tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52848417206912009422024-03-12T16:49:56.239-07:00Couture Doll Design ChallengeThe premier place to challenge yourself to make the best couture clothing for your dolls. Join in the fun!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-71301468915469434962012-05-10T10:50:00.000-07:002012-05-10T22:24:23.359-07:00CONGRATS CDDC4 FINAL WINNERS!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />I AM PLEASED TO PRESENT THE WINNERS OF COUTURE DOLL DESIGN CHALLENGE 4!</b><br /><b><br />I'd like to remind everyone that this year's competition does NOT include an overall winner on purpose. This was waived in the interest of presenting a competition where all levels of designers would feel comfortable that they were going up against people in their own skill set, and that each category named would have a winner. The divisions were outlined in my initial February 8, 2012 post just in case someone didn't get the memo. <br /><br />I mention this lack of a necessity for an overall winner because I've seen a few comments online insinuating there should be one -- some of these comments were even on a well-read blog. Don't get me wrong - it's great to get mentioned on other blogs IF they check their facts before they post. Remember, dahlings, this is the ONLY OFFICIAL BLOG for CDDC, so if in doubt, always come by here for the definitive word for all things CDDC. The judges worked hard, and did a great job in picking all the winners we needed. <br /> </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From Beginners to Professionals with an Intermediate category in the mix, too, the designers signed up and named their own category. Prizes are nice, it's true; but most of our competitors seemed more interested in the challenges in this type competition than they were interested in the prizes - these are the type artists who thrive and develop competitively! </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, after choosing a category the designers cleaned off their work areas and prepared for the challenges. </span></span></span></b><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13365894248756425" style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"></span><b><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13365894248756424" style="color: #990000;">Larraine with some help from Judge Rob on one
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challenge, </span><span style="color: #990000;">then </span></b></span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">came up with challenges she hoped would push all of the designers to present something unique - and it's easy to see from the designs that resulted, that these challenges were a success!! Thanks to Larraine and her very professional crew for another wonderful presentation on CDDC. Here are the winners!! </span></span> <br /><br />IN THE PROFESSIONAL DIVISION: ANITA STOKLOSA<br /><br /> Her prize include: All six of Anita's designs will be featured in an upcoming Fashion Doll Quarterly magazine. Anita also wins from Couture Doll Shops a six month rent free shop. Finally, from the Tonner Doll Company, she wins the Freedom for Fashion Sor Aiko doll. <br /><br />Now that we've outlined the winner and what she won, we are going to have some fun - first we'll look at a run down on how Anita got here, and then I'll tell you a bit about her. I'll be doing that for all three winners - so be prepared for some good reading.<br /><br /> Here are the challenges, her designs, and a partial description of her design process for each one. All of her designs were made on the diminutive darlings of the fashion world.</span><br /> </b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">Challenge One - Be a Sport WINNER</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />I got the inspiration for this outfit in a flower shop when I was looking at my favorite flowers - orchids. They are beautiful and tempting, and I was trying to capture that in my outfit, and combine those features with comfortable, sporty elegance. Modeling is Vanessa Fashion Royalty.</span><br /> </b></div>
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<b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bXKWNvOw5JY/T6uSaXnzVfI/AAAAAAAACZw/6I9PAn27MDA/s1600/anicettab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bXKWNvOw5JY/T6uSaXnzVfI/AAAAAAAACZw/6I9PAn27MDA/s320/anicettab.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div>
<b> </b><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">Challenge Two - Angry Birds: Gamer</b></span><br />
<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />This outfit was inspired by Minecraft. All the world of Minecaft and everything within is made of cubes and squares. So is my outfit. The dominating colors are gold and brown – the colors of the earth, which is the core element of the Minecraft world. </span><br /><br /> </b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">Challenge Three - Mash Up WINNER</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;"><br />I have mixed Chanel and Dolce&Gabbana styles. Jacket is characteristic for fashion of the leading creator of all - Coco Chanel. Skirt is inspired by this year's Dolce&Gabbana. This is a brand that arouses desire, sensation and continually provokes. It is determined by the ability of breaking conventions and going beyond cultural boundaries. Dolce&Gabbana offers also a joy with contrast, passion and femininity.</b></span><br />
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<b style="color: #990000;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Challenge Four - Old Hollywood </span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b style="color: #990000;"> I hope Irene would like the Hollywood gown</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1rMt2dTsJnQ/T6uVBPgzsdI/AAAAAAAACaI/BKC4zhWWcxE/s1600/anicettae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1rMt2dTsJnQ/T6uVBPgzsdI/AAAAAAAACaI/BKC4zhWWcxE/s320/anicettae.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">Challenge Five - Say Konichiwa To Fashion <br /> </b></span><br />
<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">No information given - I would suppose she let her garment do her talking.</span><br /> <br /> </b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ahwsvxYIpEw/T6uVnYVRq-I/AAAAAAAACaQ/5h-lc_DWOto/s1600/anicettaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ahwsvxYIpEw/T6uVnYVRq-I/AAAAAAAACaQ/5h-lc_DWOto/s320/anicettaf.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: #990000;"> </b><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">Challenge Six - Avante Garde for Ga Ga</b><b style="color: #990000;"> </b></span><br />
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<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Avant-garde ecodesign clothes. Most
parts are made of used materials. Decoration on the head is made of
packaging paper, jumpsuit - bubble wrap and used tea bags. Lady Gaga
has already been wearing a lot of strange things and I think that she
wouldn't mind to show up also in my project.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyXh-cL3QL8/T6uXrFxeQnI/AAAAAAAACag/Yokxf4DfJ6I/s1600/anicetta7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1S8sEhvZt8/T6uW3tpJMYI/AAAAAAAACaY/D_VMpCTUK04/s1600/anicetta6.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1S8sEhvZt8/T6uW3tpJMYI/AAAAAAAACaY/D_VMpCTUK04/s1600/anicetta6.JPG" /></a><b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">There you have it; featured together here they show a quirky yet interesting, well made group of clothing that this designer should be proud of. She clearly loves fashion and design work as she has participated in all of the Couture Doll Design Challenges to date.</span></b><b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">I found it quite interesting that most of her ensembles included hats, and this appears to be no coincidence. </span></b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyXh-cL3QL8/T6uXrFxeQnI/AAAAAAAACag/Yokxf4DfJ6I/s1600/anicetta7.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyXh-cL3QL8/T6uXrFxeQnI/AAAAAAAACag/Yokxf4DfJ6I/s1600/anicetta7.JPG" /></a><b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Judging from the large gallery of hats on her <a href="http://www.anicetta.aplus.pl/" target="_blank">web site</a>, this accessory is one she excels in making. She is prolific in making her one of a kind designed dolls, also, and has orchestrated Exhibitions called "Little doll - Great star" that include over 200 dolls clothed with miniature wear. The exposition shows extraordinary composition of fabrics, textures and colors in conjunction with tailoring, but minimized to a doll’s size. It impresses not only with precision of performance, but also shows some tricks of miniaturized dressmaking.<br /><br />All this came from her desire to make some nice doll clothing for her daughter's doll. Who could have guessed she would embrace her passion for designing and making doll clothes so much that it would lead her to study Art at the Silesian University in Cieszyn. Here she had an opportunity to deepen her knowledge and perfect her skils. She also loves art photography, most specifically for dolls. </span></b><br />
<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> CONGRATULATIONS, ANITA!!</span></b><br />
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<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> We at CDDC are very happy for your success, and look forward to you selling your wonderful designs at our sister site, Couture Doll Shops, if you so desire. Hats off to this wonderful Polish designer for winning in the Professional category.<br /><br />Now on with the other two winners - what fun!. BUT here I'd also like to put in a note. In a last minute decision, Couture Doll Shops decided to offer a free six month shop to all of the designers because they were so impressed with all winners; look to see this indicated in the following packages as well.<br /> <br /> IN THE INTERMEDIATE DIVISION: CHOLO AYUYAO<br /><br /> His prize package includes: Three of Cholo's designs (Designer's choice) will be featured in an upcoming Fashion Doll Quarterly magazine. Cholo also wins from Couture Doll Shops a six month rent free shop. Finally, from Angelic Dreamz, Cholo will received the beautiful Platinum Cami Basic doll. <br /><br />Here's the totally novel approach Cholo took to each of the challenges. He continued to crush the competition in his category right to the end.</span></b><br />
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<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Challenge One - Be a Sport WINNER<br /> </span></b><br />
<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">He gave no description; it appears he just let the photos of the doll take this win.<br /><br /> </span></b><br />
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<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Challenge Two - Angry Birds: Gamer </span></b><br />
<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />"I was inspired by the premise that if Super Mario had a sister, Maria, and while they where running around the pipes, catching Toadstools, 1 ups, and making King Koopa's life extra miserable... Maria stumbled upon a golden pipe leading to the backstage of one of Paris Fashion Week's Haute Couture Show, and the rest was history.<br /> </span></b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJ_i84xiMNA/T6uocDEclvI/AAAAAAAACa8/0lcfQzYyEqQ/s1600/choloc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJ_i84xiMNA/T6uocDEclvI/AAAAAAAACa8/0lcfQzYyEqQ/s320/choloc.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Challenge Three - Mash Up WINNER<br /> </span></b><br />
<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">For this challenge, I'm compelled to do a mash up between two of my favorite fashion houses, Chanel with its classic, elegant and utterly lady like sense of aesthetics, and the body hugging lines of Americanized French label Herve Leger. I used Chanel's tweed and Leger's signature stretch bandage to create a design that could hold on its own. <br /><br /> </span></b><br />
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<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Challenge Four - Old Hollywood WINNER<br /> </span></b><br />
<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Since Old Hollywood glam is such a vast space to fathom, with regards to the stylings of Irene, Adrian and Edith, I kinda imagined a dream client coming into my abode and wanting the ultimate gown for her movie's premiere.<br /> </span></b><br />
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<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Challenge Five - Say Konichiwa To Fashion WINNER</span></b><br />
<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />"I totally love this challenge since I generally love Orientalia and anything Asian. I created a double updated kimono meant to be worn together over a sheer tattoo printed dress. The first Kimono is structured, almost like a suit, and the other, soft made of silk and held together with a leather, reptile design obi. <br /> </span></b><br />
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<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Challenge Six - Avante Garde for Ga Ga WINNER</span></b><br />
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<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of all the challenges
this was probably the hardest one to conceive since we are supposed to
create a look for THE Lady Gaga. In the vastness of the possible looks, I
remembered that The Lady herself will be coming to my country to have a
big concert next month, so I imagined myself designing for her opening
number here and what more could express my country's national identity
more than the Terno, a butterfly sleeved formal dress, and the Kalesa, a
horse carriage that is decorated with colorful flaglettes and other
blings.</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_g_qHcTCXk/T6usWHWq7kI/AAAAAAAACbc/sUDFm1AbnK4/s1600/choloothertulle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cholo is a very talented accessory designer who has also worked as a couture finisher for local designers. He uses his skills on human couture then scales it down to one sixth for dolls; he also pays special attention to keeping everything in proper scale. He doesn't seem to have a website or a blog, but some of his current jewelry work can be seen on a <a href="http://fashiondollempire.blogspot.com/2011/02/cholo-ayuyao-accessories-recent-works.html%20" target="_blank">friend's blog</a> set up to help showcase his work, There is also a link to an interesting tattooed creation of his - caution doll nudity.</span></b><br />
<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />He has loved dolls from childhood, and embraces his work with a passion whether he is designing fashions, doing detailed tattoos on his dolls or creating his mini versions of his jewelry for them. In fact, his repainting skills actually came from years of experience as a part time make up artist during his college days. He may not be active in doll boards but his OOAK ability and creativeness well surpasses the liability of less dolls being available in his native Phillipines.</span></b><br />
<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_g_qHcTCXk/T6usWHWq7kI/AAAAAAAACbc/sUDFm1AbnK4/s1600/choloothertulle.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_g_qHcTCXk/T6usWHWq7kI/AAAAAAAACbc/sUDFm1AbnK4/s320/choloothertulle.jpg" width="240" /></a><b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cholo appears to have brought to this competition the whimsical way he has tackled challenging propositions all his life. It started with childhood and continues today. For example: Because there was a limited amount of toys during his childhood, his frustration led him to be more innovative and inventive in making his toys. Since he couldn’t afford Lego blocks, he made gasoline station dioramas out of cardboards and old boxes, and paper dolls in place of vinyl ones. We're lucky indeed that perhaps now through CDS we can help him develop a website for display and sales of his creations if that is his desire. His passion for doll design seems fully awake, and now that he's finally realized he can afford the dolls he has longed for, specifically Fashion Royalty dolls, there seems to be a whole new world of design just waiting for him to embrace. </span></b><br />
<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> CONGRATULATIONS CHOLO!</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">IN THE BEGINNER DIVISION: KEVIN ROBERTS<br /><br /> He'll receive this package: Kevin's choice of one design will be featured in an upcoming Fashion Doll Quarterly magazine. Kevin also wins from Couture Doll Shops a six month rentfree shop. Finally, he will receive from Tonner Doll Company, Galadriel.<br /><br />Being a beginner can have its advantages and disadvantages. Sometimes if you don't know how to do something, you push past conventional ways of doing things and accomplish your design any way you can. It works sometimes; sometimes not so much. But if you're like Kevin, and brave enough to try, you'll get feedback from the judges, anyway, and can perhaps conquer doing your vision more easily the next time. He made it work as you will see as you read how he tackled each challenge.<br /> </b></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0T5wt5gVtw/T6uzAkX_OxI/AAAAAAAACbo/KAI0k4bjZP8/s1600/kevina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0T5wt5gVtw/T6uzAkX_OxI/AAAAAAAACbo/KAI0k4bjZP8/s320/kevina.jpg" width="280" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">Challenge One - Be a Sport</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;"><br />I heard sporty and instantly wanted to do a Varsity Jacket. To make it a bit unique I reversed the letter, used diamonds for buttons, cut out a star on the back and overlayed it with lace, which also shows off the back of the tee, and then decorated the sleeves with pearls. ... I did not use any patterns.<br /> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">Challenge Two - Angry Birds: Gamer</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;"><br />As a gamer myself, I was super excited about this challenge. I have so many games to be inspired by but ultimately I went with one of my favorite series, Silent Hill. I used elements of the game such as the rusty environments and the creatures for my look. I wanted to do something Ive never done before again so I decided to try painting fabric and I hand painted the tights.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;"><br />Challenge Three - Mash Up <br /> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">I chose Albert Elbaz (Lanvin) and Christopher Bailey (Burberry) for my inspirations. The model wears a riding cap adorned with a pom pom, "studded" gloves, a leather and plaid bag (the fabric was painted with magic markers! lol), a floral slip on dress belted with a neon orange belt, black and electric blue heels with beaded details, sheer socks and a studed peplum trench. I am aware of the issues with the fit and construction of the jacket but decided to not abandon it all together as a)It took me forever to make and b) I would love to get some good feedback and tips on constructing a 1/6 scale jacket.<br /> </b></span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9q2boJGRE4c/T6u2kTt3ASI/AAAAAAAACcA/Pl_X9cDOaQ8/s1600/kevind.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9q2boJGRE4c/T6u2kTt3ASI/AAAAAAAACcA/Pl_X9cDOaQ8/s320/kevind.jpg" width="192" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;"> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">Challenge Four - Old Hollywood <br /> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">I don't really make gowns so I wanted to do something a little different and by that for me was choosing a new model. This is the first outfit, ever, that I have made for a doll that is not Misaki. I decided to go with black as its a bit forgiving and the velvet is streatchy so that helped too. <br /><br /> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">Challenge Five - Say Konichiwa To Fashion WINNER</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;"><br />When I think of a kimono I think of decadence, layers and a overabundance of prints and accessories. I wanted to stray from floral fabrics so I went with some African and safari prints. I also threw in a little Japanese folklore with an Oni mask and Tengu getas...Sculpting the little oni mask was a fun challenge. <br /> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">Challenge Six - Avante Garde for Ga Ga W</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">INNER</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">Not being totally
familular with Avant Garde, I did some research and found myself drawn
to examples that were colorful, over the top, played with mixing
patterns and texutres, knitwear, interesting silhouettes and featured
some volume. Since our client has been wearing lots of black and simple
clothing lately, I decided to make her a party dress that was not only
avant garde but young, fun, flirty and not so serious</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">Kevin Roberts says he's from a very small town...in the United States, I think, but he could live on the moon for all I know because my research didn't really uncover anything about him. Here are things he did reveal in his initial interview.<br /><br />Kevin has always been involved in art, particularly animation and character design. Starting to sew was like a lot of other things Kevin has tried - it was just natural to try it out. However, his skills as he began were very limited, and he did not use a sewing machine, and he wasn't sure how his outfits would turn out; but he knew they would be OOAK as they materialized and he went through the process.</b></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l47nIB969KM/T6u5RXHzwjI/AAAAAAAACcY/cFc5UV9Rm38/s1600/kevinG.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l47nIB969KM/T6u5RXHzwjI/AAAAAAAACcY/cFc5UV9Rm38/s320/kevinG.jpg" width="173" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">Mikasi is his muse, but he collects many kinds of dolls so he was happy to change up muses for the challenges. He was also trying to learn about fabrics and what works best for his 1:6 scale dolls. This was also his first opportunity to push himself to actually sew a garment and line them. Looks like he pushed through his problems just in time to win the two final challenges, and secure the overall Beginner category win!<br /><br />He has no intention of selling his work because he likes his independence, so Kevin may or may not be up for developing a website to promote his dolls - so we'll have to wait and see. Whatever Kevin does, I am sure he will succeed; just as he did tackling and then winning challenges on CDDC.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;"> CONGRATULATIONS KEVIN! </b></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dYgHHBFcD-w/T6u-kwIK6PI/AAAAAAAACck/PUN_WCj4Umc/s1600/juliab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dYgHHBFcD-w/T6u-kwIK6PI/AAAAAAAACck/PUN_WCj4Umc/s320/juliab.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">PHOTOGRAPHY</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">CHALLENGE: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">JULIA PESHKOVA<br /><br /> Julia will receive In Focus: Digital Photography for the Doll Collector by PaHenry. Donated by Pat Henry.<br /><br /> </b></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0njr1xex8ug/T6vAHMeXYxI/AAAAAAAACc0/7SrSR-C5hC0/s1600/juliae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhIIkzwa-FY/T6u_lLEaV_I/AAAAAAAACcs/09759lAjZdM/s1600/juliad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhIIkzwa-FY/T6u_lLEaV_I/AAAAAAAACcs/09759lAjZdM/s320/juliad.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">This year it was decided to keep the photo element in the competition, so those competitors who wished to turned in digital entries took extra, special pictures for this event . There was no critique for these entries because we had no photo experts among our judges. This vote was </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">more sub</b></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0njr1xex8ug/T6vAHMeXYxI/AAAAAAAACc0/7SrSR-C5hC0/s1600/juliae.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">jective, and was motivated merely by the esthetics of each entry. In the end, the winner, Julia Peshkova, had a nice collection of photos.</b></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0njr1xex8ug/T6vAHMeXYxI/AAAAAAAACc0/7SrSR-C5hC0/s1600/juliae.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0njr1xex8ug/T6vAHMeXYxI/AAAAAAAACc0/7SrSR-C5hC0/s320/juliae.jpg" width="255" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">Julia Peshkova was in our Intermediate category although she's only been sewing for about 3 years. A love of fashion from childhood has driven her to the hobby of doll collecting because she likes to make doll clothes for her divas. Since she began she has worked to improve her designs, and she only uses patterns she makes herself. She also likes to make OOAK dolls - they have less parameters regarding clothing so she is free to make up any total look for her doll. If you're interested in Julia's dolls or photography work she has a Facebook page where you can friend her and be able to watch all new items as they are posted.<br /><br />CONGRATULATIONS TO JULIA PESHKOVA!<br /><br />With this blog we conclude CDDC4. We sincerely hope you've enjoyed it, and if you have, it would be great if you'd drop Larraine an email and let her know - just use <a href="mailto:barbigirl@shaw.ca" target="_blank">this link</a>. Then perhaps she'll be inspired to do CDDC5 - if so, see ya then! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;">Until then, you're always welcome to get a fashion fix by following the events going on at CDS; they are all reported on their blog. Make it work, fashionistas. </b></span><br />
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</b></span><b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-46583568348757859662012-05-07T16:19:00.000-07:002012-05-07T18:40:16.731-07:00Winners earn CDDC Stamp of Approval<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">CONGRATULATIONS TO THE </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">WINNERS OF
CHALLENGE SIX!!!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"> From left to right are;</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"> Beginner: Kevin
Roberts, </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Intermediate: Cholo
Ayuyao, and </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Professional: Suyanee Wongchotwiriyakit</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 20pt;">WELL DONE!!!</span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUXrJWeCCOY/T6fJ8Qnf4KI/AAAAAAAACVs/FDI4avQxtXY/s1600/mark6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUXrJWeCCOY/T6fJ8Qnf4KI/AAAAAAAACVs/FDI4avQxtXY/s320/mark6.jpg" width="240" /></a></b></div>
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Photography Winner:</span></b></div>
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Mark Tinkey</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 20pt;"> </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR</span></b></span></div>
