine installed on the studio set, just to tick off Crawford, who was married to the Chairman of Pepsi Co. Miss Crawford, in turn, stuffed her pockets with weights for scenes in which Davis had to drag her across the floor. It seems a shame that these two great stars were such rivals. Perhaps it was because they were so much alike. Both had numerous marriages, great successes as well as tragedies, and ungrateful daughters who wrote unkind tell-all tomes about their mothers. At least they can live together peacefully in vinyl, even sharing wardrobe. Imagine that! We hope you enjoyed this weekend, and we look forward to seeing you at convention or at the Tonner store. Check out the calendar in this issue to see what’s coming next!
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There is nothing like a new doll. Except, of course, another new doll...
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ow, another big collection to take in this week! Where to even begin? Well, I must have more Joan Crawford, and now of course, Bette has to come home, too. I am blown away by how great Agent 99 looks, from Get Smart. I will definitely be turning Anne into Andy Sachs from The Devil Wears Prada. And I am beside myself with excitement over “Torchwood” and “Dr. Who”. Eve Myles, the actress who plays Gwen Cooper in “Torchwood” is going to be at Comicom in New York City next month, and I love the idea of getting a photo op with “Gwen” and “little Gwen”. (I know, I just admitted to a new level of geekdom right there.) I am also interested in one of the new Narnia characters. I have never read the books or seen the movie, but I think Eva Green is great looking and her Serafina doll looks to be a winner. I will be redressing her in a slinky evening gown and displaying her next to my Daniel Craig figure as James Bond and Vesper Lynd. That’s the beauty part of this doll collecting thing. We have the chance to customize our collection just the way we want it. We can redress, repaint and rearrange any given figure and make them our ideal models and movie stars. Sometimes I am surprised by each collector’s personal choice. I have already seen some fascinating repaints of the Joan Crawford doll, in which she now looks like her own contemporary granddaughter, or someone else completely different.
Sometimes, a new doll with a different wardrobe and paint looks like another character altogether and it gives you a whole new take on that doll. Suddenly, a fellow collector has enabled you into a purchase you hadn’t planned on making. But somehow, it feels good to see a doll in a whole new light. I am looking forward to seeing the new Ellowyne and Evangeline dolls as well. I kept telling myself I didn’t need more dolls or a different line, but then I saw some of the new dolls premiering this weekend and I was sucked in again! Is it because they are new, or are they just getting better and better? Maybe it’s a bit of both. Sometimes it can be as simple as the color of a dress, or a hairstyle. Other times, it can be a memory. I looked at the Janet Lennon Collection and thought, “These dolls remind me of dolls from my childhood”. The warm and nostalgic feeling I got from seeing the charming dresses, and the little record player (there’s a relic from the past!) made me feel like a kid again. Whether it’s nostalgia, high fashion or a favorite movie icon, there is something endlessly inspiring and exciting when a new collection comes out and you find something unique and beautiful that speaks directly to you. It’s what keeps us all coming back for more, I suppose. And if you are lucky, it keeps you inspired, creative and happy as well.v
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FDQ NEWSFRONT On The Calendar: Tomb Raider, Get Smart and Janet Lennon This page: “Dancing With A Spy” Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) in Get Smart.
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ake sure to mark your calendar, so you can be the first in line to see the latest in the Tonner line!
