Sometimes the busy days of being a Mom, Wife, and running a business, get me a little frazzled. I like to de-stress by having a little fun enjoying my doll collection.
I recently came upon a Lalka doll on Ebay. A very artsy type gal, which was my initial attraction to her. “Lalka” means THE DOLL in polish, in case you were wondering. She resembles dolls from days gone by – Bild Lilli, Hong Kong Lilli, vintage Barbie and a host of other clone fashion dolls from the 1960′s. She’s artfully hand painted and clothed, and when I saw her, I knew I had to have her!
I finally had a little time to work with my Lalka and knew you would enjoy seeing the outcome.
To my liking, I also found that Lalka could wear lots of doll clothing that I already had. From mommy made items, to generic knock offs, Barbie doll clothing as well as some couture designs from talented seamstresses I know. This delighted me. Lalka did not have to remain in one outfit at all. She could be dressed and re-dressed and regardless of her non articulated body, could take on personality and charm by the mere outfit she wore and the way I photographed her.
Here are the photos from my day with Lalka.
A place to “Live” :
Lalka in “Barbie”:
A BMR cocktail dress:
Sylvia Campbell’s version of ”Dinner at Eight”:
Swanky sweater top by Liz Cole, generic velvet capri pants and Barbie sunglasses:
Lalka wears Marirose jumpsuit and Bellissima Couture scarf:
I love collecting Fashion Dolls. The term “fashion doll” for me, means any 12″ – 16″ feminine model from the 1950′s to present day that evokes grace, beauty, style, and personality.
When I choose a doll to add to my collection, she needs to call to me for one reason or another. Hair, makeup, attitude, they all play a part. Sometimes though, I look at certain dolls as an art form. These are dolls that may be hand painted, or sculpted, or have their own certain way about them. I like to add these fashion dolls as a piece of the story. When you look at my collection, even though each doll has their own differences, you will see a common thread among them. They reflect my taste, the way I look at things. Colorful, beautiful, sometimes intense, sometimes whimsical. It’s all part of enjoying and taking the time to enjoy.
Lalka was so much fun to photograph! I took lots of photos, so, I invite you to see the rest of the pictures from this photo shoot on my Flickr page:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/welcomehomefurnishings/?saved=1
Enjoy your dolls!
Maryann 