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CHALLENGE 6 WINNERS!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">and I'd also like to tell you about the last 2 CDDC sponsors, The Tonner Doll Company and Couture Doll Shop.</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qS9bklVELFo/T6fNLGAAsCI/AAAAAAAACV4/Nc1dW6T9Yqk/s1600/rt.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qS9bklVELFo/T6fNLGAAsCI/AAAAAAAACV4/Nc1dW6T9Yqk/s1600/rt.webp" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Robert Tonner has been our dedicated sponsor through the years, and we appreciate it. I don't think we could ask for a better sponsor for our design challenge project than this talented designer who is reported to have learned to sew when he was only 4. Although we almost lost him for our world of dolls and doll fashion when he preliminarily began his studies in pre-med, but thank goodness he had a change of heart, attended Parsons School of Design, and went on to become a design-director for Bill Blass. Today doll collectors all over the world get to experience his expertise in the garments he produces to sell individually as well as designs on the dressed dolls he makes available. He truly breaths life into each and every one of his creations, and that is well appreciated by his fans that are growing in numbers daily.<br /><br />Because Tonner has such a big following, and to fill the requests of many collectors who wanted a more efficient place to buy his dolls, the <a href="http://www.tonnerdoll.com/" target="_blank">website </a>was completely remodeled this year. If you haven't been over there, it is well worth the visit. Not only is it a safe, secure place to browse and buy his latest; it also has a host of intriguing "places" you can explore. Allow a little time when you go over there, as you might well get lost in dolldom as I sometimes do. For sure you'll want to bookmark his official site (http://www.tonnerdoll.com/), and you'll also want to create a new account or update your current one to make sure you get all his special notices.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5tleY2z3gsQ/T6fPhYHLqkI/AAAAAAAACWA/tIpmoxruvIc/s1600/rt1.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5tleY2z3gsQ/T6fPhYHLqkI/AAAAAAAACWA/tIpmoxruvIc/s1600/rt1.png" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">The homepage is inviting and appealing, and has concise, clear categories to explore along with specific listings of the dolls that are currently available. You can get to each collection from this page and all the categories by clicking on Shop Collections in the menu. Don't forget, Robert Tonner acquired The Effanbee Doll Company, so his beautiful reproductions of some of these dolls including Patsy, Miss Revlon, and Betsy McCall will also be seen here as they become available. This is the place to come not only for the latest releases, but to catch up with the latest events coming up including his Tonner Air convention. Sign up to get the latest releases announced in your email, join the Tonner community, and look up past catalogs. It also includes a gateway to the social communities Tonner is involved with. The following items are also available on this site.<br /><br /> About Tonner provide information about the creative director, Robert Tonner and also gives a little insight into his design process. Several FAQs as well as a Collector's Guide are housed here as wells as shipping information and information on where to go to visit the brick and mortar entity. <br /><br />Community includes Tonner's latest video as well as a place to join their Facebook community. But the most charming aspect of this page, for me, was the ability for us to upload pictures of our collection. When you click to view what others are doing you will see the latest entry as well as a section for the Staff picks where you can see if their taste is the same as yours.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Archive This is an ever evolving work that has and will continue to be a labor or love dedicated to bringing you the majority of Tonner's history. It's a page you'll want to check back on if you are interested in learning about all the history available on dolls that may be in your collection. It's also a place to explore information about the latest convention news as well as informaton about new releases.<br /><br />News and Blog is a definite must read! It offers informative posts about dolls, a link to Miss Nancy's fun and informative column, and a separate place for DC Comic fans. Get involved with this page by making a guest post - either domestic or international - or add your doll to a Doll Duel category and invite your friends to come over and help push your doll up the leader board! And there is a place for Doll Photography articles that has a place to ask questions - a place I hope to explore more soon. Warning: Visiting this page could definitely become addictive, but it's very easy to navigate and also has it's own specific search so you should be able to find info you are seeking fairly easy.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Doll Hospital If your doll is in need of repair or just a little restorative work, you've come to the right place. One of the industry's best doll hospitals is maintained by The Tonner Company. Services include cleaning, re-stringing, re-wigging, joint and limb replacement, eye setting, composition repair, painting, hair styling and you can also acquire wigs and clothing to complete that cherished doll. Their doll Doc, Noreen Morris, has over 20 years of experience and consistently performs the type of work consistent with Tonner's quality control. There are Tips and Doll Care 101 which are must reads for the serious doll collector. It's nice to know there is a place to go in case your dolly has a problem. <br /><br />Contact This area gives consise information about visiting or contacting their store along with a form to fill out if you have questions.</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">That concludes my little tour of the Tonner Company website, but I don't want to leave you without telling you a bit about the 2012 convention. The theme for the 2012 Tonner Doll Convention is Flights of Fancy, and is being held Thursday, May 17, 2012 - Sunday, May 20, in Lombard, Illinois. With events themed around Marilyn Monroe and Wonder Woman, informative workshops, and a killer sales room - not to mention all the other fun Tonner and his team are planning - it has to rank high up there on your list of conventions you must visit this year. Just click on the link on the homepage to get all the infomation and to register. </span></b></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--4vw2S5-DNc/T6hgwBI-O3I/AAAAAAAACXA/vJM1rvyGFx4/s1600/19Aiko.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--4vw2S5-DNc/T6hgwBI-O3I/AAAAAAAACXA/vJM1rvyGFx4/s320/19Aiko.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">In </span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">parting, I'd also like to tell you about the doll provided by the Tonner Doll Company. Freedom for Fashion Sori Aiko will be among the prizes for the First Place Professional Division winner. Sori Aiko is a vision of beauty in a striped satin wrap top with matching belt and wrap, paired with slim fit satin pants. Strappy faux leather shoes with molded "bamboo" soles and pantyhose also included. She is the new Japanese Female Head Sculpt with a 16" Antoinette Body that has brown Eyes, black Hair, and Cameo Skintone. Limited Edition of 500. Perserverance and hard work will take this win - we're extremely luck to have a sponsor like Robert Tonner.<br /> </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> And the last sponsor I'll tell you about is our sister site, <a href="http://couturedollshop.com/" target="_blank">Couture Doll Shops</a>. This is our unique doll mall, developed specifically to mentor and to promote the talented shop owners who grace our neighborhood. We have been in business for two years, and we have a lot of fun with our events. </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Our events are used to do advertisements webwide as well as on our blog. We have been very honored to have our mall shops advertised in most issues of the popular doll magazines like Doll Reader, DOLLS, and Fashion Doll Quarterly consistently since we began.</span></b></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFHjEFt3fYA/T6hqCqX5k7I/AAAAAAAACXc/5SP7Sq-Ibkk/s1600/SyLMH3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFHjEFt3fYA/T6hqCqX5k7I/AAAAAAAACXc/5SP7Sq-Ibkk/s320/SyLMH3.jpg" width="233" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">We recently celebrated our 2nd birthday with a Mad Hatter's Birthday Party. To be included in this event, our shop owners needed to design a character or animal from Alice in Wonderland - but not just any version of this character would do - they had to be reimagined all shiney and new. </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">We never imagined what we would see as we opened picture after picture featuring these new reimagined characters. But I think the included picture of Sylvia Christianson's Mad Hattress will give you an idea of how cleverly this talented group attacked their latest challenge.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">If you are looking for a low cost way to promotore your site, you've come to the right place. Or if you want to get started, we will walk you step by step through everything from developing your website (even if you have zero experience) to proper picture taking - it's all included in our nominal fee to be a part of one of the most fun experiences in your lifetime!!</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">A dull moment doesn't exist for our shop owners, and we are all looking forward to welcoming CDDC's Professional winner into our fold. We are sure, however, that there are designers from all divisions of this wonderful competition who could also become members of CDS and have fun - they have already demonstrated they love to be challenged! Or perhaps there are some followers who might also qualify. Right now we are working on Tres Chic Gothic - join us if you dare!! Just click on the email button to the left to ask for details. </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">It has been our privilege to follow all the CDDC competitions and to be one of your sponsors, We applaud each and every contestant who stayed the course and finished all the challenges. Your Blogmeister will be back with one more post this week - to celebrate the winners - so stay tuned!</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-63192494050984632312012-04-23T01:24:00.000-07:002012-04-23T01:24:27.084-07:00CDDC contestants who can spell W I N !!<!--[if !mso]>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">WE JUST WANT TO SHOUT
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">CONGRATULATIONS TO
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">BEGINNER: KEVIN
ROBERTS</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">INTERMEDIATE: CHOLO AYUYAO</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">PROFESSIONAL: SUYANEE WONGCHOTWIRIYAKIT<br /><br />
WELL DONE!!!</span>
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Photography Winner: Julia Peshkova</span></b>
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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR WINNERS!!!</span></b>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-80331878544296252072012-04-20T15:21:00.003-07:002012-04-20T18:02:36.142-07:00Going ga ga over the Lady<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Your final challenge will be what this competition is all about...Avant Garde(AG) and who better to inspire you to the heights of Avant Garde, but the embodiment of AG herself...Lady Gaga. This superstar is Avant Garde to the max with a little splash of fantasy to keep everyone on their toes and speaking of toes don't forget those Gaga shoes. Wherever she goes Lady G goes there in Avant Garde style. Heck I'd like to bet that she wears AG to take out her garbage!!! With that in mind your final challenge is to design an outfit that would suit Lady G to a T.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Forget that boring, simple little black dress you were planning on wearing this weekend, it's all about meat dresses, dahling. I mean, who wouldn't want to wear a dress you picked up at the butcher shop including the now-infamous meat dress meant to express the feminist declaration: "I am not a piece of meat." For the more faint of heart there might be an outfit made entirely of Kermit the Frog dolls or even fan's faces. Do you think Gaga dares? Hum...GaGa and dare...seems to much of this universe she invented that word.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">From the woman who gave us this rather confusing quote, "People ask me why I wear veils. I reply, I'm mourning. Mourning what? Well I figure something shitty must be going on somewhere," may just come the next popular fashion line. But she is saying that is when she has the time to dedicate to it she will do it; for now she will think about it. Her exact quotes are “I might do something but I just really respect so many designers. Part of me thinks it would be such an injustice for someone like me to do it on the side because so many of them dedicate their lives to it. I might do it one day but I would have to take a break from music so I could concentrate on it.” </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"> Let's get real, say the fashion blogs, she might say she's intimidated, but we all know that she's going to end up doing it. Don't they all? It's all about the Benjamins at the end of the day. In fact, by mid to 3rd quarter 2011, this seemed all but inevitable, as there were rumors that Gaga was already working on a fashion line with her 19-year old sister, who just finished up her first year at Parsons! At the time a source told Grazia Magazine, "Gaga came up with the idea of remodeling the styles of classic icons from the past. Examples of icons she's thinking of using include Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly and Katharine Hepburn. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Natali (her sister) loved the idea and she's coming up with a slew of design options, of course, everything will have their own iconic twist on it." </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"> Unfortunately (fortunately for some) if these rumors are true she won't dare to be doing any meat dresses, Muppets outfits, or even fan tributes, because the collection will have to be somewhat "normal" for women to actually be interested in buying them, and also innovative divas will have to be able to wear them in some sort of everyday setting. Uh oh, guess we were wrong not expecting anything normal if she designs it. But an educated guess would be that her fashion would not be among those found on boring.com; rather she will steer clear of the outlandish, but also won't tolerate the super safe. Therefore, the logical category her line would end up in, like many designers who work only for profit, would be right in the mid styling lines. Whatever category her fashions may end up in, as long as she stays popular and keeps showing up for appearances in her true avant garde manner, I am sure there will be people lining up to have a Lady Ga Ga original - that is how wild the world is about her right now.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Of course she didn't start out as this fan favorite, avant garde dressing diva. Lady Gaga was born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta in Yonkers, NY on March 28, 1986. Her education alone is very impressive. Having been accepted to the Juilliard School at age 11, she chose to attend a private Catholic school. Her study of music and performing continued, though, and she actually wrote her first piano ballad at the age of 13. She attended New York University's Tisch School for the Arts. Interesting to note is she was granted early admission to the Tisch school of the Arts at only 17, and was one of only 20 students in the world to receive the honor of early acceptance. However, she withdrew from this school where she studied music and worked on her songwriting skills "to find her creative inspiration." It was probably around this time that she self named herself Lady Gaga.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Life wasn't easy for this now international pop star. She worked a variety of jobs to make ends meet. In 2005 she was briefly signed by Def Jam Records, but was dropped a few months later. This gave her time to perform on her own in clubs, and to collaborate with several rock bands, and to begin her experimentation with fashion. She wrote songs for other artists including Britney Spears, New Kids on the Block, and the Pussycat dolls until being discovered by R and B singer Akon. Her debut album, The Fame, was a huge success, and the single "Poker Face" topped charts in almost every category, in almost every country. The rest is history. Now you can find her stirring up publicity and fashion interest in all things odd internationally, with the help of her own creative team, Haus of Gaga. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">So how would you dress this icon who some say is setting trends we don't even know exist yet because she is so ahead of the fashion curve? Giant buttons, raw meat, broken up pieces of disco balls, gimp masks, and see-through granny panties come to mind. With Lady Gaga, you think you've seen it all, and then she lowers the bar even further. Whatever she shows up in, you simply cannot look away; surely this twenty-something diva is the only one who can pull off her fabulously, infamous style. Just take a trip over to her blog, <a href="http://amenfashion.tumblr.com/%20" target="_blank">Amen Fashion</a>, and you'll see exactly what I'm talking about. If this doesn't inspire you and get your mind in motion for designing your next fashion, just Google Lady Ga Ga fashion and you'll be right on track. Make it work, designers.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Judging this totally unpredictable challenge along with our regurlar judges, will be guest judges Matt Sutton and Matt Trujillo; two designers who actually have more predictable styles</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><u><i>Matt Sutton</i></u> began his design work back in 1996 designing pop culture dolls such as Lucy, Audrey, The Flintstones, Wonder Woman, etc. In fact, he became well-known for his interpretation of Tippi Hedren as seen in The Birds, and had the honor or meeting her and giving her one of his dolls. Bob Mackie was another icon he's been priviliged to meet. Matt presented Mackie with the doll he'd made of Carol Burnett as "Eunice" in "the Family" sketches from her wonderful show. Mackie actually gave the doll to Carol! "As thanks, they both autographed a copy of Mackie's book and sent it to me-- with a photo of Carol holding "little Eunice," Matt said. How fun for this designer.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">"But my greatest muse was Audrey Hepburn, so it was only natural that I would one day re-create her show-stopping look in "Sabrina," says Matt, "for me, a true labour of love ...." After that he discovered the Silkstones and began to move over to doing retro chic designs. As dolls have evolved, so has Matt's preference, and today his fave is Poppy Parker.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Through the years, he has received many awards for his dolls and dioramas, including several BBMA Crystal awards. "Each doll and competition piece were a joy to work on, says Matt, and I'm so very happy that they were received so well!" More recently, his "competition" time has been focused on the dolls that he is asked to do for the Charity Auction of the National Barbie Doll Collector's Convention (NBDCC). Since 2003, he has had the great honor of being part of each year's Charity Auction. Altogether, his Charity Auction dolls have raised over $42,000! If you'd like to keep up with Matt Sutton's latest design, you can always join his<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_925614233" target="_blank"> FTK Group</a><a href="http://./">.</a> You can also see a bevy of his beauties on <a href="http://mattsutton.com/" target="_blank">his official website.</a> </span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ldKRa1LAsA/T5C5OLWMZ8I/AAAAAAAACSA/Lw4kmldksPA/s1600/mattt" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ldKRa1LAsA/T5C5OLWMZ8I/AAAAAAAACSA/Lw4kmldksPA/s320/mattt" width="235" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><u><i> Matt Trujillo</i></u> started collecting Ken and Barbie dolls in 1983. His first Ken was Sport and Shave Ken and he remains his very favorite. He reminds him of his earlier childhood favorite, Big Jim, with his flexing arms and sports theme. Yes, Ken is this Matt's fave and he enjoys customizing Ken dolls, including repainting, rerooting and most recently flocking, which reminds him of another childhood favorite, his Action Team G.I. Joes. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Matt was so inspired by Alex Pedreira's work that he attempted side glances on Ken dolls of his own. He also designed his own look alike, pictured here, which is featured, along with some of his other great work, on one of his fave sites, <a href="http://www.manbehindthedoll.com/artists_matt_trujillo_.htm" target="_blank">Keeping Ken. </a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Matt and his group of friends on that site are bringing Ken up to date and making him more like we expect the style to be for Ken today. Keep up with this Matt through his <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/matthewsuttonlist/" target="_blank">FTK Group. </a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">And that ends this blog post. If you like the information listed here, leave a comment so I'll know. Have a good weekend, my dahlings. </span></b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-90763346631993909512012-04-09T19:05:00.031-07:002012-04-09T21:34:59.057-07:00Challenga 4 winners making headlines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://couturedoll.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Gnd7Pe1w9Y/T4O0zFH-AQI/AAAAAAAACQI/LtR5xg28QSY/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now the news is out - CDDC4 winners of Challenge 4 have been named!! Congratulations to the winners. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4AlZ-QDtV8/T4OAbrJrzvI/AAAAAAAACPg/XE37QhkBX-U/s1600/suechallenge42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4AlZ-QDtV8/T4OAbrJrzvI/AAAAAAAACPg/XE37QhkBX-U/s320/suechallenge42.jpg" width="212" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2dmGgRRWGA8/T4N_pbVMRYI/AAAAAAAACPY/OPI-q6CBIlM/s1600/suechallenge41.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2dmGgRRWGA8/T4N_pbVMRYI/AAAAAAAACPY/OPI-q6CBIlM/s320/suechallenge41.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BEGINNERS: SUE TOWNSON</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y56n6i6kRks/T4OB7XQ5NyI/AAAAAAAACPo/hpmpfrXsfJ0/s1600/cholo41only.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y56n6i6kRks/T4OB7XQ5NyI/AAAAAAAACPo/hpmpfrXsfJ0/s400/cholo41only.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>INTERMEDIATE: CHOLO AYUYAO</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UH0bnuUG0_0/T4OC8w7wczI/AAAAAAAACPw/37F1NtlLjng/s1600/suyan41.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UH0bnuUG0_0/T4OC8w7wczI/AAAAAAAACPw/37F1NtlLjng/s320/suyan41.jpg" width="212" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZKQRMqkqQQ/T4ODUwCmIoI/AAAAAAAACP4/467MoDi-on0/s1600/suyan42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZKQRMqkqQQ/T4ODUwCmIoI/AAAAAAAACP4/467MoDi-on0/s320/suyan42.jpg" width="212" /></a></b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>PROFESSIONAL; SUYANEE WONGCHOTWINYAKIT</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
Our photography winner is:</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7KJVirndO0/T4OGO-x1bGI/AAAAAAAACQA/RcBjGLtAXq4/s1600/julia41only.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7KJVirndO0/T4OGO-x1bGI/AAAAAAAACQA/RcBjGLtAXq4/s320/julia41only.jpg" width="240" /></a></b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>JULIA PESHKOVA</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Be sure to check out all the great new dolls that are being introduced at this time of the year. Maybe one will spark your imagination enough to think outside the box and design and sew something fantastic. Designing and sewing are just two things doll collectors enjoy doing for their dolls. </b></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-6474666629580149142012-04-06T12:38:00.030-07:002012-04-07T19:14:40.870-07:00SAYING KONICHIWA TO FASHION..and more<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://couturedoll.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJ9Vh-OBnhE/T37IHSk_M6I/AAAAAAAACOI/tRBM-5pzAdU/s320/wildkimono3.png" width="126" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">This week the Far East inspires our challenge. We go to the land of the rising sun and take one of the most recognizable and famous national dress to the couture realm. The traditional Japanese kimono is one of the most beautiful forms of dress. In this challenge you will take a traditional kimono and turn it into a couture fashion. The gloves are off and the fans are down on this one, the judges want to see the kimono looking like we've never seen it before.</span></span></b><br />
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</span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A simple definition for a kimono would tell you it is a long robe with wide sleeves, traditionally worn, with a broad sash as an outer garment, by the Japanese. However, that would be a far cry from telling you all the intricate details and history of this garment. Japan has a very rich textile history, a major focus of interest and artistic expression being the kimono. I am neither Japanese nor would I pretend to have studied their culture, but from my research I understand the traditional translation means 'the thing worn' - which won't come close to fulfilling this challenge...but read on, I promise I will get there. </span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The term kimono was adopted first in the mid-19th century. Prior to that the garment was known as a kosode, meaning 'small sleeve', a reference to the slender opening at the wrist. Originally worn by commoners, or as an undergarment by the aristocracy, the kosode, or kimono, had become the principal item of dress for all classes and both sexes. It is still, today, an enduring symbol of traditional Japanese culture.</span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7k6jgbDEFqk/T384pGq7jsI/AAAAAAAACOQ/fcyUxgHhTDo/s1600/wildkimono2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7k6jgbDEFqk/T384pGq7jsI/AAAAAAAACOQ/fcyUxgHhTDo/s320/wildkimono2.png" width="258" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">However, some of the today's kimono-styled garments won't be your Mama's traditional kimono. These are the garments I believe the task master for this challenge (Larraine Elcock, your host) makes reference to when he suggests we say 'Hello' to fashion....while also saying Sayonara or 'goodbye' to the traditional, straight-seamed garments of yesteryear. Tradition has nothing to do with what you are being asked to create. Every day is a new day and it needs to be filled with new ideas and new looks. This process not only supports the designers, but it also effectively wows the customers and gets them in the shops more often; after all, multiple visits can mean multiple sales. This may be a key goal for you if you now or later intend to sell your fashion...but I digress.</span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YR-3OMM2b5s/T37HVrKckeI/AAAAAAAACOA/LJdXF86vxII/s1600/wildkimono5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YR-3OMM2b5s/T37HVrKckeI/AAAAAAAACOA/LJdXF86vxII/s320/wildkimono5.png" width="138" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Research on specific designers like Keiichi Muramatsu and co-designer Noriko Seki and designer Yohji Yamamoto, or key words like runways of Tokyo and Japan Fashion Week will reveal that the latest Japanese fashions are not just pop or cutesy. Rather, if you look closely you may spot some elements of the kimono creeping in. If you want to find some kind of kimono styling just Asian offbeat styling just Asian offbeat enough to wow the judges this week, you may want to just look to Oriental designers such as Guo Pei from China, who gives some of his designs a most origami twist. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y69oe_pNUeQ/T4Dyu8mcJLI/AAAAAAAACPI/aVUbWD6yQZc/s1600/turn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y69oe_pNUeQ/T4Dyu8mcJLI/AAAAAAAACPI/aVUbWD6yQZc/s320/turn.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">You might even want to examine the garments shown here from your own guest judge, Durelle Brown. From one of her early original OOAK creations with non-removable clothing you see the essence of Oriental she worked into this award winning fashion. In one of her more recent fashions you see a more modern but still very kimono-influenced styling. This is definitely saying Konichiwa to Fashion - think deconstruction of the elements and you should not go wrong in this challenge.</span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ2FKCzHUn4/T387HnRIoLI/AAAAAAAACOg/UOVg5fltz74/s1600/durelleoriental1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ2FKCzHUn4/T387HnRIoLI/AAAAAAAACOg/UOVg5fltz74/s320/durelleoriental1.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Now on with my introduction of Durelle Brown. Ever since she discovered the fun exploration into unusual doll design some collectors venture into, Ms. Brown has been wowing audiences with her multi-faceted designs. She doesn't dwell specifically on any genre, but when she puts something out there you know just exactly the look she is going for. Alice's Red Queen, to be revealed this weekend in an event for <a href="http://couturedollshop.com/" target="_blank">Couture Doll Shop</a>, and Little Mermaid's Ariel, currently featured in an FDQ article, are two of her latest designs that are like no previous presentation of these characters - and both are designed for a most popular doll, Ellowyne, collectors love to both dress and sew for.