The Tonner Factory Sale is Saturday, March 14th, from 10am1pm. Robert will be at the store for a signing that afternoon, and you will have a chance to get your Twilight dolls, which will be available in limited quantities just for this event! If you are looking forward to getting the new Janet Lennon dolls, make a trip to the store on February 21st and meet Janet and Kathy Lennon, of the singing Lennon Sisters, who will make a personal appearance at the Tonner Company Store along with their Best Pals Rag Doll Collection. We look forward to seeing you there---an afternoon of stories, signing and maybe even a song! The Janet Lennon doll and fashions are simply adorable, bringing to mind favorite fashion doll classics like Tammy. Collectors are already clamoring for “Sweet Dreams” and “Spotlight Seranade” and Janet’s “Cool Tunes” accessory set is a runaway hit! Have you taken a good look at the new Agent 99 doll (right), with the dedicated sculpt based on actress Anne Hathaway? The dolls’ resemblance to Anne is uncanny! Makeover artists will have a great time recreating Anne’s looks in The Princess Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada. As for her award winning turn in Rachel Getting Married– eh, maybe not so much. When you see her in person at the store, you will not be able to leave without her! If you are in the New York City area in February, make sure to visit Robert and the gang at COMICON! Comicon takes place the weekend of February 6-8th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. A weekend pass is $50 per person, kids under 12 are free on Sunday. It’s become an even more amazing and popular event than ever before (beware, the lines are LOOOONNNNNGGGG), with appearances from shows like “Chuck”, Joss Whedon’s “Dollhouse” and even “Torchwood”! You will be able to get a look at Tonner’s Gwen Cooper doll and compare her to her real-life counterpart, actress Eve Myles, who will be 12 •FDQ• www.fashiondollquarterly.net
Spring Social outfit
Spotlight Serenade dressed doll
June Bug outfit
Sweet Dreams basic doll
All American Teen outfit
Toasting Marshmallows outfit
When they were children, even before America embraced them, Kathy and Janet Lennon (two of the legendary Lennon Sisters) were inseparable. They were “Best Pals” in every way. They grew up holding hands and taking care of one another. It has always been their dream to record their favorite childhood songs and recreate their homemade rag dolls, of which they recently launched their own collection of rag dolls under the Best Pals Collection – click here for the Best Pals website. Robert Tonner is proud to present Janet Lennon™, a 15-inch fashion doll with multiple articulated movement and crafted in fine quality vinyl and hard plastic. Janet Lennon™ features precise details prized in he collectible doll arena such as rooted saran hair and hand-painted facial details.
Cool Tunes Accessory Set
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appearing at a special “Torchwood” sneak peek screening of the new episode “Torchwood: Children of Earth”! SQUEEE! (That’s a fangirl screaming with excitement!) . Also in attendance, a very special Lara Croft special Comicon edition from Tonner, “Forging Excalibur” Lara Croft, a limited edition of only 100 pieces! You can find the Tonner gang at booth 1127 at the Javits Center. Make sure to check out Lara in “Full Throttle”, shipping now! There are 300 pieces of this hotness, so make sure to put your $169.99 down on the table! TONNER 459 Hurley Ave. Hurley, NY 12443 Phone (845) 339-9537 www.tonnerdoll.com www.TONNERDirect.com www.tonnercompanystore.com www.nycomicon.com Full throttle: A TONNER EXCLUSIVE - At ap prox. 17" tall, Lara comes dressed in a Henley bodysuit paired with biker pants,
motorcycle jacket, and boots with working zippers. Includes holsters, dual pistols, three grenades and display stand. Limited Edition 300 Shipping NOW!
Above: Maxwell Smart and Agent 99, as portrayed by Steve Carrell and Anne Hathaway appear together again, this time in articulated plastic.
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Forging Excalibur Exclusively Available at New York Comic Con (Feb. 6-8) in TONNER booth number 1127. LE100 Price: $174.99
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“And so the lion fell in love with the lamb...” The Tonner Doll Company continues their foray into licensed merchandise with the latest movie characters from the blockbuster film, “Twilight”. Edward and Bella, played by Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, are lovers entwined in the dark romance of eternal love and must ask the question, “Would you die for love?” Photos courtesy of Tonner Doll Company
EDWARD CULLEN Sculpted in the likeness of the film’s character, EDWARD CULLEN (as portrayed by Robert Pattinson). This TONNER CHARACTER FIGURE™ is approximately 17” tall and includes 14 points of articulation (neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, chest, hips, knees, and ankles). He features hand painted features and rooted saran hair. EDWARD comes dressed straight from the movie in a t-shirt, jeans, socks, shoes with working laces, and tailored coat. Shipping Spring 2009 16 •FDQ• www.fashiondollquarterly.net
BELLA SWAN Sculpted in the likeness of the film’s character, BELLA SWAN (as portrayed by Kristen Stewart). This TONNER CHARACTER FIGURE™ is approximately 15” tall and includes 15 points of articulation (neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, bust line, waist, hips, knees, and ankles). She features hand painted features and rooted saran hair. BELLA comes dressed straight from the movie in a tank top under an embroidered peasant top, boot-cut corduroys, socks, shoes with working laces, and detailed jacket. Shipping Spring 2009 www.fashiondollquarterly.net •FDQ• 17
