Keep on Keeping On

 Well, it turns out the Fashion Institute of Technology is going in another direction with the doll exhibition and will not be using my 2013 replica doll for their program in the fall of 2026. While it is deeply disappointing, it's not due to a lack of artistry and research on my part. Which is what got my work considered in the first place for the initial honor. As I stated before, being considered for a museum exhibition as an independent artist is a true honor. I know the decision was made with much consideration, regarding the overall message they wanted to convey in their display.  My work is no less valid, and I am still a cited and podcasted doll history researcher. Which is an accomplishment to be noticed and considered, just putting my work out on the vast internet. Build it, and they will come kind of energy. In that same thought process, more doll creation has been floating around in my brain, and the change in employment has made it difficult to want to create. So I dug out the supplies and resolved to make a doll before the news about the museum exhibition. Although I feel more resolute than ever to keep creating.

In the meantime, still making fashion dolls and have a new one to share. This is one I purchased locally at a thrift was originally a Cinderella doll, undressed.  Now reimagned as a 1580's French Courtier, bedecked in blue and gold cotton rayon brocade with copper and freshwater pearl trim, edged in cotton lace ruffs, topped off with a silk organza veil.  She has shiny shoes as they are part of her sculpt and are painted, so go shiny pumps. So here is the moment you have been waiting for: some before-and-after photos and the final result images. 

You can see to the right the before-and-after glow-up of a shoulders-up image. Really get a good sense of the change that a good gown and accessories can make. Her hairstyle is a high, curled ponytail that has not changed. I just arranged it to read as a high-peaked bun, and the bangs were not going to let me arrange it, so I just worked with it as is. The fringe is less noticeable with the veil taking center stage, creating drama. Love how this worked out with just the veil pulling majorly to give the period-like silhouette. 

I really enjoy this profile image, as you can see the volume that the layered shift, stays, bumroll, and farthingale create to build the bones of the outer gown. Yes, she has all the appropriate layers of underwear for the time.  While, for the sake of scale, I could have taken the liberty of omitting the layers, it would create a less voluminous silhouette. I have a little train on this doll, and it really gave a place for the long sleeves to rest and be pinned, so sometimes more can work together in harmony. I am naming her Diane de Cuivre, which translates to Diane of Copper.  Was inspired by Diane de Poitiers, another period French courtier, but wanted the doll to have her own name.

Was debating adding tiny freshwater pearls to the partlet and sleeves, but thought it would make them too heavy even with a light distribution. I'm glad I did with the white of the lace collar and cuffs, it creates enough interest in the area without making it too busy or distracting from the jewelry. I am pleased with the results of this doll. She is ready, regal in all senses and definition of the word.

Keep in Keeping On,

Maureen