</span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXC0GV3VbcY/T4Dzh4MYl-I/AAAAAAAACPQ/u_t3YmOTZAE/s1600/1%281%29+%283%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXC0GV3VbcY/T4Dzh4MYl-I/AAAAAAAACPQ/u_t3YmOTZAE/s320/1%281%29+%283%29.jpg" width="170" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Her "hobby" keeps her rather busy these days designing and creating prototypes for Marie Osmond dolls to presenting detailed workshops at conventions like IFDC and Tonner, and even at the recent IDEX showing. Yes, there is plenty to fill this designers off hours. Durelle also works full time as a designer for Ethan Allen Design Centers, so we can be lucky to have her come in and not only help judge this competition, but to also give some insight into this challenge or a little nod of encouragement to those designers who step up to the plate when she does her comments. Let's all say Konichiwa to Durelle, too!</span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-er32WZomY2I/T3885H2FB7I/AAAAAAAACOo/e6HfJrfJZsw/s1600/fdq2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-er32WZomY2I/T3885H2FB7I/AAAAAAAACOo/e6HfJrfJZsw/s320/fdq2.png" width="265" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Not only will you be able to see Durelle's work in the current FDQ, you will most definitely see one of our sponsor's most beautiful Jamieshow doll stylings, as it graces the cover. Of course I'm talking about George Gonzales, the driving force behind the ever-popular, ever-growing, Angelic Dreamz doll emporium. This Grace Sculpt, featuring a Flaming Red hair wig cap, is versatile and ready for a little restyling if you dare as it comes with an additional smooth cap for wigs. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">She is called Evil I would guess because she is so wickedly fashionable. Nothing but the latest is her black chiffon dress boasting a metallic laser-cut breast plate. Other accoutrements </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">include a velveteen cape complete with laser cut metal epaulets and black feather collar as well as the deadly knife and finger holster in silver you'll see her wearing. The doll itself would be enough to make us all salivate but you'll be squealing when you see this ensemble. She is made of the wonderful SmoothJ resin, has 19 points of articulation, to die for JS shoes, and blue green "killer" eyes...well you get the picture, dahlings -- can you say must have for 2012?? </span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RwF7299v2I/T39CbRU3mgI/AAAAAAAACOw/v4kirncGpX8/s1600/cami.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RwF7299v2I/T39CbRU3mgI/AAAAAAAACOw/v4kirncGpX8/s320/cami.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">He was also featured inside the cover in an article titled Beautiful Villains by our sister site, CDS. You will love revisiting his beautiful but deadly Swan. And, if that wasn't enough, it was recently announced that George will be hosting the debut convention for his Jamieshow doll that will take place on September 28th-30th, 2012 where his storefront, <a href="http://angelicdreamz.com/" target="_blank">Angelic Dreamz</a> resides, Canandaigua, New York! You'll want to get your reservations and your plans in order now if you want to take advantage of this great convention. Wow, we are lucky, indeed, to have this new sponsor who will be providing the Platinum Cami Basic for our First Place Intermediate Division winner. </span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_N6C7-ykpLs/T39DQEHtATI/AAAAAAAACO4/MTvCTNjpmoM/s1600/fdqcover1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_N6C7-ykpLs/T39DQEHtATI/AAAAAAAACO4/MTvCTNjpmoM/s320/fdqcover1.png" width="244" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Another of our great sponsors is Pat Henry and <a href="http://www.shop.fdqmedia.com/Subscriptions_c5.htm" target="_blank">FDQ magazine</a>. One can hardly think of one without the other as Pat is, indeed, the driving force behind this beautiful magazine that brings us all the latest doll news each quarter. You'll want to get or renew your subscription in anticipation of seeing First place in each division being featured in an upcoming issue as part of the CDDC prize package. She will also be presenting our Photography Winner with her best-selling book, In Focus - Digital Photography for the Doll Collector. If you were going to add just one book to your library of helpful doll references this year, this one would indeed be the one to "focus" on. Thanks to Pat and all our great sponsors - you really sweeten the win! </span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">That concludes this post, my pretties, but stay tuned - next I'll reveal the winners of this fine challenge. Remember stay hip and chic -- and if you aren't into that personally - just be sure your dolls are. Most of all, have a ball; doll collecting is all about FUN!</span></b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-60922663871877016352012-03-27T11:25:00.000-07:002012-03-27T11:25:41.135-07:00Hats off for a fine Mix!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://couturedoll.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9B0fFiL-sY/T3H3NJqc-5I/AAAAAAAACKA/Z-rk38iLwCE/s320/cathat.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF CHALLENGE THREE!!!</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Here in their own words they will not only tell you the designers they chose, but also give some insight into their outfit. First, here are your winners and the category they represent </b></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><br />
BEGINNER: DMITRY PUZANOV</span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><br />
</span><span>INTERMEDIATE: CHOLO AYUYAO</span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span> </span><span>PROFESSIONAL: ANITA STOKLOSA</span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>These are their winning designs along with their comments: </span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lPUL6kbHxRc/T3H5NG-FXyI/AAAAAAAACKI/9BXRApS_Tuo/s1600/dimitry3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lPUL6kbHxRc/T3H5NG-FXyI/AAAAAAAACKI/9BXRApS_Tuo/s400/dimitry3.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><u><span>BEGINNER: DMITRY PUZANOV</span></u></i></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span> </span><span>Two fashion designers Alexander McQueen and Zuhair Murad were my inspiration at this competition. I wanted to connect the East and the West. Two worlds and two religions. On a head of a doll a photo of the Sofia cathedral in Istanbul. Today it is a mosque. It is symbolical. Ornaments - gold butterflies. Alexander McQueen used butterflies for the inspiration.</span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cCz2pADyW1U/T3H51an8drI/AAAAAAAACKQ/gZmz15aynx0/s1600/cholo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cCz2pADyW1U/T3H51an8drI/AAAAAAAACKQ/gZmz15aynx0/s320/cholo3.jpg" width="204" /></a></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><u><i>INTERMEDIATE: CHOLO AYUYAO</i></u></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><u><i> </i></u><br />
For this challenge, Im compelled to do a mash up between two of my favorite fashion houses, Chanel with its classic, elegant and utterly lady like sense of aesthetics, and the body hugging lines of americanized french label Herve Leger. I used Chanel's tweed and Leger's signature stretch bandage to create a design that could hold on its own. Contrasting details such as a tinge of military tailoring and added the curvy body conforming side, three dimensional details for that drama, contrasting the conservative design and continuing the bands and arrange them into a linear pattern formed on the skirt, contrasted by the soft cascading drapes. The heaviness of design was balanced with color of summery lavander and lilacs and accents of fresh greens to soften everything up.</span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DvhmdIyR2Dk/T3H6HuBYBfI/AAAAAAAACKY/5dbAy0vs2Bk/s1600/anita3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DvhmdIyR2Dk/T3H6HuBYBfI/AAAAAAAACKY/5dbAy0vs2Bk/s320/anita3.jpg" width="169" /></a></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><br />
<u><i>PROFESSIONAL: ANITA STOKLOSA</i></u></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><u><i> </i></u><br />
I have mixed Chanel and Dolce&Gabbana styles.<br />
Jacket is characteristic for fashion of the leading creator of all - Coco Chanel. Always collarless with round buttons and a typical trim around.<br />
Skirt - inspired by this year's fashion of Dolce&Gabbana. This is a brand that arouses desire, sensation and continually provokes. It is determined by the ability of breaking conventions and going beyond cultural boundaries. Dolce&Gabbana offers also a joy with contrast, passion and femininity – thanks to that a woman becomes unique, strong and full of passion. She becomes a diva who can not be ignored. Sexy and provocative creations are often both synonymous with chic and elegant. Black felt hat adds chic. All hat, jewelry and stockings have been created by me.</span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FxVxNJncXfQ/T3H7GKBb0PI/AAAAAAAACKo/zEY7RSVumxY/s1600/anj32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FxVxNJncXfQ/T3H7GKBb0PI/AAAAAAAACKo/zEY7RSVumxY/s320/anj32.jpg" width="240" /></a></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><br />
</span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><u><i>Photography Winner: Anj Calvo</i></u></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><u><i> </i></u></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span></span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #990000; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MPu3XDDXTak/T3H9blheDnI/AAAAAAAACK4/0L8T9GDZP9g/s1600/poppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MPu3XDDXTak/T3H9blheDnI/AAAAAAAACK4/0L8T9GDZP9g/s320/poppy.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>Your guest judge for this Mash Up challenge was</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span> </span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span> </span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span> DAVID BUTTRY</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span> </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>David has always been a doll collector, specifically of fashion dolls, because his sisters and mother collected dolls. David not only designs dolls today, but he is also a graphic designer who is well known for his logos and other fashion doll illustrations - in fact that's the original job he snared at Integrity Toys. He has worked under Vaughn Sawyers and Jason Wu, but David has a style all his own. </span></b></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><br />
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</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span> </span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttMghEydeDQ/T3IEYVaLD6I/AAAAAAAACLA/ihux0jTb4I0/s1600/alicedavid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttMghEydeDQ/T3IEYVaLD6I/AAAAAAAACLA/ihux0jTb4I0/s320/alicedavid.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>His work with Integrity does include illustration as well as design for ads and packaging, and even working with the doll design team. </span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>But the general public probably knows him better for the doll lines he's worked on that include Misaki, Dynamite Girls, and most recently, Poppy Parker. He works on doll designs that include loads of personality. David even designed the IFDC Alice in Wonderland companion doll made from the Gavin Dynamite Girl sculpt. </span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>David has been published in Fashion Doll Quarterly, and other popular doll magazines. </span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span> </span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>And that concludes our blog for this week. But the designers are working hard on their next challenge, so look forward to seeing some new eye candy, and tips for making them, on our next blog! </span></b></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-74465520655062264982012-03-22T10:12:00.000-07:002012-03-22T10:12:25.238-07:00Can Old Hollywood be made new again??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tz2tEaZROCM/T2tcuGEkbzI/AAAAAAAACI4/9jhHWiFG-80/s1600/ohg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tz2tEaZROCM/T2tcuGEkbzI/AAAAAAAACI4/9jhHWiFG-80/s400/ohg.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">CHALLENGE FOUR: I'M READY FOR MY CLOSE UP MR.<br />
DEMILLE<br />
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"The Hollywood Gown" in golden age Hollywood was a time when there were gowns designed for film stars and movie roles, by designers known worldwide. Designers such as Adrian, Edith Head, and Irene, were known for their film gowns. Fashion and the movies have been married since the first moving pictures. There were times when the gown made the film and made even bigger the starlet who wore it, catapulting her into the next big "it" girl.<br />
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This challenge is to create the perfect "Hollywood Gown". The gown has to be modern while also giving a nod to those famous Hollywood designers of yesteryear. The gown must be camera ready and starlet bound, it must look good from all angles and must provide that perfect "Hollywood publicity still."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l4If_3Jmo94/T2tSqdG-CqI/AAAAAAAACHQ/AYz23Xq_R1w/s1600/Adrian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l4If_3Jmo94/T2tSqdG-CqI/AAAAAAAACHQ/AYz23Xq_R1w/s320/Adrian.jpg" width="265" /></a><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Movie: DINNER AT EIGHT, Year 1933</span></span></b><br />
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Costume Designer: Adrian Dress: A vision in white satin, cut on the bias.</span></span></b><br />
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</div><div style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Actress: Jean Harlow, the actress who was attributed to have originated a new vision of blonde by bleaching hers white, a trend that would last as far the 50's - remember Marilyn Monroe??</span></b></div><div style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-y-cwoN5ac/T2tTOZcs84I/AAAAAAAACHY/Txtyoy1kOTY/s1600/EdithHead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-y-cwoN5ac/T2tTOZcs84I/AAAAAAAACHY/Txtyoy1kOTY/s320/EdithHead.jpg" width="213" /></a><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Movie: LADY IN THE DARK, Year 1944</span></span></b><br />
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Costume Designer: Edith Head Gown: One of Hollywood's most expensive with a mink over skirt and a beaded inner skirt. Shoulder pads, gloves and netting were a must. </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Actress: Ginger Rogers, who danced across the silver screen most often on the arm of Fred Astaire would favor a shoe that disappeared into her dress - a trick to make her long legs look even longer!</span></span></b><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UX44-WffKME/T2tUYpbOryI/AAAAAAAACHg/SbeWv1LZ69k/s1600/Irene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UX44-WffKME/T2tUYpbOryI/AAAAAAAACHg/SbeWv1LZ69k/s320/Irene.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Movie: MIDNIGHT LACE, 1960, Evening Gown Designed by Irene</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Costume Designer: Irene Evening Gown: Reminescent of the style of the actress.</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Actres: Doris Day, known for her "good girl" look would have worn a gown like this of the finest silk, sometimes with a little jacket - but no matter how it was made, it always was a wow factor!<br />
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All three were popular designers for Old Hollywood, but Edith Head is probably the most remembered today because of her work with Audrey Hepburn. However Irene (Lentz) perhaps has had the most influence in modern-day movies - not because she designed later than the others. Midnight Lace was the last movie she designed for; much of her design work began in the 1930s; Easter Parade is her most well known movie. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SJR_M8aO18o/T2tVU1gJceI/AAAAAAAACHo/jKaf1TxeJjY/s1600/IreneAngelina-jolie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SJR_M8aO18o/T2tVU1gJceI/AAAAAAAACHo/jKaf1TxeJjY/s320/IreneAngelina-jolie.jpg" width="213" /></a><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Her suits are worn by Kyra Sedgewick on TNT's The Closer currently airing. But, it is one of Angelina Jolie’s outfits in her recent film, The Tourist, that most beckons us back to old Hollywood in a new, updated, while keeping the tradition way. <br />
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Yes, it was inspired by a design by Irene (Lentz), but "reenvisioned" by Colleen Atwood who may be one of our new age designers making a name for their Hollywood designs as well. This ensemble featured a caramel shawl, gloves, and an ivory sheath while the original outfit included a jacket. Atwood told People Magazine she wanted to make it more luxurious so she designed a wrap instead. She also made the outfit more modern and gave Jolie gloves to wear because she "was filming in the land of fine gloves."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5ZHrhjecV4/T2tV7J7mwkI/AAAAAAAACH4/oO9_gwRZHxY/s1600/AtwoodAelina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5ZHrhjecV4/T2tV7J7mwkI/AAAAAAAACH4/oO9_gwRZHxY/s320/AtwoodAelina.jpg" width="244" /></a><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> To me, Ms. Atwood has demonstrated what this challenge is all about. Through her "reenvision" she stayed true to the glamour obvious in all the Old Hollywood ensembles while not only bringing it up to date, she made it more luxurious. This spirit of Old Hollywood, after all, exuded glamour, so I don't think just deconstructing or modernizing it without a nod to such glamour will satisfy these judges.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbIstzxxM5Q/T2tXo-EseaI/AAAAAAAACIA/8g1jdcJ2h48/s1600/JimGene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbIstzxxM5Q/T2tXo-EseaI/AAAAAAAACIA/8g1jdcJ2h48/s320/JimGene.jpg" width="219" /></a><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">In fact, your judge for this challenge will be a true original doll artist, one we might even call Glamour Man! Jim Faraone's one-of-a-kind creations were the epitome of glamour. Designs he once had available for sale came with all the beadwork and sequins hand done, one at a time and not glued on. Each doll came with a stand and was placed in an autographed designer box with his logo on the cover with his salutation, "I do hope you enjoy this glamorous, yet sometimes humorous journey into my miniature world of fashion." He was so popular at it he even wrote the book about it, well actually several books, in his Fashion Doll Makeover series where he not only gave how-tos and examples of his own work; he also used them to promote other artists.</span></span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YVpOjqhAe4Q/T2tZE4fboiI/AAAAAAAACIY/9qn_3PHM0sk/s1600/JimDeco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YVpOjqhAe4Q/T2tZE4fboiI/AAAAAAAACIY/9qn_3PHM0sk/s320/JimDeco.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><br />
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Yes, Jim Faraone is a self-proclaimed collector of dolls, paper dolls, paper toys, miniatures, 40's and 50's plastic dollhouse furniture, metal doll dishes and accessories, autographed celebrity photos, and dust! But for a lot of us Jim is a mentor that we're proud to call a friend. Nowadays he has turned to fulfilling his need to do doll art by producing the wonderful paintings he shows at his International Fashion Doll Covention. And what a fun convention it is -- A Celebration of ALL Fashion Dolls, this year's theme will be Shock, Rattle 'N' Roll, and he'll also be celebrating IFDC's 10th Anniversary. Where else could one not only see the latest doll offerings from Manufacturers as well as Artists, attend informative how to seminars, do a little Steampunk Rock Bowling, play the slots, and enjoy a Raining Men American Bandstand Karaoke/Dance Night?? No where but IFDC with the doll artist's friend, Jim Faraone. Read more about it on the IFDC website by clicking <a href="http://www.ifdconline.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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Jim will be joining your regular panel of equally nice, doll and doll artist lovin' judges: Malinda Zelazo, Hilda Westervalt, and Rob Thompson. Malinda and Hilda are new while Rob has been with CDDC since the beginning. Their critiques, to me, elevates CDDC from being just a "pretty doll" contest because along with their critiques they furnish information to help the designers do a better job.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv8A9HdL01E/T2tZUX5DAMI/AAAAAAAACIg/5_PH99Plxes/s1600/grlzMalinda.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv8A9HdL01E/T2tZUX5DAMI/AAAAAAAACIg/5_PH99Plxes/s320/grlzMalinda.JPG" width="251" /></a><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">First we have Malinda Zelazo. She grew-up in San Jose, Califronia but currently lives in Sacramento. Malinda is the first of our non-doll designer judges, and was not chosen for her good design or sewing skills, rather ofor her good eye for detail she uses for selecting new addition to her OOAK collection. Malinda has been collecting fashion dolls for over 20 years. Her main love is Francie, but she also likes Mod era Barbies, Momoko, Misaki, and Poppy Parker. She loves fashion and brings to the table the courses in fashion design and history she has attended. And although she not</span></span></b><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> been so successful at making the fashions, she has made many talented friends over the years who are doll artists and is constatntly amazed at how creative doll collectors are! Malinda is excited to be a part of CDDC and looks forward to seeing everyone's entries for each challenge!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4dtFKOGkgA/T2tZ4V1S3UI/AAAAAAAACIo/1GJfElLgnpM/s1600/hilda2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4dtFKOGkgA/T2tZ4V1S3UI/AAAAAAAACIo/1GJfElLgnpM/s320/hilda2.jpeg" width="217" /></a><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Our next new judge is Hilda Westerveldt, who is no stranger to all the Barbie collectors I am sure. Hilda has been sewing since she was in High School but then sewed mostly for herself. She started a business of handmade hats in 1993 under the name Bellissima. Fast forward to 2007 and when she started sewing for dolls. Hilda have always loved anything in miniature and the idea of indulging her love of vintage fashion in miniature was very compelling. Her favorite period is the 1950s to early 1960s and she simply adores the fashions from the show Mad Men, and loves to create them. She has a wonderful time designing. She calls her doll shop Bellissima Couture, and it is located on our sister site, Couture Doll Shop - right on Main Street - last shop on the right on the last row - just click <a href="http://couturedollshop.com/" target="_blank">here</a> to find it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-var72xWANLw/T2taeUMk5qI/AAAAAAAACIw/gwjKjvQy_HM/s1600/Robnew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-var72xWANLw/T2taeUMk5qI/AAAAAAAACIw/gwjKjvQy_HM/s320/Robnew.jpg" width="240" /></a><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Last but not least is Rob Thompson. Rob is doing a ton of charity auction dolls again this year, and I am sure they are grateful because they usually raise from $5,000 to $7,000 each year for various charities. This year his dolls will benefit Grant A Wish, National Barbie, IFDC, Kelly Convention, and the Italian Doll Convention. He also cotinues working with the NOH8 campaign.charity, and that has been a huge job, as well as collaborating with Dressmaker Details and Randall Craig RTW for charity event dolls. Rob's new line of doll work, “Razor Rain,” was previewed at the FR convention last year and sold out. Besides his doll work, he has actually started a novel, but has no idea when he would get it finished - nor was I privileged to know the topic, but we can all read his articles in FDQ from time to time. Rob also has a shop on our sister site, CDS, first row Couture Court, 2nd from the left, just click <a href="http://couturedollshop.com/CoutureCourt.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">And that concludes this post, tune in next time when more winners will be revealed!</span></span></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-50271106889573403002012-03-13T07:01:00.010-07:002012-03-13T10:28:57.254-07:00These winners really got their game on!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://couturedoll.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-gcf-y5um8/T19LsxTEXEI/AAAAAAAACDw/3cdxNLet0xg/s320/2congratulations.jpg" width="320" />'</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>CONGRATULATIONS TO THE </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>WINNERS OF CHALLENGE TWO!!! </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2YDQSWZOwU/T19NFExjz4I/AAAAAAAACD4/gdjSp7JmxPU/s1600/2Dimitry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2YDQSWZOwU/T19NFExjz4I/AAAAAAAACD4/gdjSp7JmxPU/s400/2Dimitry.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BEGINNER: DMITRY PUZANOV</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>'These are haute couture dresses, I have created having inspired by game of Diablo. To it I have been carried away in the childhood."</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUnrrd8zDrc/T19Nz3Kj6eI/AAAAAAAACEA/oSTe9d8vZ44/s1600/2Elena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUnrrd8zDrc/T19Nz3Kj6eI/AAAAAAAACEA/oSTe9d8vZ44/s200/2Elena.jpg" width="193" /></a></b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>INTERMEDIATE: ELENA PROKHOROVA</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"My inspiration for this dress was game "Assassin's Creed". And now you can see my model, as an embodiment of this game within the limits of haute couture."</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-axco6x3ozCo/T19P7fJFp5I/AAAAAAAACEI/IH6l7EylxMk/s1600/2Maria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-axco6x3ozCo/T19P7fJFp5I/AAAAAAAACEI/IH6l7EylxMk/s320/2Maria.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>PROFESSIONAL: MARIA USTYNOVSKA</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"For this creation I was inspired of my favorite video game 'Hitman.'"</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lwyNB5XKOvQ/T19QSqAcVYI/AAAAAAAACEQ/XShCou2Rdc0/s1600/2AnjP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lwyNB5XKOvQ/T19QSqAcVYI/AAAAAAAACEQ/XShCou2Rdc0/s320/2AnjP.jpg" width="260" /></a></b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Photography Winner: Anj Calvo</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOy_sWQNjnc/T19Q__jPcbI/AAAAAAAACEY/JD3NV2Hs-kE/s1600/2ElenaP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOy_sWQNjnc/T19Q__jPcbI/AAAAAAAACEY/JD3NV2Hs-kE/s320/2ElenaP.jpg" width="232" /></a></b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Honorable Mention goes to Elena Prokhorova</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Anj now will have an entry in the Photography Contest. Congratulations to all winners!</b></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-80015601701286087532012-03-08T10:22:00.011-08:002012-03-08T11:02:19.313-08:00Mash it up, Mash it up, throw it on a Model!!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lOAwiU4rytA/T1jThZWGWJI/AAAAAAAACAk/6BTDjscLRQ8/s1600/Mashup.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lOAwiU4rytA/T1jThZWGWJI/AAAAAAAACAk/6BTDjscLRQ8/s320/Mashup.png" width="248" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">CHALLENGE THREE: HANDS UP! THIS IS A MASH UP!</span></b></span><br />
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This week your challenge for <a href="http://couturedoll.com/" target="_blank"> CDDC4</a> is to mash things up a bit. You will take two famous design houses and design a couture fashion that mixes the famous elements of both houses while not flat out copying either house's designs. Examples that you might use(but you are not limited to these designers) would be Valentino to Valentina (Versace), Givenchy to Galliano, (Vivienne) Westwood to (Jason) Wu, (Alexander) McQueen to (Stella) McCartney… The design houses should be on different ends of the fashion spectrum so that it is a true fashion mash-up! Mix 'em up and see what you get.<br />
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Wow, what an interesting challenge! I thought I'd provide you with a picture and a little information on each designer, BUT make NO suggestions. In this way you could learn about each one, anyway, even if you didn't use any of them. After all, you never can get enough fashion info now, can you??<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4jABXDjgi4g/T1jT1N_5nPI/AAAAAAAACA0/cmYkJBjXx3U/s1600/Valetino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4jABXDjgi4g/T1jT1N_5nPI/AAAAAAAACA0/cmYkJBjXx3U/s320/Valetino.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div align="left"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">VALENTINO<br />