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ow does a young stay-at-home mother of three create a sweeping saga of forbidden love that becomes a blockbuster movie? According to Stephanie Myer, she woke up on June 2, 2003 recalling a vivid dream about two teenagers having a conversation in a forest. The unique thing about the young people in the clearing was that one of them was a beautiful, sparkling vampire, explaining how he was both attracted to the girl and wanted to kill her. It was an unusual dream for a 30-year old Mormon mom, about to take her kids to swimming lessons. As Meyer herself recalls on her official website (www.stephaniemyer.com), “Though I had a million things to do (i.e. making breakfast for hungry children, dressing and changing the diapers of said children, finding the swimsuits that no one ever puts away in the right place, etc.), I stayed in bed, thinking about the dream. I was so intrigued by the nameless couple’s story that I hated the idea of forgetting it; it was the kind of dream that makes you want to call your friend and bore her with a detailed description. (Also, the vampire was just so darned good-looking, that I didn’t want to lose the mental image.) Unwillingly, I eventually got up and did the immediate necessities, and then put everything that I possibly could on the back burner and sat down at the computer to write—something I hadn’t done in so long that I wondered why I was bothering. But I didn’t want to lose the dream, so I typed out as much as I could remember, calling the characters “he” and “she.” She wrote every night after the kids were in bed, and three months later, she was finished with her romantic saga. For a while, the characters names were elusive. She finally decided the young vampire’s name would be Edward, a classic and slightly old fashioned name to reference his advanced but deceptive age of 90-plus years. For the girl, the choice was harder. Nothing seemed right until she thought about the name she had been saving for her daughter. Having three boys, she kept the name on file, so to speak. But as she came to love the character like a daughter, she knew it was right to name her protagonist Bella. Even after the natural end to the story came to her, she couldn’t get the voices of her characters out of her head. Before she had really finalized the first book, she was writing the sequel (later called “New Moon”). Completely naive about publishing, she started to google information about the submitting her book for publication and realized there was much, much more to the process than she ever imagined. “I thought it worked like this: you printed a copy of your novel, wrapped it up in brown paper, and sent it off to a publishing house. Ho ho ho, that’s a good one. I started googling (naturally) and began to discover that this was not the way it is done. (Movies lie to us! Why?! A side note: you will not be able to enjoy the new Steve Martin version of Cheaper by the Dozen when you know how insanely impossible the publishing scenario it contains is.) The whole set up with query letters, literary agents, simultaneous submissions vs. exclusive submissions, synopsizes, etc., was extremely intimidating, and I almost quit there. It certainly wasn’t belief in my fabulous talent that made me push forward; I think it was just that I loved my characters so much, and they were so real to me, that I wanted other people to know them, too.” Myer sent out fifteen queries, and she herself admits they weren’t very good. She wasn’t all that surprised to get seven or eight rejections before being picked up by Little, Brown. By the time she received the meanest rejection letter, she didn’t care. She had a contract. “My big break came in the form of an assistant at Writers House named Genevieve. I didn’t find out until much later just how lucky I was; it turns out that Gen didn’t know that 130,000 words is a whole heck of a lot of words. If she’d known that 130K words would equal 500 pages, she probably wouldn’t have asked to see it. But she didn’t know (picture me wiping the sweat from my brow), and she did ask for the first three chapters. I was thrilled to get a positive response, but a little worried because I felt the beginning of the book wasn’t the strongest part. I mailed off those three chapters and got a letter back a few weeks later (I could barely get it open, my hands were so weak with fear). It was a very nice letter. She’d gone back with a pen and twice underlined the part where she’d typed how much she enjoyed the first three chapters (I still have that letter, of course), and she asked for the whole manuscript. That was the exact moment when I realized that I might actually see Twilight in print, and really one of the happiest points in my whole life. I did a lot of screaming.” The whole process for Stephanie took only six months, from dream to publication. Like JK Rowling, the odds were stacked against her and most friends and family didn’t think anything would come of her dream-inspired book. But the universal theme of pure, true first love has appealed to both teenage girls and their mothers, as well as a few fathers and uncles around the world and in many languages. Add a few vampires, werewolves and preternaturally good-looking teenagers, and you have yourself a hit. Is it any wonder that the new dolls by Tonner are sure to be a huge success? They are to die for. v
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FDQ INSIDER
What Will Tyler Wear?
