Congratulations Louos Osman!!! I can honestly say I could NOT call this one. First, we have had verrrrrrrrrry unpredictable (but good) judges throughout; and second, there was again stiff competition charging up that red aisle!
I have to admit, though, that I loved this design and the styling. Viewing this doll posed at the podium I could almost see her giving her acceptance speech. Also, I love to see a woman embrace her feminine style without exposing everything, and this gown proved that it could be done. It was low cut in a desired way, and the embroidery and beading were exquisite - what more could a doll/actress want. Watch out Rachel Zoe!! I sincerely hope your celebrity clientele missed this challenge - because these fashions aren't available in people size.........yet
.Our next challenge embraces the stylings of an actress quite familiar with the Red Carpet - the incomparable Audrey Hepburn! At first, I had thought that introducing you to dolls made after her likeness might be the key to understanding what we need to produce. However, this is not the "make an Audrey doll and reproduce clothing she wore" challenge! Therefore, what we may want to look at is the fashions of Audrey - and not necessarily the most popular ones.
To go in this direction least travelled may require a real clear description for the judges. However, blazing trails is generally worth it. So let's go!
In "real life" she seemed to prefer casual, comfortable clothes. Like many fashion icons she kept it simple, preferring clean lines and clothes that emphasized her tall and slim physique.
Stripes were prevalent, and sometimes even muted colors snuck in among the most favored white and black used by her movie designers. Of course, the Breakfast at Tiffany's little black dress dominated for its simplicity, but sometimes she'd even pair it with bold jewelry for a different (exquisite) look. Capri pants were something she made famous in Sabrina and Funny Face, and continued to like in her private wardrobe. Fashionistas of her day said whatever color you choose, you'll look oh-so Audrey!
And, her ballet years spoke loudly in the graceful nuances of her clothing -- even encompassing ballet-type slippers which she seemed to wear with everything – dresses, pants, Capri pants, etc. And, although she loved feminine clothes, she knew how to pull off a men's inspired look flawlessly. She especially favored button-down men’s shirts, trenchcoats, turtlenecks, perfect handbags, and even a shorter haircut!
Givenchy was her favored designer, but he wasn't the only one that designed lovelies for Ms. Hepburn. Edith Head actually won two Oscars for costume design in Roman Holiday and Sabrina, and was nominated with Givenchy for Funny Face and Breakfast at Tiffanys. So research into the types of stylings these designers used for our muse may prove informative.
And, even a study of her latter years may prove interesting for not only studying her fashions, but also how she became a true humanitarian! But whatever inspiration we choose, let's strive always to stay true to our own style! Good luck, fashionistas!
So what of the judge for this challenge? I can't imagine a better one than mega-talented designer, Randall Craig -- the creative talent behind Randall Craig Couture and RTW clothing for fashion dolls.
I actually went and researched this talented designer several years ago, after receiving a gift of a sweater set he had designed! I felt like this came from someone with REAL fashion runway experience, and I was correct!
Mr. Craig earned his Associates of Art degree at Miami International University of Art and Design, and then proceeded to launch a variety of his own clothing lines. In September 2002, he debuted Choic, a collection of trendy men's tops. He has worked with some of the best, including Perry Ellis! His fashion show experience includes such biggies as Saks, Badgley Mishka, Vogue, and Neiman Marcus.
Raised in New Mexico, Randall came to fashion dolls at an early age and quickly began making hand-sewn outfits for them! When he received his first sewing machine at age 5, he was able to better fashion his designs! Today he markets his custom-made fashion doll creations under the name Randall Craig Couture. His most ambitious collection to date, Randall Craig RTW (Ready-to-Wear) for 1/6 scale fashion dolls, was met with enthusiastic response when it hit the market in early 2004, and his designs continue to sell out immediately!
As president of Randall Craig Inc., he is head of design for his signature RTW line for fashion dolls.
In fact, Randall has held the position of Fashion Editor for our highlighted sponsor .........read on!!
What a thrill to have Fashion Doll Quarterly (FDQ) as our sponsor! Yes, that's correct!! The sponsor I'm priviledged to highlight this month is FDQ...THE FASHION DOLL MAGAZINE for those in the know! FDQ is not only the quarterly magazine that many of us can't wait to see in our mailboxes January, April, July and October; but it is also THE magazine that has been able to deliver many convention special editions! But, most importantly to us at CDDC, FDQ will be THE only magazine that will showcase our winner - what an honor!
FDQ began publication in October of 2003; and their editor, Pat Henry, says we have just as much excitement to look forward to in the coming years as we have in the past. Those following the magazine will be excited to know that soon there may be freestanding print issues or virtual issues on USB or available as downloads! Of course, readers will continue to be able to take out subscriptions from their website as well as purchase singles at their local Barnes & Noble or Borders bookseller. Starting a subscription is as easy as accessing their website.
For an example of this marvy mag, let's peek inside the latest edition. This Fame Edition focuses on the world of celebrity dolls; specifically, those celebrity dolls created by our community's artists. I was thrilled to see this topic discussed by the best in the business - Noel Cruz, Laurie Leigh and Jenny Sutherland - who also created the recreated characters on the cover! Alex Forbes delights with her take on "The Devil Wears Prada" featuring the doll world's Robert Tonner while MaryAnn Roy introduces us to the doll version of the immensely popular tv series, "Madmen." And, if that weren't enough, there is a feature on our favorite events including Hollywood Ahoy and the International Fashion Doll Convention! All in all, another stellar edition!
Also, all of us at CDDC know that our pictures can make or break our scores in the challenges. So, I was really delighted when I discovered Pat Henry's fantastic take on fashion doll photography, FDQ: In Focus, Digital Photography for the Doll Collector.
This book covers everything from selecting cameras to setting up your photo studio, and many other wonderful tidbits. Take a test drive by checking out the FREE preview located here. I'm sure you'll need this in your fashion library!!!
Thanks, Fashion Doll Quarterly Magazine, for stepping up to the fashion plate for CDDC!
The Sabrina costumes are actually designed by Givenchy. Edith Head got the credit for them and Givenchy was furious. She did design the rest of that film costumes but Mrs. Hepburn's costumes were pure Givenchy.
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