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Both a reverent hush and an excited clamor simultaneously surround the Italian designer, Valentino. He enjoys the patronage of a long established clientéle of wealthy and aristocratic women, yet his clothes are never staid and always express a fresh, current style. His collections and his lifestyle embody the grandeur and serenity of eternal Rome, where he works from his salon near the Spanish Steps. In 2000 Valentino celebrated 40 years in business. From his beginnings he has attracted clients who came to him for his finely crafted, colorful, and elegant designs. In 1968 he created a sensation with his White Collection, featuring short dresses shown with lace stockings and simple flat shoes. The very same year Jacqueline Kennedy chose a lace-trimmed silk two-piece dress with a short pleated skirt, for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis. Yet red has since become Valentino's signature color, a rich shade of crimson with vibrant overtones of orange. Typical Valentino details include scalloped trims and hems, raglan sleeves, circular ruffles, complex plays of proportion, and extravagant pattern and texture mixes—like the combination of lace, velvet, and houndstooth in a single outfit. Valentino's devotees continue to flock to him today.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ys2N8tI_xhk/T1jT_45KNvI/AAAAAAAACBA/PtHg-VYY9gM/s1600/Versace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ys2N8tI_xhk/T1jT_45KNvI/AAAAAAAACBA/PtHg-VYY9gM/s320/Versace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DONATELLO VERSACE<br />
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She was born with a natural Italian flair for personal style. Her emerging creative talents were nurtured by her mother, Francesca, and her brother Gianni's extraodinary career influenced her as a young girl. Donatella's clothing design today with its sexy, feminine, powerful look is as much a reflection of her early personal style as of the fashion world in which she is a major presence. Because of the enormous success of her brother and his couture line and Donatella's role as his assistant and muse, she became well known and respected in the Italian fashion world; and because of her own talent, she has maintained that respect in more countries than just Italy. Harper's Bazaar (1995) recognized that Donatella's demand for the most famous models as a part of the publicity surrounding each season's latest designs launched "the supermodel" cult, though it must be said that she was herself the most recognizable supermodel that Gianni engaged. Her notoriously high standards attract precisely the attention to Versace products that guarantees their marketability. She continues to cultivate the celebrity crowd; designing, for example, the extraordinary palm-leaf printed gown that Jennifer Lopez wore at a Grammy Awards ceremony. In recent years she has concentrated on the sexy natural shape of a woman's body. Her use of clinging chiffons that hug every curve, subtle designs that follow those curves like a whisper, and sparkles of sequins highlighting those curves have perfected her look as "maybe risqué, but not reckless." She has, indeed, matured into a major fashion leader who is upholding the high standards of elegance, sensuality, and opulence that were and remain the Versace trademark.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2YGx1ZDjXE/T1jVrcFGW7I/AAAAAAAACBU/DEOS3hNJtwE/s1600/Givenchy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2YGx1ZDjXE/T1jVrcFGW7I/AAAAAAAACBU/DEOS3hNJtwE/s320/Givenchy.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">HUBERT DE GIVENCHY<br />
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The House of Givenchy was founded in 1952 by designer Hubert de Givenchy and is a member of Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture et du Pret-a-Porter. During his reign under the label bearing his name, he was known for his modern, ladylike styles, which earned him many loyal clients. The most famous patron of the brand was Audrey Hepburn in films such as Sabrina, for which Edith Head claimed the Academy Award, How to Steal a Million and Breakfast at Tiffany's. A rather sad event brought global attention to Givenchy dresses. When John F.Kennedy was assasinated, the world witnessed a mourning Kennedy family all dressed in Givenchy clothes. Other famous patrons include the Guinness and Grimaldi families. After he left his own design house, he went on to work for other design houses shortly afterward. and continues to create both wonderful women's wear and men's wear collections.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mh7Y19eUTko/T1jV_FaSDZI/AAAAAAAACBo/RF9M0ztesX0/s1600/Galliano.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mh7Y19eUTko/T1jV_FaSDZI/AAAAAAAACBo/RF9M0ztesX0/s400/Galliano.png" width="297" /></a></span></b></span></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
JOHN GALLIANO<br />
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After much talk about possible successors of Ferre, it was confirmed in October 1996, that John Galliano would take his place as chief designer for Dior. Galliano, known as an enfant terrible of the fashion business, was responsible for Givenchy for two seasons before switching to Dior. It was believed that Dior's parent-company LVMH wanted to rejuvenate Dior's appearence, hoping it could create an equally astonishing run on Dior products like Tom Ford created for Gucci. Indeed, Galliano's appraoch to fashion resembles Dior's intention when he started in 1947. In contrast to Chanel, for example, Dior established a romantic and very feminine look, which emphasised luxury rather than comfort. Galliano, as Dior's successor, created an equally feminine style, blending today's freedom of expression with the reminiscence of past opulence.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M95soi-N4qc/T1jWToKP6kI/AAAAAAAACB8/CWrXKgOGTpQ/s1600/Westwood.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M95soi-N4qc/T1jWToKP6kI/AAAAAAAACB8/CWrXKgOGTpQ/s320/Westwood.png" width="320" /></a></span></b></span></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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VIVIENNE WESTWOOD<br />
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She became well known in the 1970s when, with Malcolm McLaren, the rock music entrepreneur, she opened a shop in London that became the focus of the punk rock movement. International recognition came in the early 1980s with her Pirate and New Romantics look. Vivienne Westwood, who once had a shop named SEX, has played a vital role in the emergence of Punk Rock in the 1970s and has gone on to become one of the most original and influential designers of our time. Her designs combine a fearless unconformity with a sense of tradition. She is renowned for her gentle parody of Establishment styles, her use of very British fabrics such as Harris tweed and tartan, and her re-use of historic garments such as the corset and crinoline. Yet, her approach has always been practical, driven by a curiosity about how things work, a process she describes as 'learning through action'. Born in 1941, you'd think she'd be slowing down, but there is no such evidence yet.<br />
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</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pwt2iVXttYE/T1jWlLTB7aI/AAAAAAAACCQ/Wc3Zz8WUBiM/s1600/Wu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pwt2iVXttYE/T1jWlLTB7aI/AAAAAAAACCQ/Wc3Zz8WUBiM/s320/Wu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
JASON WU<br />
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"I think in a time where trends last for about five minutes, and we move on so quickly on everything, not just fashion, the role of a designer is to create pieces that are truly designer pieces with a design signature that is seasonless, timeless. and well made… and in that sense they’re so different and cannot be mistaken for a knock off," words direct from this young, forward-thinking designer who is the current darling of the fashion world. Little mention is given to the diminutive designs he's done for Integrity, Madame Alexander, and others in the press nowadays, but he has said he will cotinue to dabble in this design work that was his beginning in fashion. He's designed for a President's wife and Neiman Marcus, and his cute-as-a-button Target ads are making him a household word. Here's hoping he's already accomplished his next goal of having Cate Blanchette wear one of his gowns by the time you are reading this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OI9bNccutzU/T1jYFYy9iOI/AAAAAAAACC4/x9yxgLPpHHw/s1600/mcqueen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OI9bNccutzU/T1jYFYy9iOI/AAAAAAAACC4/x9yxgLPpHHw/s320/mcqueen.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></span></div><br />
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ALEXANDER MCQUEEN<br />
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McQueen's clothing was by no means ‘ready to wear’, his designs were like no other. They made up a display of his uninhibited imagination and creativity. Some of his designs were very sexual, using elements of S&M such as chainmail, bondage and corsets. But there is no denying, he completely changed the way a fashion show is presented. Fashion shows became another form of performance art. He incorporated choreography, art, video, lights and many other exciting aspects of performance art into his shows. These shows were energetic, and his audiences left them full of emotion. That is only one of the reasons that when he left us we were also full of emotion.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mj9rZUrL2H0/T1jXxJhl0yI/AAAAAAAACCk/dQuprrU-0sY/s1600/mccartey.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mj9rZUrL2H0/T1jXxJhl0yI/AAAAAAAACCk/dQuprrU-0sY/s320/mccartey.png" width="320" /></a></span></b></span></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
STELLA MCCARTNEY<br />
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Although her famous father is Beatle Paul McCartney, Stella doesn't seem to need to stand on anyone's name but her own, having launched her own line immediately on leaving college. Her style of combining sharp tailoring with humour and sexy femininity were immediately apparent in that first collection. In 1997, after only two collections, she became the creative director of the house of Chloe in Paris. Chloe's commercial success has been stratospheric since her arrival. Stella McCartney was awarded the VH1 / Vogue Fashion and Music 2000 Designer of the Year award, and in 2001 she resigned from Chloe and launched her own fashion house under her name in partnership with Gucci Group.<br />
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But you are not limited to these designers, so I would pair up a particular duo of my faves. I think this American woman designer and this French man are juxtaposed enough that pulling attributes of each one's collections could result in an awesome outfit. Below is some info on each, so you can see if you agree. But if you do not that is fine, after all this is about YOUR interpretation of this challenge, not mine. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8sxMipQWURs/T1jYfSxZaGI/AAAAAAAACDM/YAG-Fp0vmIs/s1600/Gaultier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8sxMipQWURs/T1jYfSxZaGI/AAAAAAAACDM/YAG-Fp0vmIs/s320/Gaultier.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></span></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER<br />
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ThIs former 'enfant terrible' of French fashion is one of the most significant designers working today. On one hand, Jean Paul Gaultier is hailed as the saviour of haute couture. On the other, he is one of the world's most famous living Frenchmen, partly due to a presenting job on the TV show Eurotrash. Born in 1952, he was beguiled by fashion from a young age, and would sketch showgirls from the Folies Bergere to impress his classmates. In the early '70s he trained under Pierre Cardin and Jean Patou, eventually launching his own ready-to-wear collection in 1976. He soon became known for iconoclastic designs such as the male skirt, corsetry worn as outerwear, and tattoo-printed body stockings. The classics of Parisian fashion are also central to his repertoire, particularly the trench coat. But it was his wardrobe for Madonna's Blonde Ambition tour of 1990 that made him world-famous, in particular for a certain salmon-pink corset with conical bra cups. <br />
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</span></b></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">BETSEY JOHNSON<br />
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New York designer Betsey Johnson has built her long-standing career in fashion by following her own set of rules. Known for her celebration of the exuberant, the embellished, and the over the top, Betsey has been rocking the fashion industry with her unique and original designs since the 1960's. Her commitment to remain true to her one-of-a-kind vision has afforded Betsey continued success in an industry known for its fickleness. Her ability to change with the times while keeping her designs pure has not gone unnoticed. At the 1999 CFDA Awards, Betsey was presented The Timeless Talent Award created especially for her, which recognized her influence on fashion throughout her career. In late 2002, Betsey was honored with an induction into the Fashion Walk of Fame, honoring her contribution to American fashion. She has also received various Lifetime Achievement Awards as well as the Designer of the Year Award in 2006. Betsey Johnson's enthusiasm, creativity and boundless talent that have kept her at the forefront of fashion for the past 40 years will keep Betsey going for years to come.</span></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Well, that is it for this week! All the designs for Challenge Two are now up, so just </span></b></span><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">click <a href="http://couturedoll.com/ch2.html" target="_blank">here,</a> to go on over and enjoy another interesting runway show!<br />
</span></b></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-84901625375541061972012-02-27T11:35:00.000-08:002012-02-27T11:35:48.171-08:00Strike Up the Band - Challenge 1 Winners Named!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://couturedoll.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlB9gpnZ0Wg/T0vT4LSpp-I/AAAAAAAACAU/6Lix2i90VsA/s320/band.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">The Challenge winners for Challenge One of CDDC 4 are:</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tF3vGbVLJoY/T0vJpC9ztbI/AAAAAAAAB_s/Uf5sWtUH8Lk/s1600/Sue.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tF3vGbVLJoY/T0vJpC9ztbI/AAAAAAAAB_s/Uf5sWtUH8Lk/s400/Sue.png" width="400" /></span></b></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<div style="color: black; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: 900;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: 900;">Beginner Category: Sue Townsend</span></span></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br />
<div style="font-weight: bold;">"This challenge was quite exciting as I really enjoy more casual clothes for the dolls. Gowns are a bit overdone. though they have their place. I have been very excited by Peter Pilotto and his new collections. He uses print in a new and innovative way which links intricate prints with sportswear.</div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P3wDoXz7prE/T0vJjxnhf_I/AAAAAAAAB_k/FHEkTOqGv6I/s1600/Cholo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P3wDoXz7prE/T0vJjxnhf_I/AAAAAAAAB_k/FHEkTOqGv6I/s400/Cholo.png" width="400" /></span></b></a></div><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> Intermediate Category: Cholo Ayuyao</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gqzHS9tOgrQ/T0vJcmGM8iI/AAAAAAAAB_c/nyReA-v4T_I/s1600/Anita.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gqzHS9tOgrQ/T0vJcmGM8iI/AAAAAAAAB_c/nyReA-v4T_I/s400/Anita.png" width="400" /></span></b></a></div><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> Professional Category: Anita Stoklosa</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>"I got the inspiration for this outfit in a flower shop when I was looking at my favorite flowers - orchids. They are beautiful and tempting, and I was trying to capture that in my outfit, and combine those features with comfortable, sporty elegance."</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Best Photography winners have been selected, too:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h3WDviXFsFU/T0vSC2DNcYI/AAAAAAAAB_8/JprumJ9xAy4/s1600/anj.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h3WDviXFsFU/T0vSC2DNcYI/AAAAAAAAB_8/JprumJ9xAy4/s320/anj.png" width="300" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Anj Calvo</span></b></div><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> Honorable mention goes to:</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BlkHtWFjHco/T0vStUDhDAI/AAAAAAAACAM/CVIDpEEwcNI/s1600/cholo2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BlkHtWFjHco/T0vStUDhDAI/AAAAAAAACAM/CVIDpEEwcNI/s320/cholo2.png" width="210" /></a></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"></span></b></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Cholo Ayuyao</span></b></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br />
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<b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0FGa-Qc2lfc/T0vSgv-GZDI/AAAAAAAACAE/Y-WwYvl5ogo/s1600/Gordana.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0FGa-Qc2lfc/T0vSgv-GZDI/AAAAAAAACAE/Y-WwYvl5ogo/s320/Gordana.png" width="320" /></a></span></b></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and Gordana Niemela.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Anj now will have an entry in the Photography Contest. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Congratulations to all winners!</span></b></div></span></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-41640170116959849782012-02-22T03:27:00.000-08:002012-02-22T22:55:13.100-08:00Make the other "birds" green with envy!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>CHALLENGE TWO: </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>YOU'LL BE AS ANGRY AS A BIRD OVER THIS ONE.</b></span></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://couturedoll.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMthVPP5HUs/T0SER1K6vyI/AAAAAAAAB50/iQ3GkLBY1Qs/s320/angry1.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3q-vy3rNUE/T0PceyqB6oI/AAAAAAAAB5s/QTdDkCUOsTw/s1600/angrybird.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3q-vy3rNUE/T0PceyqB6oI/AAAAAAAAB5s/QTdDkCUOsTw/s1600/angrybird.jpeg" /></b></span></a><span style="color: #990000;"><b>In 2011 a Finnish official's wife made a big splash on the fashion scene by wearing a dress that depicted an angry bird from the video game of the same name. To make you leave your comfort zones and think right outside of the box...video game box that is, this week your challenge is to design an outfit that represents a well known video game. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Now don't be tricked here into the world of costume. This is Couture we are looking for, not costume. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Producing a costume will lose you points, so don't be an Angry Bird and Fallout on this one. You show this Little Big Planet what you can do with Mario and his pals!!!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Teija Vesterbacka, the wife of an executive at Rovio — the company responsible for Angry Birds — made quite the entrance at the Finnish Presidential Palace. This couture interpretation of the adorably addictive game featured a subtle and tasteful red bird's eye along with a long, elegant sash down the front. This made our CDDC leader, Larraine, believe Angry Birds has hit high fashion! It also took me on an interesting journey trying to ferret out more Video Games one might use as an inspiration for this challenge!</b></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>If you look at adult Halloween costume sites you can find some inspiration. I managed to find a delightful outfit for one of my faves - Ms. Pac-Man! </b></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0APay4iRFI/T0SLFX8CNWI/AAAAAAAAB60/3uu_QYz0xZs/s1600/pacman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0APay4iRFI/T0SLFX8CNWI/AAAAAAAAB60/3uu_QYz0xZs/s1600/pacman.jpg" /></b></span></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Touted as a true gamer's delight; one dealer claims her man will be willing to play any game she wants when he sees her in this Pac-Man Video Game Screen Dress!!</b></span><br />
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<b style="color: #990000;">It's a short and sweet, black dress featuring a print of the wildly popular video game! I guess her wardrobe is why she has to be manipulated around the board so fast - I wonder if she's secretly trying to keep ahead of her beau!?!</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TT-SsmkHSVw/T0SHSbP9leI/AAAAAAAAB6M/cmSAZPPrmBc/s1600/anime2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><img border="0" height="237" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TT-SsmkHSVw/T0SHSbP9leI/AAAAAAAAB6M/cmSAZPPrmBc/s400/anime2.png" width="400" /></b></span></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I also managed to find an internationally renowned costume designer who calls herself WindoftheStars. She dubs herself as a re-creator and Cosplay model. Gaining inspiration from the things she loves, many of her works are recreations from Anime, Manga, video games, movies, TV series and pop culture. To her, each costume is like a puzzle that requires many technical skills that are in turn shared with the community through online tutorials and panels. </b></span> <span style="color: #990000;"><b>She has made over 50 elaborate award-winning costumes since 2004, and a few of them featured in the photo above might be your inspiration for your couture ensemble - but </b></span> <span style="color: #990000;"><b>they definitely deserve a look because each has some interesting characteristics.</b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2o9gBz6Nog/T0TPkBqus7I/AAAAAAAAB9M/MLzYCLnyiuQ/s1600/mario.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2o9gBz6Nog/T0TPkBqus7I/AAAAAAAAB9M/MLzYCLnyiuQ/s320/mario.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jir9gi-1U_k/T0SHzVRE0_I/AAAAAAAAB6c/W0UtNDTqc4o/s1600/mario.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #990000;"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvosVIMXz5c/T0SHm7e1PtI/AAAAAAAAB6U/3MBCqHBf7ek/s1600/avatar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvosVIMXz5c/T0SHm7e1PtI/AAAAAAAAB6U/3MBCqHBf7ek/s1600/avatar.jpg" /></b></span></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>But it wasn't until I started putting: fashion influenced by...and then the name of a particular video game into Google that I began to make real progress! Included here are a picture of Avatar Neytiri designed as a costume, and I was pleased to see the Mario Brothers well represented (see above). These are just a few simpler examples. </b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAiKarMB2ho/T0TNbPUf4HI/AAAAAAAAB80/zNrzs9VkgTo/s1600/final+fantasy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAiKarMB2ho/T0TNbPUf4HI/AAAAAAAAB80/zNrzs9VkgTo/s200/final+fantasy.jpg" width="178" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Perhaps you're into the Guild Wars or Final Fantay series - if so you'll be happy that you can even see outfits on both drawn and real characters. This transition should aid in your development of a fantasy costume to a couture gown. Just look at thee prime examples I've included!</b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yc10_R4ajf0/T0TNfuJpDBI/AAAAAAAAB88/OEmiUa9elrU/s1600/final2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yc10_R4ajf0/T0TNfuJpDBI/AAAAAAAAB88/OEmiUa9elrU/s200/final2.jpg" width="178" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>I'm confident you will come up with other video games you favor by using this "formula."</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>The important thing is to <i><u>not</u></i> make your outfit into a costume; rather pull out a couture garment inspired by video game clothing! Think high class ladies that lunch when your mind's eye goes to the client that will wear this clothing. Then stick to the rules of couture! Plan your outfit carefully. Fabric selection will be important, too! Be sure to include the finest material possible, and develop designs that have movement - and you will be well on your way to solving what to do for this challenge! </b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QffGQCDToo8/T0TOFhvjTJI/AAAAAAAAB9E/MBnuyHgHf7A/s1600/guildwars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QffGQCDToo8/T0TOFhvjTJI/AAAAAAAAB9E/MBnuyHgHf7A/s200/guildwars.jpg" width="173" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Your choices are a smorgasbord - nothing feels wrong style-wise for this challenge!! Your choices could range from sportswear to formal to everything in between. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b> Just make sure you incorporate your video game feature subtlely; this will be the factor that sets your outfit apart for not being costumey; rather it will shine as true high fashion! </b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgXpJDtKF0g/T0SIJchp9eI/AAAAAAAAB6k/6s0EDnHRy3E/s1600/Dal1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgXpJDtKF0g/T0SIJchp9eI/AAAAAAAAB6k/6s0EDnHRy3E/s320/Dal1.jpg" width="218" /></b></span></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Now on to other matters. The designs just came in for your Challege One, so I thought you might like an introduction to your guest judge, Dal Lowenbein! Dal is an avid and eclectic doll collector of over fifteen years with a collection of vintage to present Japanese and American dolls. She is a long-time Graphic Designer currently designing packaging and in-store displays for LOREAL Cosmetics. With her clear eye for design and structure she loves to sew up her own doll creations but rarely finds time to sell her OOAK fashions. However, you may have been seen them in past FDQ and DollReader magazines for winning online doll fashion competitions. Dal loves gorgeous fabrics but more importantly, will be looking for clear concept of design, beautiful presentation and her favorite doll fashion design with an innovative twist. Her blog can be seen <a href="http://dalsdolls.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>: </b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fletcherpatterncompany.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYxJcz8k89s/T0SJUpvO_nI/AAAAAAAAB6s/EbFTERxis8g/s1600/judelogo.jpg" /></b></span></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b>And for Challenge Two, the recently announced "Angry Bird" challenge, your guest judge is Tamara Casey of <a href="http://fletcherpatterncompany.com/" target="_blank">Designs by Jude.</a> Not only is she judging, she is continuing as one of our sponsors!! CDDC is lucky to have her expertise in judging this latest challenge. She’s the consummate Jill of all trades - she repaints, sews, makes patterns, and dabbles in other new doll ventures! And she's just an especially nice person that we’ve all come to know and love throughout CDDC's existence. If you'd like to keep up with Tamara, and be advised of her latest patterns before everyone else -- be sure to join her <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fletcherpatterncompany/" target="_blank">FTK group</a>. They have fun over there, and you can, too!</b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc20bm54UU8/T0SRcjPVNnI/AAAAAAAAB68/L4KU6hfJj50/s1600/DeannaD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc20bm54UU8/T0SRcjPVNnI/AAAAAAAAB68/L4KU6hfJj50/s320/DeannaD.jpg" width="190" /></b></span></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I will be joining two other judges for the Photography contest. I think all of you know me by now, so I'll just press on and tell you about the other 2! Phyllis Erlenbusch and Sylvia Christianson are a sister team who have a shop called Our Eclectic Closet on Couture Doll Shop. There you'll find clothing for several sized dolls. Their designs range from classic to costume to everything in between, and their current faves are Ellowyne, Evangeline Ghastly, Deanna Denton, Amelia Thimble and carved Hitty dolls. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Sylvia carves and dresses the small 6 3/4" Hittys. She and Phyllis both dress the smaller dolls and explore sewn and crocheted fashions for 16-19" fashionistas. Phyllis handles the miniature knits while Sylvia does the fine crochet work. Both share a common belief that "Our dolls - and YOURS - deserve fine clothing," so you're sure to find some very nice items in their shop. </b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvAcFwkC4kE/T0SRsbIVlBI/AAAAAAAAB7E/wOSwqWCEKuY/s1600/Hitty.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><img border="0" height="235" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvAcFwkC4kE/T0SRsbIVlBI/AAAAAAAAB7E/wOSwqWCEKuY/s320/Hitty.png" width="320" /></b></span></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Not only do they sew, knit, and crochet original patterns using natural fibers (silk, cotton and wool); they also find time to offer some exquisite jewelry from time to time. All you have to do to witness their camera work is to take a stroll on over to their website which is located <a href="http://www.oureclecticcloset.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Points will derive from three main categories:</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>1. Lighting source: </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Consider type of light—natural or artificial, angle of light to subject, shadows, hot spots</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>2. Composition of the photograph:</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Consider pose of model, use of backgrounds and props that enhance, but do not overpower, the design</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>3. Focus & sharpness of the image:</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b> Consider camera’s point of focus, angle of camera to subject, camera movement—use a tripod if possible.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Okay, that's all the insight I can give this week; but I'll be back soon to applaud the winners for Challenge One. Thread those needles, rev up those sewing machines, and set up your irons, contestants. You'll want to be finished early enough to take some fabulous photographs!!</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-5277899001344335692012-02-08T02:05:00.000-08:002012-02-16T13:52:24.949-08:00Let me introduce you....to Sporty Couture!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://couturedoll.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TMbI_xv2_z4/TzJFPUm4nhI/AAAAAAAAB5U/9_QaTCTZKxo/s400/sportycoutureopen.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to all who have followed Couture Doll Design Challenge from its beginning as well as to those who are just becoming aware of this competition! This year's CDDC4 will have a radical change. </span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">There will be three different categories for contestants to compete in. There will be Beginner, Intermediate and Professional categories. Beginners will be those who have been sewing for two years or less, and have only ever used commercial patterns. </span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Intermediates are those who have more than two years experience sewing, and have designed their own patterns. Professional are the contestants that do this for a living or as a hobby but often sell their items.<br />