Oh, the pressures and decisions of a bride! What will Tyler Wentworth wear for her marriage to Matt O’ Neil this spring? We ask our editors to give us their thoughts on the big day! photography courtesy of tonner doll company
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ABOVE: Shea’s Wedding Day Special Edition Collector’s United Commemorated weeding of Dian and Gary Green’s daughter; gown based on full-size gown designed by Robert Tonner ABOVE RIGHT: Fashion Show Finale LE 500 Portfolio Press Exclusive Special Gift Set Includes the book, Here Come the Bride Dolls by Louise Fecher; 2001 (blue eyes, bending arms, brunette hair) The first Tyler Wentworth® bride, she wears a 3-tiered gown of white embroidered lace. Accented with beading, the bodice is a lace overlay with organza straps, garnished with bows. She is accessorized with a bouquet, tulle veil, necklace, opera gloves, cluster earrings and strappy shoes. This doll also includes a blue garter. LEFT: McCalls 4269 Tyler Wentworth Bridal Pattern. Includes pattern and instructions for a floor-length bridal gown with close-fitting bodice, slightly flared skirt, sweetheart neckline, cap sleeves, attached train and floor length veil. Also included is a bridesmaid gown with tulip skirt, off-the-shoulder 3/4-length sleeves, and matching wrap. www.fashiondollquarterly.net •FDQ• 21
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here is nothing more beautiful than a bride. It is even more exciting to anticipate what a famous bride will wear. And in the doll universe, there is no other fashion designer more famous than Tyler Wentworth. Speculation has run rampant on the internet in chat rooms, forums and blogs, as to what Tyler will wear as she finally walks down the aisle with long time love Matt O’Neil.
SHOW STOPPING SYDNEY (2004) Sydney’s insistence on wearing the finale wedding gown at Tyler’s runway show raised eyebrows across the room. Having fitted the gown privately in Tyler’s Park Avenue apartment even added more to the mystery. However, in the end, sighs escaped across the room when Sydney appeared in the multiple tiered slender chiffon dress with flowing chiffon cascading from the headpiece. Sydney’s mother, Virginia, felt a small lump in her throat at the sight of her bridal daughter. Who’s the lucky man? Sydney’s not saying!
We won’t really know for sure until June 13th in Chicago, when Tyler and Matt make their first official appearance as bride and groom at the Tonner Convention, so in the mean time, we thought it would be fun to ask some of our editors, along with wedding expert and Bridal Atelier owner, Mark Ingram, what Tyler should wear for the big day. Micro-sequins and ruffles? We think not! For one thing, as LeeAnn Bernard points out, Tyler isn’t as young as she used to be. Now, that’s not a bad thing, as an older, more sophisticated bride will choose something elegant and modern. “I think that she’ll be wearing something sophisticated; not a big, huge traditional wedding gown”, says LeeAnn. I think it will be white, though I’m not sure Tyler should still be wearing white. Floor length, but slim along the body with the train of the gown being embellished.”
Empire Designs owner and artist Sam Danson says, “I would love to see her in a full length silk taffeta version of Audrey Hepburn’s “Funny Face” gown with a rhinestone accented belt. After her first dance, she’d go and change into a silk jersey slip dress for partying the night away.” Publisher Pat Henry agrees. “I love slip dresses. Tyler always reminded me of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and I loved her Narciso Rodriguez pearl colored silk crepe gown. It reminds me of my own wedding gown, which was a vintage bias-cut silk satin slip dress, too”. Alex Forbes has a more European take on our bride, considering the location as a starting point for the style of the gown. “Obviously a church wedding for our Tyler, so I think a one-piece strapless floor-length ball gown in a soft shimmer satin with richly embellished lace overlay that isn’t too revealing. Perhaps champagne in color, as it’s a celebration of love for our fashion princess.” Maryann Roy used process of elimination to sort out the possibilities. “Well, I’ll tell you what I don’t expect: I doubt you’ll see Tyler wearing one of those over-fluffed 1980s monstrosities that look like the bride was forced to stand still while a horde of pastry chefs sprayed her with whipped cream. I’d like to see Ms. Wentworth wearing a sleek, strapless sheath with a long asymmetrical train, with embellishments limited to a sprinkling of tiny seed beads and pearls. No gallons of cheap lace and plastic sequins for the Queen of Couture!” Terri Gold points out that a clue may be in what Tyler has already designed in the way of bridal. “Tyler did design a gorgeous wedding gown a few years ago for Sydney. Take away the huge veil and make the gown strapless and I think she would wear a similar style - horizontal folds of silk chiffon in a form fitting strapless floor length sheath. Add in some color 22 •FDQ• www.fashiondollquarterly.net
Above: The OOAK gown designed by Robert Tonner for the cover of the “Here Come the Bride Dolls” book by Louise Fecher (published by Portfolio Press, 2001).
