Doll News Winter 2020 - 127

authentically be used with various heads from throughout the period. Along came a
lovely reproduction of a Eugene Barrois doll from the 1870s. "Mademoiselle Chantelle"
enjoyed great success as the next step in beautiful doll making. Her delicately detailed
face introduced a true lady and a more advanced style of artistry and design. The
third beauty to grace this versatile lady body was to be modeled after the pinnacle of
19th century dollmaking with "Adele." This fabulous reproduction of Pierre Jumeau's
Portrait style lady doll was accompanied by delicate, finely modeled, articulated hands
creating a whole new look. This lady was designed to be costumed in the height of
Victorian fashion and femininity.
For the costumer these dolls were a dream come true. A perfect size to achieve the
level of detail desired, yet one which easily fit into a smaller sized cabinet collection
without crowding. Costuming fabrics with good drape and appropriately sized patterns
and prints are fairly easy to find, as are properly scaled trims and laces. Accessories in
every imaginable category are also quite easily fashioned to accent ensembles with a
very pleasing effect.
Now, no French Fashion lady doll would suffer an incomplete wardrobe and every
seamstress would be able to test the limits of their design abilities and creativity.
With these lovely ladies came a plethora of patterns, books and workshops devoted
to them. UFDC has featured wonderful exhibits at conventions and hosted experts
such as Danielle & Francois Theimer, Samy Odin and Sylvia MacNeil in programs
and luncheons, featuring detailed books on the antique dolls of this era. Authentically
styled patterns and kits from talented professional costumers such as Louise Hedrick,
Susan Sirkis and Sheryl Williams have further inspired the growing interest in these fine
fashion dolls. Even carefully made reproduction fabrics have appeared to compliment
trunks and wardrobes. As recently experienced, the UFDC Convention Salesroom, filled
with the original antiques, provides a never-ending array of costume designs and ideas.
Contemporary costumers of all skill levels are finding satisfaction and friendship
in online venues as well. Facebook features a number of pages filled with comments
and photos featuring these French Fashion Ladies, their costuming and accessories.
The Huret Doll page on Facebook boasts a membership of experienced collectors of
antiques as well as reproduction artists and costumers. Regular postings have included
spectacular color photos of clothing, accessories and works-in-progress to delight the
doll collector's eye. The FrenchFashionDollSewingClub@groups.io is also a wonderful asset
to the costuming community, featuring expert to novice seamstresses bursting with
ideas and help in a friendly encouraging environment.
The world of the collector and costumer has greatly expanded and grown with fresh
avenues of interest and new converts being added every day. Everywhere we look there
are offerings of new products and information to help us expand our knowledge and
skills. With so much information and access at our fingertips one must readily admit...
variety is indeed...the spice of life.

From top to bottom: Shown is a costume page from "La Maison Huret."
Brimborions, Samy Odin's latest publication on French Fashion Ladies
and their accessories filled with color photos and period information is an
informative and wonderful asset to any library.
A reproduction Huret in Cynthia Howe's lovely embroidered "Falling Leaves"
costume. Designed by costumer Mary Ann Shandor and available as a kit.
"Three Huret Friends" Antoinette in blue (owned and costumed by Elaine
Sarnoff, Fleur in green (owned and costumed by Laurie Christman) and
Noelle in purple (owned and costumed by Sherry Smith) having tea with
their faithful friend, Noelle's Bijox as they appeared on "The Huret Doll"
Facebook page - beautiful and elegant ladies!
DOLL NEWS * UFDC.ORG

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Doll News Winter 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Doll News Winter 2020