</span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">All contestants will compete in the same challenge, but with different expectations. For example, if the challenge was to produce a Goth outfit, then Beginners could do so using a pattern. The other contestants will also have rules geared to their expertise. Contestants will still have two weeks to complete in a challenge, and this is the tentative schedule:</span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Feb 4 Challenge 1 given; Feb 19 Challenge 1 due Challenge 2 given; Feb 25 Challenge 1 results posted; Mar 4 Challenge 2 due Challenge 3 given; Mar 10 Challenge 2 results posted; Mar 18 Challenge 3 due Challenge 4 given; Mar 24 Challenge 3 results posted; Apr 1 Challenge 4 due Challenge 5 given; Apr 7 Challenge 4 results posted; Apr 15 Challenge 5 due Challenge 6 given; Apr 21 Challenge 5 results posted; Apr 29 Challenge 6 due; May 5 Challenge 6 results posted and Winners announced.<br />
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We have a group of quality sponsors who will be giving some really nice awards, a photography winner will also be named for each challenge, and we have another group of well-respected judges and guest judges for each challenge. All of this will be addressed in future blogs, but for now let's introduce those chosen to compete this year. What follows is a short bio for each contestant as well as a picture of their work. </span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>BEGINNER</b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WvGP-NFTtIc/TyoDcn_TsBI/AAAAAAAABzQ/qXFpyT5wVQM/s1600/vicky+lujan-gibbs+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="200" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WvGP-NFTtIc/TyoDcn_TsBI/AAAAAAAABzQ/qXFpyT5wVQM/s200/vicky+lujan-gibbs+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></i></a></div><i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Vicky Lujan-Gibbs</b></span></span></u></i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I started collecting and sewing for dolls 9 years ago, and mostly collected and sewed for Barbies. Now I've grown to love 16" dolls, especially Ellowyne. I started out using patterns, but have slowly learned how to design without them. I am entering this competition to learn from seasoned designers and the judges, to improve my designs to learn further information on designing without a pattern, and to have fun designing! I am very excited about being in this competition. You can check out Vicky's work by visiting her </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><a href="http://dolljeansbyvicky.com/" target="_blank">website</a></b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>.</b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cvua7I3Omdc/TyoD9ZPlN5I/AAAAAAAABzY/FX9HgXv6YhY/s1600/SueTownson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cvua7I3Omdc/TyoD9ZPlN5I/AAAAAAAABzY/FX9HgXv6YhY/s320/SueTownson.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Sue Townson</b></span></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I am from England. I would like to have a go at the competition. I have made my own patterns, and have sewn very sporadically for 3 years or so, and have participated in another competition. I have never sewn from a store bought pattern although I have a few. I usually draw my own or modify pieces. I never sell anything. I just make my garments for fun. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I have lots of ideas, but find translating them into outfits quite challenging. I need to start sewing seriously, and this will be a fun way to make me do it. To talk dolls with Sue, send her an </b></span></span><a href="mailto:suetownson@yahoo.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>email</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>.</b></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zMJVXs7YOBg/TysVlwrGRbI/AAAAAAAAB0A/2_4mrV83dtA/s1600/Dimitry.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zMJVXs7YOBg/TysVlwrGRbI/AAAAAAAAB0A/2_4mrV83dtA/s320/Dimitry.gif" width="224" /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></a></div><i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Dmitry Puzanov</b></span></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I am a young fashion designer for dolls. a </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I enjoy designing for dolls, and hope you like my work. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>You can reach Dimitry regarding his dolls by sending him an </b></span></span><a href="mailto:puzandmi@yandex.ru" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>email.</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NBZEJ5SJG7Q/Tyx_-ix2oCI/AAAAAAAAB3U/uoMC8z6UtIs/s1600/Agarva.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NBZEJ5SJG7Q/Tyx_-ix2oCI/AAAAAAAAB3U/uoMC8z6UtIs/s320/Agarva.gif" width="240" /></a></div><i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Agarva Moller</b></span></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I started designing clothes and fabric dolls at the age of 11. As a child and teenager my passion was sewing and all crafts, practicing embroidery, knitting, or whatever textile craft I could find. My passion is fabrics and textiles, combining different fabric choices, and even creating the fabric if I cannot find what I like. After many years traveling, I settled back in Australia and discovered Adult Fashion Dolls through Haute Doll magazine. Since then I have been hooked, and have collected various wonderful dolls as my models as well as all the items I need to design for this smaller scale. I design and make in 16" and 11-12" scale. My favorite dolls to design for currently are Evangeline Ghastly, Ellowyne Wilde, Gabby and Violette, and Tonner's Agnes and Sister Dreary. You can see more of her dolls and contact her through her </b></span></span><a href="http://www.agarva.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>website</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>.</b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jL_07nUnQ10/TysjR6NvCJI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/U7iNJNR0rJw/s1600/Theo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jL_07nUnQ10/TysjR6NvCJI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/U7iNJNR0rJw/s320/Theo.gif" width="239" /></a></div><i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Theo Malloy</b></span></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I was born and raised in Washington DC. I started collecting Barbie dolls when I was in high school, and making dresses from scraps of fabric. Over the last 6 or 7 years, I have been mainly collecting Integrity dolls (FR, NF and Misaki). I also collect Momoko and a few choice Barbie here and there. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I have never taken sewing seriously. I am more of a stylist. I have taken sewing classes but have never sewn from doll patterns. I just make things up as I go or make them from a sketched idea. I am hoping to gain a better understanding of sewing doll sized clothing </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>from this contest, </b></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>and I hope to just have some fun. Ask about his dolls </b></span></span><a href="mailto:sweets415_2000@yahoo.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>here</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>.</b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SGfP7QaplFQ/TysnleIH2FI/AAAAAAAAB0k/SKNf7xMu4uA/s1600/Ann+Minoky.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SGfP7QaplFQ/TysnleIH2FI/AAAAAAAAB0k/SKNf7xMu4uA/s320/Ann+Minoky.gif" width="177" /></a><br />
<i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Ann Minosky</b></span></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I live in Campbell River BC. I started playing with dolls early, started a couple of doll shops, and gave porcelain doll classes. I have since retired from that, but still enjoy collecting and posing my dolls. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I have just started making doll clothes again. I have never made my own patterns, but I have sewn quite a few. I just finished a Fletcher challenge, and have also enjoyed doing one of the MHD designs where I even dyed the wig. Contact Ann </b></span></span><a href="mailto:anngem@telus.net" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>here</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>.</b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Hqztwxb3oU/TyyAOs0DONI/AAAAAAAAB3c/bd_H-xag1Kg/s1600/kevin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Hqztwxb3oU/TyyAOs0DONI/AAAAAAAAB3c/bd_H-xag1Kg/s320/kevin.jpg" width="173" /></a></div><i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Kevin Roberts</b></span></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>My name is Kevin. I'm from a very small town. I have always been involved in art, particularly animation and character design, so starting to sew was something that seemed natural to try out. I've only been sewing for a short time but I have loved fashion since middle school. My first few "outfits" turned out by accident, with me just playing around with fabic and gluing everything together. Fashion that is a little unconventional is something that appeals to me and I also LOVE color and print. Fashion that is fun and quirky is also something I like. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I'm self taught and I've never used a sewing machine in my life. I'm also trying to learn about fabrics and what works best for 1:6 scale. Misaki is a muse of mine, but I collect a little bit of everything in every size from playline to collector and everything in between. I have yet to photograph any doll other than Misaki wearing my clothes so I am excited to do that for the first time during CDDC. The outfits I make I do not sell or plan on doing so, as I sew for myself and design what I like. So I'm excited to have to try to appeal to a theme and to have to appeal to judges. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b> I'm looking forword to getting tips on construction, fabric choices and such. Construction will be a huge hurdle for me as most of my previous outfits are made just to photograph and are not lined or even finished in the back. Having to do this will be a fun challenge!</b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b> Email Kevin </b></span></span><a href="mailto:dr_panda2002@yahoo.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>here.</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>INTERMEDIATE</b></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7_hJZaCW9U/TyoFBsb0XoI/AAAAAAAABzg/7hKWEW7H0IY/s1600/joe+coloff+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7_hJZaCW9U/TyoFBsb0XoI/AAAAAAAABzg/7hKWEW7H0IY/s320/joe+coloff+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Joseph Coloff</b></span></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I've been sewing for over 15 years, but only making my own fashion doll clothing for the past few years. My work is mostly for myself and for my own enjoyment. In 2007 I went back to school at City College in San Francisco where I entered their fashion design program. I currently live in New York City where I hope to continue my education. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>This year I went to the Tonner Halloween convention where I entered their design competition, and won 2nd place for my Ellowyne Wilde entry. This has shown me that my hobby can become something more. I wanted to enter this competition to expand my abilities, and push myself to explore and try new things. Explore more of Joe's fashions on </b></span></span><a href="http://fancylad-fancylad.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>his blog</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>.</b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJ_4Xkc4kIU/Tyzeupq6YBI/AAAAAAAAB3s/uhK37mCQUkQ/s1600/jason.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJ_4Xkc4kIU/Tyzeupq6YBI/AAAAAAAAB3s/uhK37mCQUkQ/s320/jason.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Jason Kramer</b></span></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I have been collecting and designing for fashion dolls for the last eight years, and have taken part in a few design competitions including the most recent CDDC that challenged me in so many levels! My collection consists mainly of Tonner 16" fashion dolls (Antoinette and Ellowyne are favorites), with a few collectible Barbies, and Fashion Royalty as well. My latest obsessions include Silkstones and Monster High dolls. I work full time as a Costume Designer for a company that specializes in competition costumes for High School and Independent Color Guards and Dance Teams. I love finding inspiration in contemporary fashion for my work as well as in my doll fashion designs. Chat with Jason </b></span></span><a href="mailto:jdkcoco@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>here</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>.</b></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4wQeJiCtckg/TysraZZGrAI/AAAAAAAAB0s/1ado43nXZCs/s1600/Anj.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4wQeJiCtckg/TysraZZGrAI/AAAAAAAAB0s/1ado43nXZCs/s320/Anj.gif" width="240" /></a></div><i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Anj Calvo</b></span></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I am a doll customizer in the Philippines. I go by the name Gabooche online. I love customizing dolls, particularly celebrity dolls. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I almost do everything to these dolls - from repainting, re-rooting, and designing to making their clothes and accessories. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Say hello and talk dolls wth Anj </b></span></span><a href="mailto:mykelanj@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>here.</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QH8Ln751fC8/Tyu58rs9zrI/AAAAAAAAB3E/hbRMKzyius4/s1600/JJPeshkkova.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QH8Ln751fC8/Tyu58rs9zrI/AAAAAAAAB3E/hbRMKzyius4/s320/JJPeshkkova.gif" width="240" /></a></div><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Julia Peshkova</b></span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I'm from Moscow, Russia, and I have been sewing for more than 3 years. I have a little collection of dolls, and there are more than fashion dolls in my collection. I love and sew fashions for all of them. It's my hobby, not my livelihood, but from time to time I sell some doll clothes. When I was a child, I wanted to be a fashion designer, but it remained only a dream. But one day, as an adult, I bought a doll and then discovered I could imagine fashions and sew for her. Gradually, my collection began to grow along with a quantity of fashion-ideas. My sewing and designing clothes improved, also. I use only my own patterns in my work because it is easier for me to use what I do myself than to use patterns of other people. Along with sewing, I like to to make OOAK dolls because I can make up the total look of my doll. You can see Julia's fashions on her </b></span></span><a href="http://www.diary.ru/~solss/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>blog</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>, her </b></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lokky01/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Flickr album</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>, and on her </b></span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/jpeshkova1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Facebook page</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>.</b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-se5bdB6nE7I/TyuLaFMP_CI/AAAAAAAAB1U/oBd87sIi7BQ/s1600/Breck+Sullivan-Carpenter.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-se5bdB6nE7I/TyuLaFMP_CI/AAAAAAAAB1U/oBd87sIi7BQ/s320/Breck+Sullivan-Carpenter.gif" width="204" /></a></div><i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Breck Sullivan-Carpenter</b></span></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I'm from Connecticut USA, and began sewing and playing with dolls when I was 5. My creations for Barbie, made from Mom's scraps, often featured a Southern Belle theme. I spent hours fitting those huge belle skirts to the doll's tiny waist. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>In high school I was introduced to theater and I became involved in both acting and costumes. I have spent over 25 years designing, and have even worked on Broadway as a draper. I hold degrees in both theater and psychology. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I'm really a closet doll and fabric lover who likes to have fun - and I am really looking forward to the challenges! To discuss fashion with Breck, click </b></span></span><a href="mailto:ceridwin@yahoo.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>here</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>.</b></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2Qc9dOMyFo/Tyue1BySRwI/AAAAAAAAB10/BDrdXBfPFCM/s1600/Anna+Kadachegova.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2Qc9dOMyFo/Tyue1BySRwI/AAAAAAAAB10/BDrdXBfPFCM/s320/Anna+Kadachegova.gif" width="220" /></a></div><i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Anna Kadachegova</b></span></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I live in Russia in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk. I've been doing fashion dolls for nearly four years. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I sew doll clothes, create accessories, jewelry, and interiors. I prefer contemporary fashion - and mostly do casual styles and evening dresses, but sometimes I create historical reconstructions or fantasy images. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I like to use various techniques for decoratinng doll clothes such as knitting, embroidery, beads, and even polymer clay. Contact her </b></span></span><a href="mailto:njutcka@rambler.ru" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>here.</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HB5-K_FuBWM/TyufftIL8QI/AAAAAAAAB18/Kql2gxf9V6A/s1600/Ermolaeva+Olga.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HB5-K_FuBWM/TyufftIL8QI/AAAAAAAAB18/Kql2gxf9V6A/s320/Ermolaeva+Olga.gif" width="193" /></a></div><i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Olga Ermolaeva</b></span></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I am from the very heart of Russia -- Moscow. I make patterns myself, but do not earn money sewing clothes. Dolls are my hobby. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I have been collecting dolls for a few years, and very much love to sew for them. I also like making miniature flowers. I did not dare to enter in the CDDC for a long time, but this year I decided to try, and I look forward to the challenges. Olga can be reached by clicking </b></span></span><a href="mailto:Olga11121984@yandex.ru" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>this link</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>.</b></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUPpBpxoDlQ/TyugBtVfj1I/AAAAAAAAB2E/Pk5LDlUdPHM/s1600/Julia+Rebeskova.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUPpBpxoDlQ/TyugBtVfj1I/AAAAAAAAB2E/Pk5LDlUdPHM/s320/Julia+Rebeskova.gif" width="214" /><i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Dolls are my passion. I like to create their clothes, and I have enjoyed this hobby for about 3 years. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I have participated in this competition beore, but, unfortunately, did not reach the end. I really hope this time I will succeed. To encourage Julia to succeed, </b></span></span><a href="mailto:Julia-R@live.ru" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>click here</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>.</b></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi4hNNd1FZU/TyvMP96UtdI/AAAAAAAAB3M/-kbwc_Y7A_0/s1600/Elena.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi4hNNd1FZU/TyvMP96UtdI/AAAAAAAAB3M/-kbwc_Y7A_0/s320/Elena.jpeg" width="166" /></a></div><i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Elena Prokhorova</b></span></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>My nickname is Ricky, and I live in Moscow, Russia. Most people know me as a make-up artist to bjd-dolls, but I also like to create clothes for dolls from my collection, and to photograph them. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Participation in this challenge is very important for me because it helps me to see my success and my errors from other people’s points of view. Talk to Elena about her viewpoint by clicking </b></span></span><a href="mailto:rioky@mail.ru" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>here.</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3rSi2_qGYH8/Tyugzhz17WI/AAAAAAAAB2M/1hwqPboiqwc/s1600/mark+tinkry+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3rSi2_qGYH8/Tyugzhz17WI/AAAAAAAAB2M/1hwqPboiqwc/s320/mark+tinkry+%282%29.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Mark Tinkey</b></span></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I've been sewing for about 22 years. and making my own complete patterns for about 6. I have mostly sewn for 16" dolls but have begun doing more for the FR girls. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I work as an actor, and have also done freelance costume design. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b> Contact Mark </b></span></span><a href="mailto:markbtinkey@yahoo.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>here.</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
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<i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Cholo Ayuyao</b></span></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I'm Cholo, 32, from Angeles City Philippines. I'm a self taught doll artist with a strong affiliation with couture in general. I started collecting dolls more than a year ago, started doing couture after that, and then doing commissions later on when I finally had the confidence to share my unconventional way of doing doll designs. I always figure out patterns, and just hand sew everything due to my handicap with the sewing machine. I</b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b> love embellishments naturally since my real job actually is as an Accessory Designer. For more info about Cholo, click </b></span></span><a href="mailto:d_jeweler@yahoo.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>here.</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1N0t5PKWu2o/TyujgAz-PrI/AAAAAAAAB2c/_XDj11KrJ44/s1600/anna+lipka.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1N0t5PKWu2o/TyujgAz-PrI/AAAAAAAAB2c/_XDj11KrJ44/s320/anna+lipka.gif" width="240" /></a></div><i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Anna Lipka</b></span></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I am a doll colector from Poland. I have two big passions -- dolls and fashion. I have sewn for about 7 years, and I have been selling my outfits on ebay for about 2 years. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I am considered a professional per the CDDC standards. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Anna can be contacted </b></span></span><a href="mailto:anlipka@yahoo.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>here.</b></span></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I presently live in Arizona, and I think it is going to be so much fun to do this again! I have been sewing doll fashions and creating jewelry since 2003 for Sybarite, Deva dolls, Tonner and BJDs. I sell my work from my website and occasionally on ebay. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>To see more of Gordana's work, visit </b></span></span><a href="http://www.glamourgoddess.biz/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>her website.</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m99BTw4-7vE/TyulStb2i3I/AAAAAAAAB2s/wqJ7yQzvxDc/s1600/Suyanee+Wong+chotwiriyakit.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m99BTw4-7vE/TyulStb2i3I/AAAAAAAAB2s/wqJ7yQzvxDc/s320/Suyanee+Wong+chotwiriyakit.gif" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Suyanee Wong Chotwiriyakit </b></span></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I am from Thailand, and have been sewing more than ten years. I work as a credit manager. I have made doll’s fashions as a hobby, and I am a doll collector, too. My favorite dolls are Barbie, Fashion Royalty, and Tonner dolls like Ellowyne Wilde and Evangerline Ghastly. I have made fashions for BJDs, too. After I attended e-commerce class, I opened my ebay store, Angel Doll Fashions, in 2005, and I have received 100% positive feedback through today. I have made many couture items for dolls like Barbie, Fashion Royalty, Princess Diana, Deva Doll, Tonner Doll and BJDs from my own designs and patterns .Talk with Suyanee </b></span></span><a href="mailto:poy162@hotmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>here.</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8hEkEWP5vg/TyumBbaED9I/AAAAAAAAB20/ZuEwHa21YsE/s1600/cynda+woffenden+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8hEkEWP5vg/TyumBbaED9I/AAAAAAAAB20/ZuEwHa21YsE/s320/cynda+woffenden+%282%29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Cynda Woffenden</b></span></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>My name is Cynda Lee and I am a professional doll clothes designer, I have been sewing for over 40 years, and I truly enjoy creating OOAK ensembles. I use standard patterns except when I design I usually make my own patterns. The smaller the better when it comes to creating,, and the attention to detail enhances the completed creation. I also make the nylons, bouquets, undergarment, and appliques. I also style the hair and do anything else needed. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I hand sew, bead and use the sewing machine. I enjoy taking photographs of "my girls" (this is what I call my dolls), and usually like to surround them with a background to finish the mood. I have also made wardrobes for handmade dolls of nonstandard measurements and can "dress" just about anything. I am currently branching out by learning to create with polymer clay. Learn more about Cynda </b></span></span><a href="mailto:ohsewfancy@yahoo.com%20%3Cohsewfancy@yahoo.com%3E" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>here.</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fi9pkH95vTI/TyyAk5icQgI/AAAAAAAAB3k/NnqpfHSyzaI/s1600/Maria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fi9pkH95vTI/TyyAk5icQgI/AAAAAAAAB3k/NnqpfHSyzaI/s320/Maria.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Maria</b></span></span></u></i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b> </b></span></span><i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Ustynovska</b></span></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Doll collectors know me as Marilyn Royalty. I live in Odessa city in Ukraine. I have a daughter who is almost 3 years old. I joined the fashion dolls hobby in 2008. Now my favorite dolls are Sybarite and FR. I really enjoy creating fashions for my dolls.</b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b> Contact Maria </b></span></span><a href="mailto:marilyn_royalty@hotmail.com%20%3Cmarilyn_royalty@hotmail.com%3E" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>here.</b></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Now I study in Art-theater College to become a faculty costume designer. My study takes much of my time today, but I`ll try to prosper in my studies as well as in our wonderful CDDC.</strong> </span></span><br />