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Mark appeared as himself on “Gossip Girl” tending to the nuptials of “Lily van der Woodsen” (played by actress Kelly Rutherford) , mother of Blake Lively’s character, Serena. “The mermaid silhouette is still very popular”, says Mark. “Strapless, body hugging and dramatic, with a flair at the knee and all the details at the bottom. If you are not tall and thin, you can’t go wrong with a classic A-line with a natural waist. A beaded belt or jeweled sash makes the look very on trend”. These styles were seen at Oscar De La Renta, Carolina Herrera and Monique Lhuillier. “If you want the full princess look, a full skirt of layered organza, tulle and ruffles makes a dramatic statement, again strapless, with a sweetheart neckline.” (“Not a Mickey Mouse ears neckline!” Mark hastens to add.) The biggest trend today is away from satin, Mark adds. It is all about the fabric and texture. “Flocking, embroidery, crystals, fabric roses, knots, feathers, raffia, it’s all about an almost Arts & Crafts feeling of detail in the fabrics. Pinwheels, ruching and gathers are very popular.” As for accessories, Mark tells us “The tiara is out. Long, clean cathedral length trains are in, with jewelry in the hair, instead. Lace mantilla style headdresses are also popular, strongly influenced by Oscar De La Renta’s Spanish flavored collections.”
“Tiers of Joy” Shauna, a Collector’s United exclusive, 2007.
in the way of delicate rose-colored embroidery and crystals embellishing the edges of the folds. Jewelry - multi strand ruby-colored diamond neckpiece and earrings. Red roses and giant white calla lilies for a bouquet. I’d also like to see some outrageous white leather platform shoes embellished with the same rose embroidery as the gown.” Terri adds, “And she should definitely have a tiny toy red poodle wearing a white lace & red rhinestone collar as the ring bearer.” (Editor’s note: Terri is the proud owner of a small, red, highly photogenic poodle named Rudy, who often appears in her photos in miniature.) Since Tyler is a fashion designer, she is on top of the latest trends and will undoubtedly go with something both fashion forward and elegant. We asked Mark Ingram, owner of the successful Bridal Atelier, what the New York City sophisticate is wearing this year for her wedding. Mark has appeared on “Oprah”, “Martha Stewart Living” and “Get Married” with Colin Cowie. Most recently, 24 •FDQ• www.fashiondollquarterly.net
And shoes are big! The elaborate embellished shoe is a favorite for brides, even if you can’t always see them under the skirt. Another recent trend is the elegant cashmere cardigan, and lace and organza cover-ups seen at Monique Lhuillier, and crochet cotton boleros, also from Oscar. The topper changes the look of the dress at different times of the day, as well as keeping the bride warm for outdoor dances and photo ops. These looks don’t come cheap, however. The prices at the Bridal Atelier range from five-to-fifteen thousand dollars for a dress. Thank goodness Tyler can design her own and get her fabric wholesale! While Robert Tonner was not at liberty to tell us anything yet about the dress, he did say, “Tyler went to Paris last year on a business trip and found the perfect fabric there, and that inspired her dress.” As Mark Ingram says, it is all about the fabric this season, so we can’t wait to see what she has dreamed up for her big day. And as for Sydney Chase, Tyler’s bridesmaid extraordinaire? Well, you can only imagine how demanding Sydney is. But she trusts Tyler’s taste implicitly. Insiders tell us Syd will be wearing a color we haven’t seen on her a lot in the past, but it will be dramatic and delicious!v
A New York Bride’s Ultimate Check List Mark gives us the top resources a New York bride would choose, whether it’s a “Gossip Girl” or a fashion designer! Check out the Bridal Atelier to see the latest in bridal fashion trends! www.bridalaterlier.com
Cakes Sylvia Weinstock Cakes (212) 925-6698 www. sylviaweinstock.com Ron Ben-Israel Cakes (212) 625-3369 www.weddingcakes.com
Marcy Blum Eventiste New York City (212) 9299814 Fax (646)763-8910 marcy@marcyblum.com www. marcyblum.com Flowers Flowers of the World 150 West 55th Street New York, NY 10019 212.582.1850 www.flowersoftheworld.com
Beauty Kimara Ahnert (800) 452-9802 www.kimara.com Laura Geller (800) 625-3874 www.laurageller.com Meredith Carre (917) 497-7838 www.meredithcarre.com
Bridesmaids Jenny Yoo (212) 645-0823 www.jennyyoo.com
Gown Preservation J. Scheer & Co. (800) 448-7291 www.jscheer.com
Event Planning Marc Wilson Designs (212) 749-2266 www. marcwilsondesign.com
Photography Raquel Reis 635 East 9th Street New York (212) 995-1972 www.raquelreis.com
Loulie Walker Events, Inc 49 West 96th Street, No. 2B New York, New York 10025 (212) 316-6135 (917)8336844 loulie@louliewalkerevents.com www. louliewalkerevents.com Colin Cowie (212) 396-9007 www.colincowie.com
David Stark Design 87 Luquer Street Brooklyn, NY 11231 (718) 534-6777 Fax: (718) 534-6770 david@ davidstarkdesign.com www.davidstarkdesign.com
Katrina Parris Flowers 1844 Seventh Avenue New York, NY 10026 (212) 222-7030 katrinaparrisflowers.com
Christian Oth Photography 212.634.7949 www.christianothweddings.com Stationery Ellen Weldon Design (invitations & calligraphy) (212) 925-4483 ellen@weldondesign.com
Music/Bands Ultimate Experience Don Hanson (917) 8865340 DonUlt@aol.com www.ultimateliveentertainment. com
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FDQ FEATURE
Bette Davis: Never Below The Title Tonner Doll Company’s homage to screen legends continues with the Bette Davis Collection text by marsh matulionis
“Without wonder and insight, acting is just a trade. With it, it becomes creation.” ~ Bette Davis “The First Lady of the American Screen”, Bette Davis created a new kind of cinematic heroine - a liberated woman in a world dominated by men. Decades before her time in aim and attitude, Davis was an actress who could play any difficult, powerful role. In the course of her six decade long career, she set the standard for women on film. Fiery, outspoken and independent on-and offscreen, her battles with studio big shots and feuds with rival actresses were legendary. No actress of her age or any other has worn the title of Movie Star with a greater sense of purpose or entitlement. Born Ruth Elizabeth Davis, in Lowell, Massachusetts, their mother, Ruth (a portrait photographer), raised young Bette and her sister Bobby after their father Harlow left the family. When Bette was a teenager, her mother moved the small family to New York. Bette was inspired to become an actress after seeing Rudolf Valentino and Mary Pickford on the silver screen. Her mother (once an aspiring actress herself) nurtured this desire, and although she had little money, Ruth sent Bette to John Murray Anderson’s Dramatic School. In 1929, she made her Broadway debut in “Broken Dishes” before landing a role in “Solid South.” A year later she moved to Hollywood to screen test for Universal.
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OPPOSITE PAGE :The Woman Is Certain DRESSED DOLL $189.99 LE1000 Ms. Davis is certainly stunning in The Woman is Certain! This fabulous ensemble starts with a rich chocolate-colored dress with intricate shirring around the bodice, and continues with a decadent faux fur jacket and match hat. Gloves, clutch, pantyhose, and matching faux leather high heel also included. THIS PAGE: “Bubbling With Charm” see page 29.
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After six films with Universal, her contract with the studio was not renewed and Bette was ready to return to Broadway, but the offer of a seven-year contract with Warner Brothers was enough incentive to keep Bette in Hollywood. Films like The Man Who Played God and Of Human Bondage put Bette on a path to stardom that soon led her to first Oscar nomination for her role in Dangerous.
Davis was famous and often imitated for her distinctive diction and exaggerated mannerisms, even when casually smoking a cigarette.
Studio chief Jack Warner said Davis had the “magic quality that transformed this sometimes bland and not beautiful little girl into a great artist.” Bette confirmed this sentiment herself, saying that she, unlike many of her contemporaries, had forged a career without the benefit of beauty. While not a textbook beauty, Davis was considered one of the style icons of the 30s.