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<i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Anita Stoklosa</span></b></span></u></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Doll Collectors know me as Anicetta. I'm from Poland and sew mostly for Fashion Royalty dolls. My work can be viewed on my </span></b></span><a href="http://www.anicetta.aplus.pl/indexe.html#" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">website</span></b></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"> and on my Facebook </span></b></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anicetta-Anita-Stok%C5%82osa/191779720850281" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">fanpage</span></b></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">. </span></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">I have participated in the CDDC competition since the first edition. It always has been an interesting and fun experience. I love making one of a kind fashions for my dolls. I'm so happy that I have a chance to participate in this next CDDC, and to compete with the other doll clothes designers who are participants.</span></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ljPduv2SYX0/TzCM_dNVugI/AAAAAAAAB4M/A7h8nuN8f70/s1600/ChanelDumbbells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ljPduv2SYX0/TzCM_dNVugI/AAAAAAAAB4M/A7h8nuN8f70/s1600/ChanelDumbbells.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">That's it for our contestants - and what a great group!! Be sure to check back weekly to see entries, check on the winnner, and to get the new challenges. Provided below is the first challenge along with some information and speculation as to the meaning of the challenge provided by your Blogmeister. Remember, if you don't agree with the analysis, simply disregard reading it. The final analysis of each challenge is the one given by the judges!<br />
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CHALLENGE ONE: BE A SPORT!<br />
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This challenge is sure to have you running a few laps around the internet to research this up and coming trend. Fashion forecasters have predicted that this year's Spring designs will favour the sporty look but in a couture way. Your first challenge is to design an outfit that has a sporty flair but is definitely in the couture realm. What we are asking here is for couture, not ready to wear, so be careful here to keep your design in the couture realm. Beginners may use a pattern to "design" their outfit. Even when using a pattern, Beginners, the judges will expect you to put your own signature into it. On your marks, get set...GO!!!</span></b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aqYVaJr5fik/TzCPir9raJI/AAAAAAAAB4c/iJ0leao3_ak/s1600/BsseballlPuffballDress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aqYVaJr5fik/TzCPir9raJI/AAAAAAAAB4c/iJ0leao3_ak/s320/BsseballlPuffballDress.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Sports couture as defined by your Blogmeister: </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Is it merely an oxymoron coined by Dirk Bikkembergs when he teamed up with a young Aussie painter, Scott Elk, to demonstrate his vision of a sporty body in motion? These 2 have also been attributed to having defined this hip, new theme - a theme that is dominating many Spring 2012 collections. And how divine are these collections? They are divine enough to primarily define this look for young, savvy dressers around the globe because they are the primary market that can wear them. The style and fit of most of these collections are designed to show off the tight, bright sportiness of it all.</b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_teVVVrnKKs/TzCfJK7z7QI/AAAAAAAAB40/o98HQADF1W4/s1600/DenimDress" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_teVVVrnKKs/TzCfJK7z7QI/AAAAAAAAB40/o98HQADF1W4/s320/DenimDress" width="237" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Or, do you believe that in the early days couture actually started with sport? Some point to major fashion houses such as Chanel, Schiaparelli, Jean Patou, and Lanvin to illustrate this, noting they have always had some sort of sporty look throughout the years. They nod at Spring collections from the likes of Balenciaga and Balmain that more naturally echo a sports theme. These collectios are not your usual Spring fare; rather they feature such non-Spring like fabrics as houndstooth prints and an explosion of black leather that has been laminated or studded. </b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6AYjycKDVI/TzCf7ic8zrI/AAAAAAAAB5E/pM5SwKHT2mY/s1600/GivenchyWeathersStormyCollection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6AYjycKDVI/TzCf7ic8zrI/AAAAAAAAB5E/pM5SwKHT2mY/s320/GivenchyWeathersStormyCollection.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Like the original Chanel sports lines, however, this clothing is very easy to live in -- it features actual clothing you can move in without worrying too much about abusing it like you would dressier-styled couture. In other words, these lines are definitely not what you think of when you look back at the sporty couture developed by these fashion houses for your Grandmother. This new sports couture offers a more comfortable approach to strutting your sports stuff!</b></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bs6-3aA5zgY/TzCgb9u8oQI/AAAAAAAAB5M/7efxc8pIZco/s1600/Refashioned+Speedo+Lazer+Racer1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bs6-3aA5zgY/TzCgb9u8oQI/AAAAAAAAB5M/7efxc8pIZco/s320/Refashioned+Speedo+Lazer+Racer1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Both sides make </span></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">strong cases, and both speak to sports couture - so I would assume your opinion could be just as easily swayed by one as by the other, according to your specific taste. Choosing is subjective, and a matter of how you want to perceive or wear this particular type of couture. But the understanding of sports couture, in my mind, is not achieved as much by discerning <i>who</i> defined this classification as to understanding <i>why</i> it is important to the fashion world, and why it is prevalent in the Spring 2012 collectionsm and may well define Spring fashion for several years to come. </span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>For me, the why is based on the need for sports couture designers to assure their audiences that this type couture products are as good as any other product developed for the couture market. The primary reason? Because this clothing is made of the best quality fabrics available -- a time honored criteria for couture clothing. </b></span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Such an assurances also offer designers leeway in what fabrics they will use. Using unusual fabrics - even special technical fabrics like microfibers that are very thin but keep you very warm - for these collections will be acceptable if such fabrics pass the couture test as well. In essence it allows sports couture to evolve more radically than any other line titled sports could! </span></b></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wkNc6oqjFD8/TzCfpSmTjII/AAAAAAAAB48/5i9mwniVvXM/s1600/Adidasrewind.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wkNc6oqjFD8/TzCfpSmTjII/AAAAAAAAB48/5i9mwniVvXM/s320/Adidasrewind.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">The world's current economic state cannot be overlooked when considering these designs either. "Customers are now buying things closer to need,” stated Joseph Boitano, group senior vice president at Saks. Therefore, wouldn't it naturally follow that customers will be making big changes in their wardrobes? </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">To my way of thinking they will still be buying high quality clothing because it wears well and lasts longer. However, they could also conceivably be looking to sports couture for items that will pass through several seasons. This is because seasons aren't going to be quite as important anymore. So why not stretch those fashion dollars into more than one season? Looking chic while still being cognizant of a need to compensate for economic downfalls is far more important to the current savvy shopper of today, and designers will do well to satisfy this market if they want their lines to succeed.</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3PiqhsakPsQ/TzCNds2UgJI/AAAAAAAAB4U/p5e-eS7P-tM/s1600/SportIssITheAir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3PiqhsakPsQ/TzCNds2UgJI/AAAAAAAAB4U/p5e-eS7P-tM/s320/SportIssITheAir.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i>PARIS — Mesh materials, aerated fabrics and a sense of dynamism on the runways are the counterpoint to a couture sensibility that belongs to an opposing fashion team. Sport is in the air.</i> - The New York Times Fashion Review, 10/3/11</span></b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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</span></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-23618915849449429632011-06-17T10:49:00.000-07:002011-06-17T10:49:50.683-07:00CONGRATULATIONS – ALL DID A WONDERFUL JOB!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://couturedoll.com/"><img border="0" height="170" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gmLeuTp7AVM/TfuBy_0NJDI/AAAAAAAABRc/udiV4TYsPuc/s400/HuckCombo.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>From Huckleberry Jackson: "The whole contest was a very nice experience. It was very interesting to work with challenges and themes, and it pushed me into places I wouldn´t have come to without them. It was also very nice to be working on the same theme with a lot of different designers, and beeing able to see many different interpretations of them. For me, the hardest part was to concentrate just on one outfit, because I´m more used to make collections and see them as a whole. But concentrating on just one outfit pushed me to go more intensively into detailing. I´ve been able to use that new skill already in my creations outside of the contest so I´m very glad, because I´m always looking to push my limits further and find new ways and techniques to interpretate fashions into the tiny scale. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>I loved how different all the challenges were! My favorite challenge was the first one on ribbons, and i think the results of each contestant were amazing and the fact that everyone had to work with techniques that dont allow you to make sewing patterns brought out the most creativity and shapes that were really out of the box. The most difficult challenges were definitely roccoco and gothic because the themes themselves were so close to costume and historical costume that it was very hard interpreting them in a modern avantgard contemporary way. I´m very very very glad I won the competition and I can´t wait to see my pictures in FDQ magazine!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>I´d like to thank Larraine, the judges, guest judges and competitors for making this such a nice and challenging competition. And a big thank you to all the people who follow and have encouraged me since the beginning of my doll couture." <em>With love, Huck</em></strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xtkQhFl2ScQ/TfuJHdCcq8I/AAAAAAAABRk/vSAkKp976ho/s1600/ElenaCombo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><img border="0" height="156" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xtkQhFl2ScQ/TfuJHdCcq8I/AAAAAAAABRk/vSAkKp976ho/s400/ElenaCombo.png" width="400" /></strong></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>Elena's personal comments will be added when received.</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhjUbb_j6s8/TfuKvsA9tDI/AAAAAAAABRo/y6gvzGlIJ5Q/s1600/ElenaCombo2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><img border="0" height="165" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhjUbb_j6s8/TfuKvsA9tDI/AAAAAAAABRo/y6gvzGlIJ5Q/s400/ElenaCombo2.png" width="400" /></strong></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>Like most people, I am not keen when something I REALLY enjoy comes to an end. However, I always take away something productive for having experienced it. While it is true this year’s CDDC was shorter, it’s definitely not true that it suffered one bit from this. I think it made the contestants aware that they only had a few chances to impress and win challenges so they worked harder to please.</strong></span></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>And, oh what challenges we had – all designed to stimulate creativity!! Brought to us by Larraine Elcock and her fine team of both permanent and guest judges, they were definitely tasks to be reckoned with. With considerable hard work a large percentage of the talented group of designer/contestants went the whole course! What perseverance it takes to do this is immeasurable, but it’s definitely something to be applauded for.</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ovFcnK_KhFk/TfuO_oeiE2I/AAAAAAAABRs/Cq2OZiNZULc/s1600/HuckPhotoFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ovFcnK_KhFk/TfuO_oeiE2I/AAAAAAAABRs/Cq2OZiNZULc/s320/HuckPhotoFinal.jpg" width="234" /></strong></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>But in the end there were two selected; The winner of CDDC3 is HUCKLEBERRY JACKSON!!!!!!!!!</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>CONGRATULATIONS ON A FABULOUS JOB!!! And for also snagging the Photo Contest Win! Our Grand Prize: Winner's designs will once again be featured in an upcoming issue of FDQ Magazine. From Couture Doll Shops he will receive a six month rent free shop on Couture Doll Shops site, this will also include shop set up/website (if the winner does not already have a site). And, from the Tonner Doll Company, a Galadriel doll will be given.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong> Second Place goes to Elena Peredreeva(Tselisheva).</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>CONGRATULATIONS ON A WONDERFUL JOB!! For her efforts she will receive the beautiful Arwen Evenstar rom Tonner Doll Company.</strong></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>Now all we need to do is sit back, relax, and wait for the next CDDC. Surely there will be another, don't you think? I for one vote an overwhelming, YES!! Bye for now and enjoy your summer - stay in, be cool, and play with your dolls!!</strong></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-5588018289406458622011-06-14T09:59:00.000-07:002011-06-14T09:59:28.056-07:00Challenge 6 Winner Delights!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://couturedoll.com/"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3XtrHEATPgU/TfeM3n4gTVI/AAAAAAAABRE/cMm47REDz5c/s320/Huck6-1.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Huckleberry Jackson wins both the design challenge and the photo challenge!!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"></span></strong></div><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">I have to say this one didn’t surprise me. Although there were some wonderful entries, sometimes one comes along that simply takes your breath away – and this was IT for me!!! Let’s see how Huck envisioned this one:</span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0vwJrViTg4/TfeNiNbLJcI/AAAAAAAABRI/UjDpENsRNks/s1600/Huck6-2left.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0vwJrViTg4/TfeNiNbLJcI/AAAAAAAABRI/UjDpENsRNks/s320/Huck6-2left.png" t8="true" width="173" /></span></strong></a></div><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">“For this last challenge on gothic couture I wanted to work on something very dark but very romantic at the same time. My first focus was to work with very different almost animal like textures (snake, fish, bird). I made a long black straight gown out of a silk crepe which is a bit stretch and allowed me to skip the breast seams. I wanted the whole top of the gown to be almost completely straight and let the curves of the body appear through the transparency of the fabric. </span></strong><strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">It has long sleeves and a turtleneck to accentuate the gothic style. The fabric is decorated with dark jet grey matt sequences that are underlayed with black glass beading. </span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GO1498AlaOg/TfeOCIK-hQI/AAAAAAAABRM/igDL9vMHWr0/s1600/Huck6-3right.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GO1498AlaOg/TfeOCIK-hQI/AAAAAAAABRM/igDL9vMHWr0/s320/Huck6-3right.png" t8="true" width="171" /></span></strong></a></div><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">On some places I took off most of the sequences to let the beading appear and create an irregular rhythm between shimmering and matt. I decided to not line my gown because I wanted to keep the transparency and the quiet natural draping of the heavily loaded bottom part. All the seams are therefore piped with a very thin organza trim except the shoulder and arm seams that are finished with a very tiny English seam to give my gown the proper couture finishing. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">On top of the gown my gothic diva wears a huge black jacket that is made out of a black fabric decorated with raw edge chiffon trims and gives a feather-ike texture. The jacket is lined with a thin black satin and can be worn in a lot of different ways. The silhouette is accessorized with very high black platform shoes, a black latex clutch, very long black earrings sculpted with tiny pearls and very short painted finger gloves.”</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Photography winner is Huckleberry Jackson, also, with Honorable Mention to Anita Stoklosa and Anj Calvo.</span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN03X8-u6Ws/TfeQPznyZQI/AAAAAAAABRQ/zieOQqB7iuQ/s1600/HuckPhoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN03X8-u6Ws/TfeQPznyZQI/AAAAAAAABRQ/zieOQqB7iuQ/s320/HuckPhoto.jpg" t8="true" width="205" /></span></strong></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Huckleberry Jackson</span></strong></div><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"></span></strong> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICU507ZF6kQ/TfeQmT1MNaI/AAAAAAAABRU/tCebx6IHbeM/s1600/anitaphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICU507ZF6kQ/TfeQmT1MNaI/AAAAAAAABRU/tCebx6IHbeM/s320/anitaphoto.jpg" t8="true" width="201" /></span></strong></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Anita Stoklosa </span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VK9Av1u77Fc/TfeRCFw6GmI/AAAAAAAABRY/g3kAsASgfCk/s1600/anjphoto2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VK9Av1u77Fc/TfeRCFw6GmI/AAAAAAAABRY/g3kAsASgfCk/s320/anjphoto2.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></span></strong></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Anj Calvo</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, that's almost it for your blogger for this CDDC - I say almost because the final blog will feature the final winners and their prizes - what fun!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So stay tuned as it will come out very soon.</span></span></strong></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-73223563517232206182011-06-02T14:00:00.000-07:002011-06-02T17:18:06.886-07:00Even woven fabrics can be stretched<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="http://couturedoll.com/"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-deNFRnTxyfw/TefWz2TIoUI/AAAAAAAABPQ/ClgciEHQ6zs/s320/Anj1.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IHPchv3m2Pw/TefW3etpEDI/AAAAAAAABPU/sBZrpz3apgo/s1600/Anj2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IHPchv3m2Pw/TefW3etpEDI/AAAAAAAABPU/sBZrpz3apgo/s320/Anj2.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Anj Calvo wins Challenge 5 with his two piece dress with leggings. He kept to his plan to veer away from body suits, and instead gave us an ensemble with remarkable detailing. Nude illusion, stretch charmeuse, and even mesh made this fashionable and added just the right amount of movement for the discerning doll collector's fancy. The two looks, heeless shoes, and a darling clutch bag served as appreciated bonuses for this very feminine, hand-stitched entry. </strong></span></div><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Congratulations also to the winner fpr the Challenge 5 Best Photography:</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CVd_8kh1F80/TegGpiVR9fI/AAAAAAAABQY/vIA2WSfINzM/s1600/winner5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CVd_8kh1F80/TegGpiVR9fI/AAAAAAAABQY/vIA2WSfINzM/s320/winner5a.jpg" t8="true" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eDdoug46e38/TefbI2J4nLI/AAAAAAAABPY/P_dQHUAyujs/s1600/MarkT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Elena Prokhorova</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong> Honorable Mentions goes to:</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qb3-tXMatI/Tefb6VU5OHI/AAAAAAAABPc/rtLTN6j4kiY/s1600/Huck5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qb3-tXMatI/Tefb6VU5OHI/AAAAAAAABPc/rtLTN6j4kiY/s320/Huck5.jpg" t8="true" width="202" /></strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Huckleberry Jackson</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bz59NRW8v9Q/TefcumoAL7I/AAAAAAAABPg/kdDk0vx3-JE/s1600/Maria5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bz59NRW8v9Q/TefcumoAL7I/AAAAAAAABPg/kdDk0vx3-JE/s320/Maria5.jpg" t8="true" width="248" /></strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>and Maria Ustynovska.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>At this point in the competition it's not anyone's game, but there could still be an upset!! But everyone who finishes this course should definitely consider themselves a WINNER. So stay with your game plan, finish the course, and prove me right that you are all phenomenal designers! </strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong></strong></span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGs2z-R-974/Teff1iWQ1BI/AAAAAAAABPk/kRDH6gblVow/s320/galadriel1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" t8="true" width="252" /></strong></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Lady Gladriel</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Now let's tip our hat to our final featured sponsor! Returning again this year as our sponsor is the Tonner Doll Company (TDC). And they bring prizes for the winner and second place. The winner will receive the very beautiful Lady Galadriel from the Lord of the Rings. This Lady of Light will feature the face sculpt of Cate Blanchet with Elvish ears, and will arrive completely dressed. </strong></span></div><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>The gown with its custom embroidery and pearlescent brooch is stunning, and it comes with panty hose, shimmering lace up metallic boots, and a wonderful silver and gold crown. A prize fit for the winner, indeed!</strong></span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ypZXjt0K3bs/TefgMxwnISI/AAAAAAAABPo/ZLAZ6gQaam8/s320/Arwen.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" t8="true" width="240" /></strong></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Arwen Evenstar</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Again turning to Middle Earth, TDC </strong></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>will be sending the second place winner the beautiful Arwen Evenstar doll. She, too, is fully dressed. Her gown is done in soft velvet with shimmering lace sleeves. Panty hose and faux suede boots are included and she features convertible feet. What a jewel for a winner's collection!<br />
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So, what’s Tonner Doll Company been up to since we last caught up with them? In 2011 they came through with lots of new, interesting dolls for the discerning collector. </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cE8yIVPj-Tg/Tefgfl__lKI/AAAAAAAABPw/nhbYDEI1aOs/s1600/fleur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cE8yIVPj-Tg/Tefgfl__lKI/AAAAAAAABPw/nhbYDEI1aOs/s320/fleur.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></strong></span></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Fleur Delacour</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>From new American Models to the Vampire Diary characters and loads in between – there is definitely something for everyone’s taste. </strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Here’s a mini-recap of a few of the new dolls.</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8PlKIKWyKE/TefgcFNRkWI/AAAAAAAABPs/omBN8CYJqTk/s1600/hermy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8PlKIKWyKE/TefgcFNRkWI/AAAAAAAABPs/omBN8CYJqTk/s320/hermy.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></strong></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Hermione Granger</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Tonner Doll Company had replicated their officially licensed Harry Potter and Ron Weasley dolls into a small scale collection of 12 inch size dolls. For 2011 they completed the 12 inch size Hermione Granger doll in time for Toy Fair as well as releasing a new doll in the large line, Fleur Delacour. Ms. Delacour is a dressed, high-heeled female with a student body, blue eyes with blonde hair, and features the Bloom skintone. </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7W_-tTwOFaw/Tefhkm3zfHI/AAAAAAAABP0/jbrMSVgjSU4/s1600/jasper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7W_-tTwOFaw/Tefhkm3zfHI/AAAAAAAABP0/jbrMSVgjSU4/s320/jasper.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></strong></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Jasper Hale</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Twilight lovers gained Jasper Hale, the love of Alice Cullen’s life. <br />
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And the Vampire Diaries series was born with the protective Stefan Salvatore, the affectionate yet feisty Elena Gilbert, and the smoldering yet conniving Damon Salvatore. <br />