“I have been uncompromising, peppery, intractable, monomaniacal, tactless, volatile, and oftentimes disagreeable... I suppose I’m larger than life.” ~Bette Davis
It was this distinctive style that prompted Tonner Doll Company to create the Bette Davis Collection. Fully authorized by the Bette Davis Estate, Robert Tonner’s collection, entry level “Ready for Wardrobe” Bette is far from basic in her satin slip and high-heeled Mary Janes, and limited to just one thousand pieces. She wears Bette’s signature 30s era coiffure and take no prisoners expression.
“You should know me well enough by now to know I don’t ask for things I don’t think I can get.” ~Bette Davis
“The Woman is Certain”, a LE 1000 dressed doll, depicts Bette at her femme fatale finest, in a rich, shimmering, chocolate colored sheath with rich fur jacket and chapeau. Her cognac colored hair is an elegant rolled up-do, not unlike the style she wore so fabulously in Now Voyager. And because no stylish lady is 28 •FDQ• www.fashiondollquarterly.net
seen out and about without the proper accessories, gloves, clutch bag, high heels and hose are included. “There was more good acting at Hollywood parties than ever appeared on the screen.” ~Bette Davis
Copper curls and frosty white and blue satin and organza are quintessentially movie star when worn by “Bubbling with Charm”, the LE 400 dressed doll. It isn’t difficult to imagine Bette the witty but tart-tongued Hollywood hostess, holding court in glittering style. The most avidly desired and difficult to secure soirée invitation in town? You bet!
“I am just too much.” ~ Bette Davis
It’s good when a lady knows it, too! “Spotted by the Press” (limited to 300), is the perfect ensemble for the woman who knows exactly who she is– and doesn’t have a problem advertising it. Bold red accents highlight this smart polka dot dress and capelet, reminiscent of Bette’s classic 30s career girl style.
“In my view, she’s one of the all-time great movie stars and actresses. I thought she was a great beauty, too. I just loved her looks. She is still quite a character, very determined and strong, and she refuses to concede an inch. I suppose that is what has kept her alive.” ~ Lauren Bacall
Whether collecting an Oscar or gliding down the red carpet, “Cover Shoot”, LE 300 outfit, transforms Bette into camera-loving perfection. Pink chiffon with satin and rhinestones take Bette from sweet to chic and all points in between.
Capturing and celebrating the essence of a woman as complex, turbulent and fascinating is a daunting task, but Tonner Doll Company’s Bette Davis Collection pays beautiful homage to this remarkable woman in all her many moods and styles.v
Spotted By The Press OUTFIT ONLY $89.99 LE300 Bette is sure to make front page news in Spotted by the Press. This thoroughly charming ensemble includes a delightful polka dot chiffon dress with matching polka dot and vibrant red capelet, complete with a smart red faux leather belt and perfectly coordinated hat with intricate shirring details. Gloves, pantyhose, and t-strap high-heeled shoes also included. Ready for Wardrobe Bette Davis™ BASIC DOLL $89.99 LE1000 Bette Davis™ is down to the basics as Ready for Wardrobe Bette Davis™! This simple yet stunning look includes a sleek satin slip trimmed with dainty black lace, pantyhose, and faux leather high-heeled Mary Janes. Bubbling With Charm DRESSED DOLL $189.99 LE400 The First Lady of American Screen is dressed to impress in Bubbling with Charm! The silver screen worthy ensemble includes a lustrous satin blouse with tiny button details paired with an opulent gored skirt of shimmering striped organza and a neat satin belt with rhinestone buckle around her dainty waist to pull all the pieces together. Pantyhose and faux leather highheel shoes also included.