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Yum, yum -- all three deliciousness you want to bite into for sure!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lO2DgW-SPJ8/TefkNvhCpKI/AAAAAAAABP4/XSDpqBcj9qI/s1600/Vamps.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="195" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lO2DgW-SPJ8/TefkNvhCpKI/AAAAAAAABP4/XSDpqBcj9qI/s400/Vamps.png" t8="true" width="400" /></strong></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Stefan, Elena, Damon</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--1tN25IvVXU/Teftje8KPfI/AAAAAAAABQI/HWcjYN9wVGY/s1600/rapunzel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--1tN25IvVXU/Teftje8KPfI/AAAAAAAABQI/HWcjYN9wVGY/s320/rapunzel.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></strong></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Rapunzel</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong> Disney fans were thrilled with Tangled’s Rapunzel as well as old favorites like Ariel and Jasmine. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>And a delightful 10” line of dolls for the It’s a Small World line kicked off with representatives from Holland and Indian (not pictured) dressed in their tradition wardrobe.</strong></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LC8nssfl4Is/TefmKS8NlVI/AAAAAAAABQA/6pij4fYZq3I/s1600/Ariel2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" t8="true" /></strong></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Ariel and Jasmine</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JV3cUjIZ9GY/Tefpy2xGJBI/AAAAAAAABQE/K8PtLggkAXE/s1600/Cat2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="220" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JV3cUjIZ9GY/Tefpy2xGJBI/AAAAAAAABQE/K8PtLggkAXE/s320/Cat2.png" t8="true" width="320" /></strong></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Catwoman and Black Canary</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CkCKlCcdpDk/Tef1xe0XwdI/AAAAAAAABQU/1mdn3Zvs-xY/s1600/wonde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CkCKlCcdpDk/Tef1xe0XwdI/AAAAAAAABQU/1mdn3Zvs-xY/s320/wonde.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></strong></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Wonder Woman</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>A medley of DC stars was sure to make the Comic Con fans sit up and take notice. New arrivals ran the gambit of selection and size from the 13” inch Catwoman and Black Canary to the 22” Wonder Woman. The in-between women, ranging from 16-17” (not pictured), included such alluring fare as Raven, Starfire, and Dove.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>With the current movie offerings of Green Lantern, Thor, X-Men, and Captain America, it left me wondering would new guys join his hero base any time soon.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>The other new offerings are just as wonderful, but will require you to take a trip over to the <a href="http://tonnerdoll.com/">TDC website</a>. All are definitely worth viewing.</strong></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--paASQ9peuU/Tefw7GWjCeI/AAAAAAAABQQ/tkljquy1WfU/s1600/sosleeksydney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--paASQ9peuU/Tefw7GWjCeI/AAAAAAAABQQ/tkljquy1WfU/s320/sosleeksydney.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></strong></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>So Sleek Sydney</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Besides all the new dolls, Robert Tonner has also just completed a fabulous convention where I’m told the convention dolls were wonderful – one even included a special Sydney gift set to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Sydney Chase and the 20th anniversary of the Tonner Doll Company. TDC is twenty years strong with a bright future, so it makes me confident to predict that there will be many more Tonner dolls around my household – and I’ll bet a few will creep into yours too!</strong></span></div><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong></strong></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-88016300229088537112011-05-24T09:25:00.000-07:002011-05-24T09:30:03.911-07:00GOTH-Step Back-AVANT GARDE-Step Sideways<div class="separator" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="http://couturedoll.com/"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FYhFuwdwXtI/TdraoMHHsGI/AAAAAAAABNU/4-EZAE8S0iU/s320/Goth.bmp" width="251" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Can you believe it - we're down to the final challenge. And this challenge, like all the others, is quite a doozy! Here's the challenge:</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Well this is a mash up!!! Start by thinking Goth, then take a step back and think of how an avant garde designer would approach it, then take a further step sideways and make it enter the realm of couture. There you have it, Avant Garde Goth Couture. This style is not just for Marilyn Manson and the emo kids anymore...this is runway Goth. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Your challenge this week is to make an AG Goth design and keep it couture, so no costumes, no post apocalyptic (although this may still be in) styles, no witches and no warlocks. Make it couture, and make it work, designers.......have fun with this one, but do remember this is not a costume contest, it must be couture!!!</strong></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Um6GnqY25xQ/TdrbBTe63uI/AAAAAAAABNY/8NlS-fSyrP8/s1600/Gothwhen+takaboutgothfashion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Um6GnqY25xQ/TdrbBTe63uI/AAAAAAAABNY/8NlS-fSyrP8/s320/Gothwhen+takaboutgothfashion.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>I can only tell you what I would do if it was my challenge. First, I'd rule out doing anything that even whispered costume! Then I'd consider what Goth might be to me:</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Goth fashion is mostly a dark, sometimes morbid, eroticized fashion and style of dress. The specific styles are often borrowed from the Elizabethan, Victorian or medieval period and can express pagan, occult or other religious imagery including pentacles, ankhs, and crosses.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Then I'd look at what notable fashion designers have done. Here you'd expect me to look into the stylings of Alexander McQueen or John Galliano, two designers who have been described as practicing Haute Goth. However, since I've seen their styles almost "done" to death by others lately, I'd turn my attention to some new blood - puns intended, dahlings!</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WATY3JY1MJk/Tdrbg5H4KXI/AAAAAAAABNc/C5eJsCpQyKc/s1600/Gothlady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WATY3JY1MJk/Tdrbg5H4KXI/AAAAAAAABNc/C5eJsCpQyKc/s320/Gothlady.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>The Avant-Garde Ann Demeulemeester/s 2011 Paris Fall Show revealed this hodgepodge of Goth, punk and what some were even calling ... Goat Hair Couture! Armed with beautiful finishes, the Belgian designer peppered her tendency for black with vibrant bolts of red and striking prints. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Creating a poignant showing, Demeulemeester’ reached a new point of elegance with sharp defined edges and a distinct season must have–gauntlet gloves. An expert at romance, Ann Demeulemeester has managed to elevate her craft to a new level for one of Fall’s most refined collections.</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NqQF6dkCyww/Tdrb8XbW-AI/AAAAAAAABNg/OoFJiOgqINg/s1600/GothVisboldearc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NqQF6dkCyww/Tdrb8XbW-AI/AAAAAAAABNg/OoFJiOgqINg/s320/GothVisboldearc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Prisca Vilsbøl and Pia de Arce joined forces after graduating from the Copenhagen Fashion & Design School to create the twice eponymous label Vilsbøl de Arce. The Danish design duo creates projects ranging from avant garde fashion and interior decor to performance art costumes. Perhaps that is why Lady Gaga and Rhianna are rumored to be big customers.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Their dreaml ike designs are recognizable in their mastery of cut and drapery. And, while wildly experimental, the clothes are entirely functional. This is high art that can be worn. Their incredibly sculptural shapes combined with the exquisitely detailed leather work, and the contrasting qualities of drama and subtlety, make their outfits phenomenal.</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOZm76OVKuY/TdrcQjFSxWI/AAAAAAAABNk/nk_xej1kXzo/s1600/GothJezTazer2010fashcoll.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOZm76OVKuY/TdrcQjFSxWI/AAAAAAAABNk/nk_xej1kXzo/s1600/GothJezTazer2010fashcoll.png" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Gareth Pugh is an English designer known for hard edged, highly structured designs. He surprised the fashion world with his soft, diaphanous, even romantic designs for his Spring/Summer 2011 collection at Paris Fashion Week. Of course, his romantic vision is otherworldly. Not surprising at all as he describes his designs as being "about the struggle between lightness and darkness." From Beyonce to Rihanna to Lady Gaga, designer Gareth Pugh is making a name for himself. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Pugh's trademark is his experimentation with form and volume. He often uses "nonsensically shaped, wearable sculptures to distort the human body almost beyond recognition." He’s the quintessential bad boy - dark, edgy, and unapologetic. His recent collection had severe, sculpted cuts, part alien/part cyber armor. There were even a few looks that had thin, dripping, web-like fringe. Pugh, always the rebel, didn’t even present the traditional runway show; rather his collection was shown as a video on a giant screen. But, no matter how you view his work, most would conclude it is definitely mind-blowing! </strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tz9OhzZyxU0/TdrcodmkfvI/AAAAAAAABNo/4zEJyNOubi0/s1600/Gothguo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tz9OhzZyxU0/TdrcodmkfvI/AAAAAAAABNo/4zEJyNOubi0/s320/Gothguo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Guo Pei is known as China's grande doyenne of haute couture. Her clothing and accessories are truly works of art. They are all about fantasy with an emphasis on embroidery and really wild shoes. The shoes are absolutely architectural, sculptural, brilliant as objets des art, and are something most of us could not walk or even stand in. Is it any wonder Lady Gage’s designers will be incorporating them into future Gaga outfits?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Then, after having this overload of eye candy from jetting back and forth through many websites, I would begin to dissect the EXACT explanation Larraine always gives for a challenge: Start by thinking Goth, then take a step back and think of how an avant garde designer would approach it, then take a further step sideways and make it enter the realm of couture. There you have it, Avant Garde Goth Couture. </strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHeJcKougBY/TdrhSyrOb8I/AAAAAAAABN0/f67KnfnalEE/s1600/Gothcouture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHeJcKougBY/TdrhSyrOb8I/AAAAAAAABN0/f67KnfnalEE/s320/Gothcouture.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Okay, got my examples of Goth and can relate to how designers could make it avant garde. I know they are doing avant garde by the fact that their work is unconventional and ahead of its time. But avant garde specifically is not exactly what I think I am to design, as it would be so over the top, and wouldn’t fit in a real person’s collection. </strong></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>I also note Larraine is asking for couture – not haute couture. Haute couture would be designed for just one specific person (diva doll), be pain staking to produce, and would carry a verrrrrry expensive price tag. Haute couture might have been ruled out, I think, becuase it might not be produced in my short time frame and leave me caught up short. BUT - knowing Larraine and her judges with such impeccable taste - I also knew she is not necessarily calling for anything that is remotely ready to wear!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>So I would decide to stick with my own definition of couture which would be something sewn well using rich fabrics – preferably my beloved silk. Everything must fit impeccably and all, including accessories, must be in scale. Then I’d search through my stash for rich Goth colored fabrics...remembering what I’d seen I’d use the ones I like specifically honed down. I'd recall designs I'd seen for this challenge as an example only. Then I’d give it all my incomparable spin – and voila’ – after a good pressing and scintillating photos, I’d be ready to deliver it all to Larraine’s email just in time for the judging. </strong></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>And now it’s time for you to decide. What path will you take to capture the essence of the challenge perfectly? Am I correct or way out in left field? That’s for you to ponder and decide as you go through your own process. Whatever you do, prepare to WOW the judges – as you know, that is what it has taken for a win for each and every one of these challenges.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Now let me get on with telling you a bit about your guest judge, David Buttry, so I can return to my world of fashion mags and bon bons – boy this ‘splaining stuff can be tedious, Lucy!! </strong></span><br />
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</div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>David Buttry from Integrity has been nice enough to serve as a guest judge in the last two CDDCs, so you can imagine how happy we are to have him back again. </strong></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>David has always been a doll collector, specifically of fashion dolls. He is also a graphic designer who is well known for his logos and other fashion doll illustrations. Illustrating was the original job he snared at Integrity Toys. While it is true he has worked under Vaughn Sawyers and Jason Wu, David definitely has a style all his own. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>He has also designed ads and packaging for Integrity Toys. But the general public probably knows him better for the doll lines he's worked on that include Misaki, Dynamite Girls, and most recently, Poppy Parker. He likes to work on doll designs that include loads of personality. David has been published in Fashion Doll Quarterly, and other popular doll magazines, so every once in a while we get a glimpse into his amazing talent.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong></strong></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-12669821612464968972011-05-17T11:19:00.000-07:002011-05-17T11:24:56.660-07:00Jackson dominates in Challenge Four - with Rococo Style!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://couturedoll.com/"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EJhFYsrM9m0/TdKrq8RTbQI/AAAAAAAABMo/WY1lYMTsQCI/s320/huck4a.jpg" width="169" /><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFn5TUp8Ixw/TdKsNSxaWuI/AAAAAAAABMs/XRay3cYVTzA/s320/huck4b.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Yes, there was no doubt who took this win -- again, Huckleberry Jackson! He has a firm lead with his 304 points, but with four other contestants with 250 plus points, there is no time to let down your guard - so we'll be watching with bated breath to see how the last two challenges score. </strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong></strong></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyqKQiIWLGE/TdKs21c7EjI/AAAAAAAABMw/WbmTHRfbNy0/s1600/huck4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyqKQiIWLGE/TdKs21c7EjI/AAAAAAAABMw/WbmTHRfbNy0/s320/huck4c.jpg" width="234" /></strong></span></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>In Huckleberry's quest to satisfy the modern runway rococo meets the Oscars challenge, he says he wanted to "...work with the whole spirit behind the rococo style and make a contemporary new piece rather than just redoing the shape of a rococo dress." </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>He used some interesting fabric including a fine cotton stretch net and a silk crepe that he hand dyed. An odd pairing of plastic shell-like shapes, pearl beading, and crystallized Swarovski elements worked deliciously to provide some playful overdecoration to this stunning gown. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Adding to the overall styling of this creation were an over the top hairdo, ultra high heels and a simple clutch bag. All in all, not even difficult to see why this one conquered this win.....and the photography win, also!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Honorable mention for photography goes to:</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OKHlleNQr7I/TdK38mkUyeI/AAAAAAAABNQ/0BLW9hoe9NI/s200/victoriab.jpg" width="133" /></strong></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-prilbuCSH7g/TdK3yQGJ9PI/AAAAAAAABNM/9UXkodo8df4/s1600/victoriaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-prilbuCSH7g/TdK3yQGJ9PI/AAAAAAAABNM/9UXkodo8df4/s200/victoriaa.jpg" width="133" /></strong></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Viktoria Kolmychek </strong></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCM1ZsIqfxU/TdKuh4185wI/AAAAAAAABM8/o5I8WtxSt88/s1600/mariab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="208" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCM1ZsIqfxU/TdKuh4185wI/AAAAAAAABM8/o5I8WtxSt88/s320/mariab.jpg" width="320" /></strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Maria Ustynovska</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong></strong></span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Congratulations to the winners, and all the contestants. Even though some outfits may not have fit the challenge, all of the entries left behind a beautifully executed presentation for this competition.</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOxhGUACoM0/TdK3DqYRATI/AAAAAAAABNI/tfFYQ7Xof5g/s1600/tommime.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="234" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOxhGUACoM0/TdK3DqYRATI/AAAAAAAABNI/tfFYQ7Xof5g/s320/tommime.png" width="320" /></strong></span></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Since we last caught up with Tom Courtney he has left his post as Art Director for a collectible doll company. As a freelance artist he is working on branding more specific to his own art than to art he creates for others. Toward that end, and in anticipation of pursuing other new venues to work for, this creative professional has been finalizing his online portfolio. If you'd care to follow the progression of this delightful work of art, just visit </strong></span><a href="http://www.thomasacourtney.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>his website</strong></span></a><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>There hasn't been time for much in the way of doll art, instead he has been rather busy learning new web-building software such a Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and Flash. Though a slow process, it has been quite constructive. He's also had to spend a lot of time researching and implementing various social media strategies, which seem to change daily, to include in his freelance potential. However, once a doll aficionado, always one, I'd speculate. And I for one look forward to his next creation whenever he can carve out some time for his girls and guys!</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4eCFG-sSrMs/TdKyqHVA8nI/AAAAAAAABNE/L5TQaRuRQ0k/s1600/robpink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4eCFG-sSrMs/TdKyqHVA8nI/AAAAAAAABNE/L5TQaRuRQ0k/s320/robpink.jpg" width="240" /></strong></span></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Since we last caught up with Rob Thompson he has been busy doll-wise. One of the dolls he is most proud of doing this past year was the 2010 Barbie convention live auction doll, “Pretty in Pink”, done in collaboration with Steven Fraser of Dressmaker Details. She sold for $3,000.00 for the charity, and there are some wonderful pictures of her at </strong></span><a href="http://www.robsdolls.com/barbieauction10.htm"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>this link</strong></span></a><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>. He's also updated his gallery with loads of eye candy available </strong></span><a href="http://www.robsdolls.com/ooakgallery.htm"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>over here</strong></span></a><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>His already large volume of work has also welcomed a new brand called “Razor Rain by Robsdolls”. This line is all very dark themed, edgy, or Gothic themed dolls. This line has been selling well, so Rob will be featuring a new “Razor Rain” logo, but all of his designs will still feature his Robsdolls logo in the corner. Rob needed this additional brand because these dolls don't fit the pretty, mainstream doll image that he has become known for. But, not to worry there will still be plenty of his original style designed. "Razor Rain" will be used as his brand directed to the Japanese market, and was also designed not to confuse existing customers who don't really get into the dark edge Gothic dolls exhibit.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>One of his biggest projects, and something Rob is extremely proud of, is his charity auction for the NOH8 Campaign. He is organizing an online auction for this coming Fall that will feature one of a kind dolls made by some of the most celebrated and well known doll artists and designers in the doll world. The auction will be featured and publicized by many of the best known doll dealers, and will also be covered in FDQ magazine. The NOH8 Campaign is going to take payments for the winning bids directly so that the winner will get the charity donation tax deduction due to Rob's efforts, and their logo will be put on the dolls for the auction, also. He is even working on teaming up doll artists who don’t sew with doll fashion designers that don’t do OOAK dolls, so it is going to be a huge project. All of the dolls will be done in the NOH8 Campaign photo style which will include duct tape on the dolls mouth with the campaign logo painted over the face, and all the fashions will be white. You can see the style here at </strong></span><a href="http://www.noh8campaign.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>their website</strong></span></a><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>.. Rob hopes all his time and efforts will bring in between $10 and $20 thousand dollars for the charity. </strong></span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>If that weren't enough, Rob continues to stay busy with commission work and donations to the various charity auctions and conventions he is involved with. He is also working on a couple of articles for FDQ, and has been toying around with writing a novel. All I can say is, where DO you find the time, m’dear, to do all this - and judge CDDC??</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OKHlleNQr7I/TdK38mkUyeI/AAAAAAAABNQ/0BLW9hoe9NI/s1600/victoriab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img height="96" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OKHlleNQr7I/TdK38mkUyeI/AAAAAAAABNQ/0BLW9hoe9NI/s200/victoriab.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 418px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 971px; visibility: hidden;" width="64" /> </strong></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-40972361744332871812011-05-13T12:47:00.000-07:002011-05-13T12:47:34.746-07:00S T R E T C H Your Imagination….for this Win<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://couturedoll.com/" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XYNMlYnpvqI/Tc2Bd5MNBII/AAAAAAAABMQ/6wftVPS5Sns/s320/StretchFabric.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>I’m afraid I’ve procrastinated horribly trying to get this latest blog out. You see, when I think of stretch fabrics it’s either super hero, ballroom dancer, or athletic types I envision, and not the bold and beautiful stretch fabrics this challenge alludes to. So I really, really had to do some research on this one – and I’m happy to say this challenge is dead on – and I was not!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>I never sewed on stretch fabric, and was feeing I’d be just as lost as the Project Runway contestant whose dress kept stretching and stretching long after the judges had reviewed it. So I was pleasantly surprised at some of the facts I found out about this mystery material.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>First of all, stretch fabrics are some of the best for working with the body, making body issues into body assets. They also allow for comfort and freedom of movement without sacrificing style. It's travel friendly, wrinkle resistant, and washable in most cases. It's the perfect fabric to work into any wardrobe, actually.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>It also comes in a variety of fabric and finishes that range from matte to shiny, gabardine to cotton stretch. No longer is shopping at a house of spandex your only choice for selection. Many stores carry everything from cotton lycra in stripes or solids to jerseys in a wide variety of colors and prints. Bottom line: Don't rule stretch fabrics out if you’re not into sewing costumes, active wear, or Batman’s latest cape. There’s plenty of top quality fabrics to make your diva doll her next fave fashion.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Milan’s newest major trends include texture, mesh, and inserts – all in one color but in three to five different fabrications - these add so much interest and detail. Leather, everything fitted and thin, close to the body, tough, urban, ready for action are all apropos’. These new fashions made heads turn as they came down the runway, but it was abundantly clear there was no room for anything extraneous, fluffy or unnecessary. Black, grey, tan, and army green were the colors that dominated. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Paris boasted short suits in cozy tweed and other looser fabrics. Their fashions also had inserts – this time in fur – and some boasted wool fringes. These were garments designed with perfect fit that guaranteed another successful Parisian Fashion Week. This year designers rediscovered construction, line, and cuts to reinvent new, transforming pieces. These new collections were built to be deconstructed at pleasure by simply pulling a drawstring or fastening a zip. Short dresses, with enveloping gores made of panels of stretch fabric for easy pleating, draping and nipping added movement to body skimming cuts. A palette of camel, glacé, cream and light blue shades pulled everything together, and made the front row viewers want to reach out and touch these soft, sophisticated stylings. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>I hope this has been worth the wait. These new stretch fabrics really do seem quite devine! I’ll be sitting on the edge of my seat, anticipating what this talented group of designers will come up with. Having seen their latest rococo offerings, I am a bit overwhelmed.</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fletcherpatterncompany.com/"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YEp6RoBhnLE/Tc2Debx8C4I/AAAAAAAABMY/tO6uHxyE1AA/s1600/Judelogo.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>This week our guest judge is Tamara Casey of <a href="http://www.fletcherpatterncompany.com/">Designs by Jude</a>. She’s also one of our sponsors and I have recently featured her, so I’m only going to say CDDC is lucky to have her expertise in judging this latest challenge. She’s the consummate jill of all trades, master of many, and just a specially nice person that we’ve all come to know and love throughout the years. Thanks for all you do for CDDC.</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fdqmedia.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vhrVIW8f_A8/Tc2Eov3LqiI/AAAAAAAABMc/w2HZfD0JBuU/s1600/fdq1.png" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><a href="http://fdqmedia.com/">Fashion Doll Quarterly</a> (FDQ) Magazine and Couture Doll Design Challenge continue their efforts to support great new doll designers. And this year FDQ stepped up to the plate once more to offer a wonderful spread on the CDDC winners. We all need to give Larraine a round of applause for writing the upcoming article, and FDQ for finding CDDC newsworthy. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>I cannot think of a greater thrill for a new designer than to be in FDQ. Each issue is specifically dedicated to the dolls we love best - fashion dolls - and is packed with wonderful pictures and stories of doll diva doings. And now, once more, some from CDDC will be featured - what a thrill!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>A big nod to Pat Henry and her continued effort to put out a quality doll magazine about fashion dolls. She hits the mark every time an issue rolls out. The magazine is beautiful, well-written, and topic driven. All and all, a testament to an editor who knows how to do this job so well. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Be sure to stop by the FDQ website to view an exclusive interview between Pat and Robert Tonner. He really gives a lot of insight into his journey to where he is today - on top! While on the website you'll be able to see what's in the latest issue, subscribe or buy back issues, or even send in a question to Pat. Just a few moments on this website and I'm sure you'll appreciate this fashion saavy magazine - don't let this valuable doll fashion resource pass you by. </strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://couturedollshop.com/" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7gq7n05lj8/Tc2GwsC7IZI/AAAAAAAABMk/zhXf-EkXqpE/s320/CDSFinalLogoweb2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>It's a thrill for <a href="http://couturedollshop.com/">Couture Doll Shops</a> to be returning as a sponsor for our sister site, also. We're so happy that last year's winner, Yana Emelyanova, has completed her website with us, and now has her lovely shop on Couture Court. We’re a retail venue, it’s true. But in a lot of ways we’re like a big family – a family with a special interest in helping one another. We’re glad to have Yana as a new family member, and we look forward to welcoming the new winner of CDDC, too. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong></strong></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-52402471055275511692011-05-02T16:52:00.000-07:002011-05-02T16:52:27.705-07:00Daring duds win designer double honors...again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://couturedoll.com/"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tsgF_pQ8kwQ/Tb8sRaq2DTI/AAAAAAAABKo/60wFKAzIwDU/s400/huck3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">With a near perfect score of 79, Huckleberry Jackson rises to the top to become the winner of Challenge Number 3, and nails down yet another challenge win! Congrats!</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JpimVEdtKxs/Tb8sMX3NX4I/AAAAAAAABKg/k8i1dttJBP8/s1600/huck2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JpimVEdtKxs/Tb8sMX3NX4I/AAAAAAAABKg/k8i1dttJBP8/s320/huck2.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Over in the corner, CDDC's fearless leader, Larraine Elcock, and the Manager of Couture Doll Shops shook their heads wondering who might win it all. "With only 24 points separating the top four contenders it's anybody's race, so cheer on your favourite," said Elcock. "Hum, sounds a little like American Idol!", Dot remarked.<br />