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Bette Davis Fast Facts Born: Ruth Elizabeth Davis on April 5, 1908 in Lowell, Massachusettes Died: October 6, 1989 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France Married: Harmon Nelson (1932-1938) Arthur Farnsworth (1940-1943) William Grant Sherry (1945-1950) Gary Merrill (1950-1960) Children: B.D. (Barbara Davis Sherry) Hyman Michael Merrill (adopted with Gary Merrill) Margot Merrill (adopted with Gary Merrill) Awards: 1935 Academy Award for Best Actress in Dangerous 1937 Volpi Cup for Best Actress in Marked Woman 1938 Academy Award for Best Actress in Jezebel 1950 NYFCC Award for Best Actress in All About Eve 1950 Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress in All About Eve 1974 Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award 1976 Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress in Burnt Offerings 1977 AFI Life Achievement Award 1979 Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries/Movie in Strangers:The Story of a Mother and Daughter 1986 Honorary Cesar Lifetime Achievement Award With ten Academy Award nominations, Bette Davis was the most nominated actress until Meryl Streep (currently 15 nominations, two wins). With a career total of more than 100 films, Bette changed the way Hollywood looked at actresses. In 1977, she was the first woman to be honored with the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also the first woman to be president of the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences. Michael Merrill, Bette’s son, and Kathryn Sermak, Bette’s personal assistant and friend, are now the executors of her estate. In her memory, they have created The Bette Davis Foundation, which provides financial assistance to promising young actors and actresses. Meryl Streep received the first Bette Davis Lifetime Achievement Award at Boston University in 1998. In 1980, she was awarded the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal, the Defense Department’s highest civilian award, for founding and running the Hollywood Canteen during World War II. Quotable Quotes: “Old age is no place for sissies.” “Until you’re known in my profession as a monster, you’re not a star.” “Acting should be bigger than life. Scripts should be bigger than life. It should ALL be bigger than life.” “I will not retire while I’ve still got my legs and my make-up box.” You know what I’m going to have on my gravestone? ‘She did it the hard way.’” Her gravestone reads, ‘She did it the hard way’.
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Cover Shoot OUTFIT ONLY $89.99 LE300 The cameras love Bette in Cover Shoot! This sumptuous gown is made from soft pink chiffon and bedecked in voluminous ruffles, with a sleek satin belt and rhinestone buckle around her enviable waist. Hair ribbon, rhinestone bracelets, and faux leather shoes also included.
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FDQ FASHION
JOAN CRAWFORD: The Second Wave F
ashion doll innovator Robert Tonner, CEO of the TONNER DOLL COMPANY, returns one of Hollywood’s greatest treasures to her ardent fans for the first time ever! Named one of the top ten ‘Greatest Female Stars of All Time’ by the American Film Institute, Joan Crawford is sure to be named the Greatest Fashion Doll of All Time by fans and collectors everywhere. The new Joan Crawford Fashion Doll is accurately sculpted in an amazing likeness of the Academy Award® winner herself, in cooperation with her family. "I am very pleased to work with The Tonner Doll Company in creating the first ever, authorized Joan Crawford doll collection,” said Casey LaLonde, grandson of Ms. Crawford. “Joan Crawford fans and doll collectors worldwide will be equally delighted with this high quality, life-like and collectible doll line. Tonner's attention to detail and features will make this a much sought after collection." The first collection was a fantastic success, with many of the dolls and costumes selling out right away (see out Last Look page for the basic Joan in the fabulous “Jungle Red” gown). Now, Joan appears as a fiery redhead in her basic teddy, called “In Make-Up”, as well as a fabulous raven haired dressed doll, “Classic Portrait” wearing an Adrian inspired gown in which Joan’s fabulous face is framed by kite wing collar. Check out the original dress from the film “I Live My Life” (1935), designed by Adrian, but inspired by the 1932 collection of French fashion designer Lucien Lelong. The style was dubbed “The Crawford Collar”, and was as talked about as the films she starred in.v
In Make-Up BASIC DOLL $79.99 LE500
These simple yet elegant undergarments include lustrous aquamarine charmeuse slip with delicate lace trim, the ‘ever important’ pantyhose with attached knit panties, and classy faux leather Mary Jane heels; includes display stand. 32 •FDQ• www.fashiondollquarterly.net
Classic Portrait DRESSED DOLL $179.99 LE500
Classy vintage dress with full chiffon bodice and sleek, fitted skirt paired with a matching black vest with sophisticated contrast lapels; includes perfectly coordinated belt with lavish rhinestone buckle, pantyhose, faux leather heels, and beaded bracelets; display stand included.
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FDQ LAST LOOK
They Had Faces Then
photo by pat henry
Make sure to register for the event of the year! Movie stars, superheroes, celebrities and dolls– what could be more fun! 2009 Tonner Collectors’ Convention - “ON FILM” Friday, June 12, 2009 - Sunday, June 14, 2009 The Westin Lombard Yorktown Center 70 Yorktown Center Lombard, IL 60148 www.tonnerdoll.com
NEXT ISSUE: COOL BRITTANIA, SHIPS IN APRIL! 34 •FDQ• www.fashiondollquarterly.net
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