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And it's so true - did you realize that every artist needs a little praise. So don't forget to give all the talented contestants a nice attaboy remark on the CDDC Yahoo group for just submitting their entry every 2 weeks - it's really no small feat. Also, while you're over there, give a special shout out for whoever you feel demonstrated the best entry for any particular challenge. How will anyone know otherwise? <br />
</strong></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8usMZYjXtI/Tb8sO8dXbWI/AAAAAAAABKk/CW6Gm4L_uBE/s1600/huck1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8usMZYjXtI/Tb8sO8dXbWI/AAAAAAAABKk/CW6Gm4L_uBE/s320/huck1.jpg" width="215" /></strong></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>We all know Huckleberry has a lot of talent. What was described by this artist as a challenge that was a "bit confusing at first," yielded a stunner that translated the outerwear challenge so well. This haute couture outfit sported a dress that was inspired by bondage but was not bondage, and gave us a lot of allure and attitude to ooh and ah about! In fact, it left your blogger wanting to be able to reach out and "capture" that hat!!<br />
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Huckleberry also takes home the Photography prize again. Honorable mention goes to:</strong></span></div><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eKGeBsExQVk/Tb8yo-VlN0I/AAAAAAAABKs/gPfe3YLAkJo/s1600/maria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eKGeBsExQVk/Tb8yo-VlN0I/AAAAAAAABKs/gPfe3YLAkJo/s400/maria.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Maria Ustynovska</strong></span></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VFPUfEbJnwI/Tb8z8iDNVKI/AAAAAAAABKw/q_KGxXiCI7c/s1600/mark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VFPUfEbJnwI/Tb8z8iDNVKI/AAAAAAAABKw/q_KGxXiCI7c/s400/mark.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong> Mark Tinkey</strong></span> <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">And now for that information I promised on your guest judge for Challenge 4.</span></strong> <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jim Faraone – If you create, he can relate!</span> </span></strong> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="280" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A0hhCWUbL2c/Tb89scfdpeI/AAAAAAAABK8/UrqlcP7WHBw/s400/afew.png" width="400" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Long before this craft of creating something different from an existing doll (an OOAK doll) became so popular, Jim Faraone was an OOAK artist in the biggest sense of the word. He trained as an artist at The School of Visual Arts in New York City, and is such a talented artist that his artwork has even been on display at the NYC Metropolitan Museum of Art. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhFW8nWqbqk/Tb8_tPzLT1I/AAAAAAAABLI/dSuhAvbmEfw/s1600/paint3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="260" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhFW8nWqbqk/Tb8_tPzLT1I/AAAAAAAABLI/dSuhAvbmEfw/s320/paint3.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">But Jim, has been an avid collector of dolls, paper dolls, miniatures, paper toys, 40's and 50's plastic dollhouse furniture, metal dishes, and autographed celebrity photos for many years. And when his interests turned to creating OOAK dolls, the doll world not only gained an incredible doll artist, they also gained a wonderful doll friend! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nisdNrBpAR8/Tb87sRfNu5I/AAAAAAAABK4/hettUgfKMEM/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nisdNrBpAR8/Tb87sRfNu5I/AAAAAAAABK4/hettUgfKMEM/s320/book.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Jim's doll work has made a natural progression since he began his journey of developing OOAK dolls. He wanted his 1/6th scale dolls to have their own personality, so he enhanced their makeup by even rooting eyelashes and hair. He developed elaborate hairdos for his glamour girls, too - braid, waves, and chignons come to mind. And when it came to developing their wonderful gowns, he became a beader - but again Jim took it to a greater level – in fact, Jim’s OOAKS are beaded wonders!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Jim didn't stop at making OOAK dolls, though. He actually began to chronicle his process and produced the final version in book form. To date he has had six books published; five in the series of Fashion Doll Makeovers, Learn from the Artists; and one titled Ultimate Fashion Doll Makeovers, Tips from the Experts. But Jim has never just been about self-promotion. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-879VehNUy8k/Tb8-EJcfgMI/AAAAAAAABLA/ccK0A4iLVFc/s1600/paint1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="249" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-879VehNUy8k/Tb8-EJcfgMI/AAAAAAAABLA/ccK0A4iLVFc/s320/paint1.png" width="320" /></span></a><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Jim Faraone is a true artist's friend. and many of his talented friends are the artists in his books that people learn from. They are also the friends who today support Jim in his best endeavor to date, his own convention, the International Fashion Doll Convention (IFDC). It is currently held in Las Vegas in the summer, and not only offers several days of fun with other doll friends, it is also a venue for some of the most informative workshops, a marvelous showcase for artist’s work, and a place where new fashion dolls are unveiled!<br />
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Jim has worked diligently to see that new work of professional and non-professional artists is displayed. He is an avid believer in supporting the artists and giving them the recognition they deserve.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnJdPpUd6QY/Tb8-enSQPjI/AAAAAAAABLE/-W2xHdG9rb8/s1600/paint2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="246" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnJdPpUd6QY/Tb8-enSQPjI/AAAAAAAABLE/-W2xHdG9rb8/s320/paint2.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Today Jim creates miniatures and paintings of dolls as well as copies of famous artwork for dolls which are prizes for the IFDC. The convention website is at </span><a href="http://www.ifdconline.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">http://www.ifdconline.com</span></a><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> and you can see everything he has created for the 2011 IFDC at </span><a href="http://www.texasdolldesigns.com/jimf2011.html"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">http://www.texasdolldesigns.com/jimf2011.html</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">So you may want to listen up when Jim makes his critiques. You can depend they are given by a caring artist, and hopefuly all the contestants will benefit from his take on their work.</span> <br />
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</div><span style="font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-67999565488853249532011-04-29T08:07:00.000-07:002011-04-29T09:39:26.232-07:00Runway Rococo Meets the Oscars<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://couturedoll.com/"><img border="0" height="151" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zJjCgQ50Wb4/Tbq_DIGXH3I/AAAAAAAABJ0/7zayxSo3QsU/s400/RococoBlogbegin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>This week’s journey takes us down one of the shortest and most coveted pieces of carpet in America. For a few hours fashionistas all over the world will tune in to live feeds of some of the most beautiful gowns to be viewed for the year. Unfortunately some of the gowns viewed will be labeled as mishaps. Take note so your gown does not fall into the last category!</strong></span></span> </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EE3JYP1NTqo/Tbq_uT3h5LI/AAAAAAAABJ4/JUiq06lXmTA/s1600/rococodior2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="277" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EE3JYP1NTqo/Tbq_uT3h5LI/AAAAAAAABJ4/JUiq06lXmTA/s400/rococodior2.jpg" width="400" /></strong></span></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Opulent fabrics, bows, elaborate hats, lace, and all kinds of frou frou are characteristics of this style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, overembellishing may not be what the judges are looking for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It might be more logical to depend on the fabric or the cut of the design to tell your story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dior did it full skirted, but with an obviously overblown print, as we see in this pink concoction.</strong></span></span> <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O1j_Ak2SAoI/TbrAOVm0RHI/AAAAAAAABJ8/hAgI_OU-Fdo/s1600/mc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ikks8C7WRZ0/TbrAU8sVhzI/AAAAAAAABKA/4Smmxs2imHQ/s1600/mc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" height="292" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ikks8C7WRZ0/TbrAU8sVhzI/AAAAAAAABKA/4Smmxs2imHQ/s320/mc2.jpg" width="320" /></strong></span></a> </div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Alexander McQueen chose to transition Rococoian elements. By doing so, he came up with more sharply elegant evening pieces. He had no trouble achieving "the look" in any color. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>No matter which color he used, it spoke with a soft or hard boldness true to his style. </strong></span></span></span></strong></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O1j_Ak2SAoI/TbrAOVm0RHI/AAAAAAAABJ8/hAgI_OU-Fdo/s1600/mc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="292" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O1j_Ak2SAoI/TbrAOVm0RHI/AAAAAAAABJ8/hAgI_OU-Fdo/s320/mc1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></span> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>The accent color used or the cut of all the pieces in each outfit spoke truly but differently to the Rococo style we were once accustomed to seeing. So it wasn’t any wonder that gowns made post-McQueen began to emulate his work if only in the spider lace prints, crepe, and gold metallics now dominating the Nuevo-Rococo canvas.</strong></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gDbmO2TpC4/TbrJ37HVCSI/AAAAAAAABKM/TZ0Zc2LdC0g/s1600/trio.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6eJvKhTcL0/TbrDR9n2suI/AAAAAAAABKI/nrZxHix94OI/s1600/chanel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6eJvKhTcL0/TbrDR9n2suI/AAAAAAAABKI/nrZxHix94OI/s320/chanel.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #363636; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Is your style more like the traditional Dior musings or will you choose to move forward like McQueen?.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither is right or wrong – it’s simply the way your style dictates the design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Face it, all the great houses have tried it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think Chanel, Versace, and even Dolce & Gabanna.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></strong></span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ1c07MWsko/TbrKvobjLVI/AAAAAAAABKQ/47tb5DrxI9A/s1600/my-13th-birthday-cake-21286215.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dohhcBPuiA4/TbrRSV1OSbI/AAAAAAAABKU/UmbvJIsT46w/s1600/versace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dohhcBPuiA4/TbrRSV1OSbI/AAAAAAAABKU/UmbvJIsT46w/s200/versace.jpg" width="155" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #363636; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Each played off a fun, youthful look infused with the richness of Rococo style. Each was beautiful and spoke to the theme – but perhaps they didn’t speak to your entirely unique vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></strong></span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3PQNW6Y1gw/TbrDJLeZ8bI/AAAAAAAABKE/euwu7nC4kkY/s1600/dolcegabanna.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3PQNW6Y1gw/TbrDJLeZ8bI/AAAAAAAABKE/euwu7nC4kkY/s1600/dolcegabanna.png" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #363636; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Remember, this is your time to really shine! So walk your doll diva down that carpet demurely and sweet – or dazzle, dazzle, dazzle with something quite unique! </span></strong></span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ1c07MWsko/TbrKvobjLVI/AAAAAAAABKQ/47tb5DrxI9A/s1600/my-13th-birthday-cake-21286215.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ1c07MWsko/TbrKvobjLVI/AAAAAAAABKQ/47tb5DrxI9A/s200/my-13th-birthday-cake-21286215.gif" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #363636; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Then we’ll soon see how the judges like it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></strong></span></span><span style="color: #363636; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">But one thing is for sure, based on the designs we have seen in the challenges so far, it will take more than an instruction to eat cake to win this one!</span></span></strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">I'll be back to tell you more about the judge for this challenge, but for now I'll leave you with the fashion most anticipated around the world for weeks - direct from the wedding, and designed by Sarah Burton.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Congratulations, dear Prince, I trust your dear Mother is smiling down on your happy occasion!</span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzUi8rdHX3QS9I9KNXPT0DZ_YdCzie3b9F3YaB8GHOpDsW6rZPcdBynj8SXTnq9XxHg3qrFzH0L27WMfN2JRQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-11409781697986310162011-04-18T12:59:00.000-07:002011-04-18T12:59:08.414-07:00Huckleberry's Effort Wins Dual Prizes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IYI24ynD-L0/TayL0Xf5fAI/AAAAAAAABJU/WWjSwjN84PM/s1600/huckwins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IYI24ynD-L0/TayL0Xf5fAI/AAAAAAAABJU/WWjSwjN84PM/s400/huckwins.jpg" width="400" /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"> </span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">HUCKLEBERRY JACKSON</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: LEFT;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">Even a cursory glance at the judge's comments would make it obvious who the winner is for Challenge Two.</span></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: LEFT;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: LEFT;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">Brilliant. The purse is genius. I love this fashion. . That vest is divine! You hit this challenge right on the mark, and made it your own. It is a beautiful look... I like the idea of a mini wardrobe. You did a great job.</span></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: LEFT;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: LEFT;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">Huckleberry Jackson decided to give the 70ies influenced outfit a whole black and white Paris couture chic. It is a style that is timeless and is fun for this type theme. This began with the graphic white and black pair of flares that start underneath the breasts and reach the floor to stretch the silhouette to the max. Her very high platforms also enhance the stretching.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">To give this outfit some color it has a classic 70ies blouse in peach. For another possibility of wearing the blouse it was continued into a jumpsuit.. To make it very sexy silk crepe was used, and it was fitted to be very close to the body. It was lined with the same fabric. The look was to be sexy but not see through! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">The accessories included a big hat, faux fur jacket, a big circle purse, and a faux leather braided belt. Everything was worked up to have both a designer look and one appropriate for this era. A peach patterned scarf for the head and some "magic hair" topped it all off for additional styling with flare!</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ed2BlPIoN1A/TayPrq3xzLI/AAAAAAAABJY/ry4cDVhgwPA/s1600/huckphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ed2BlPIoN1A/TayPrq3xzLI/AAAAAAAABJY/ry4cDVhgwPA/s400/huckphoto.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: LEFT;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></span></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">Winner of the Photography prize is:</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">HUCKLEBERRY JACKSON</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></span></div><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFVgnvFqdeM/TayUVZiWpAI/AAAAAAAABJk/cZp-nhp7asI/s1600/gordonaphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFVgnvFqdeM/TayUVZiWpAI/AAAAAAAABJk/cZp-nhp7asI/s400/gordonaphoto.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">Honorable Mention</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"> Gordana Niemela and Anita Stoklosa</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07ouy38k6cA/TayVZS9dG3I/AAAAAAAABJs/C47g_tBdRDU/s1600/anitaphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07ouy38k6cA/TayVZS9dG3I/AAAAAAAABJs/C47g_tBdRDU/s400/anitaphoto.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></span></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">CONGRATULATIONS to all of our winners!!</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-18947594224588760582011-04-15T01:29:00.000-07:002011-04-15T07:13:46.161-07:00Challenge 3 - Oh fiddly dee - it's a hard one!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://couturedoll.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XObS1f_PH28/TafcTucL_kI/AAAAAAAABI0/dR8wdyVK97I/s320/2011-02-28_1834.png" width="241" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>OUTERWEAR WITH ATTITUDE</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Once again this week we turn to the predictors of fashion trends for Spring. According to fashion reports, fashion took a U turn this spring to focus on elaborately detailed, luscious, and seriously grown up chic. Your challenge this week is to create outerwear for spring that follows this trend. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Make your designs "highly considered, beautifully crafted designs with a fetishistic edge". Make it work designers!!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">When I read this challenge I felt like I had been living under a rock on Mars! I had only took small sneak peeks at the recent runway shows, so I wasn’t up on “grown up chic”, “outerwear for spring that is part of the new fashion trend”, and definitely hadn’t even thought about anything “fetishistic”!?! From the questions I observed on the CDDC Yahoo group, it appeared early on that some contestants were not sure of which direction to go with the latest challenge, either. So, at the risk of confusing the little darlings even more, I’ve done my homework, and will merely throw my thoughts out there now. Remember, however, what I write only has value if YOU give it value. Embrace what you agree with, and forget about the rest! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fc0_uwAmkOw/Tafdgt9jTwI/AAAAAAAABI4/-1IcfpBVJV0/s1600/outer1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fc0_uwAmkOw/Tafdgt9jTwI/AAAAAAAABI4/-1IcfpBVJV0/s320/outer1.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Grown Up Chic</strong></span><br />
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</strong><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Many young shoppers are ditching bargain basement looks – finally! Instead they want superior fabrics and tailoring, for which they are ready to pay more It seems ironic in our current season of doom and gloom from forecasts we’ve been listening to all year, that people are actually willing to trade up when it comes to their wardrobes. They're not as willing to spend on things they're going to throw away. Instead the trend is to invest in something like a nice coat rather than a similarly lower-priced one that will only last a season.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">The brands ringing up increasing numbers of till sales are defined by a sophisticated look known as posh. Fabric and finish rather than extreme high fashion runway looks dominate. Sure, avant garde looks still impress on the runway, but people are taking a more realistic approach to choosing garments for their own wardrobes. The price of clothing has been falling at an incredible rate for the past decade, but these new trends have led forecasters to predict an increase in women’s wear of 4.7% by 2012.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MinwCzN-K-M/Tafd3zuoUcI/AAAAAAAABI8/KRdRBwrgB3k/s1600/outer4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MinwCzN-K-M/Tafd3zuoUcI/AAAAAAAABI8/KRdRBwrgB3k/s320/outer4.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Outerwear New Fashion Trend</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Chilly and rainy days offer great opportunities for accentuating your fashion style in the best way – using outerwear. Fortunately Spring 2011 fashion trends provide us with a great option of wonderful classic trench coats and trendy leather jackets that can be perfectly complemented with various fashion details. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">A lot of fashionable brands present their outerwear pieces corresponding to the Spring 2011 fashion trends. Prepare to be lost in admiration with the latest offerings of vogue-looking outerwear. The latest perfectly combine high-quality fabric, flawless workmanship, and trendy style. Remember, you’ll want to also add a trench coat this year. Due to the length, one is absolutely essential if you want to sport a dress or a tunic. Though some can be quite expensive, opting for a few glamorous outerwear pieces that demand attention won’t break the bank</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BbsOdl6Hhms/TafeKrIqyTI/AAAAAAAABJA/Srm5gLgj17o/s1600/outer3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BbsOdl6Hhms/TafeKrIqyTI/AAAAAAAABJA/Srm5gLgj17o/s320/outer3.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>And then there’s “fetishistic”…</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">…and I didn’t even want to go there. Rather than venture off into what this word literally defines, I decided to pose a question of my own to Ms. Elcock as to what this meant in terms of the challenge. She directed me in a new, more appropriate path immediately! It seems you’d be designing with a more eclectic feel - -think Vivienne Westwood not bondage! Also, Larraine said, “The trend this year is towards overdoing embellishments. If you were going to put a button on a sleeve, it’s a put 10 in instead sort of thing.”</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">It looks like if you want to upgrade your look for the Spring/Summer 2011 season or satisfy this challenge, you’ll need to make a slight transition in your wardrobe and overall appearance. While it’s still cold outside you can sport neat new outerwear, then as it warms up you can continue with young, eclectic, cleverly over trimmed fashion…I guess! I only know one thing for sure, in my mind a lot of the new runway looks are sure trendy looking, and they are embracing a new season of fashion dominated by bright colors and beautiful, but lighter weight fabrics! Hallelujah, Spring has sprung!!</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mwDUZaJtzI8/Taf6aPl68vI/AAAAAAAABJE/Ki0mALYqhv4/s1600/durelle1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mwDUZaJtzI8/Taf6aPl68vI/AAAAAAAABJE/Ki0mALYqhv4/s320/durelle1.png" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><strong>Bea Happy outfit by Durell for Marie</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><strong> Osmond Adora Belle Mop Top doll.</strong> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>A Returning Guest Judge</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Durelle Brown, that multi-talented OOAK artist and dolly fashion designer extraordinaire is returning once again as a guest judge for this intriguing but misunderstood challenge. I have little doubt she will know the exact criteria for choosing the winner, as she well understands what place this challenge is coming from. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3wNoIkZeWdY/Taf786duqYI/AAAAAAAABJI/viD8xygJanA/s1600/durelle2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3wNoIkZeWdY/Taf786duqYI/AAAAAAAABJI/viD8xygJanA/s1600/durelle2.png" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><strong>Durelle won her first DOTY for outfit </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">for Charisma doll, Journey</span>.</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <span style="color: #cc0000;">She still continues to love lots of family time – especially since the arrival of her second granddaughter. However, time hasn’t been a great commodity; rather she’s had a lot less due to her design efforts for Marie Osmond’s Charisma Dolls, and her full time work as an Interior Designer. Sandwiched in there tightly has been spending time on her one other passion – that of collecting and designing her own dolls. Whether it’s a doll for donation at a charity event or one for a contest, you can be sure Durelle always puts out her next best effort. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y854rfI6zF4/Taf88YyNLlI/AAAAAAAABJM/Hzh8wX1KGzk/s1600/DurellePop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y854rfI6zF4/Taf88YyNLlI/AAAAAAAABJM/Hzh8wX1KGzk/s320/DurellePop2.jpg" width="171" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><strong>Durelle's passion - a Pirate</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong> for CDS' Pop Culture Challenge</strong></span>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #cc0000;">Her latest contribution to her doll doings was a pirate offering for a challenge on our sister site, Couture Doll Shops. Pirates continue to crop up in her portfolio, but every time I see one I marvel at the originality that is always prevalent in a Demi-Divas by Durelle creation. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Her desire to compete never wanes. In fact she is currently working on some designs for contests at the Tonner Doll convention as well as IFDC. Entries which she hopes to later add for sell to her doll shop at CDS, Chic Indulgence, but that will have to wait now till after convention season. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AbfedHRccYo/Taf-wDMNn2I/AAAAAAAABJQ/cgv352zfnzA/s1600/Durelle3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AbfedHRccYo/Taf-wDMNn2I/AAAAAAAABJQ/cgv352zfnzA/s320/Durelle3.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><strong>A fun couture outfit for Delilah Noir offered</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><strong> up yet another win for Durelle.</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #cc0000;">I’m always reluctant to anticipate what a judge might be looking for. But since I know this particular artist very well, I am going to venture a guess that she’ll appreciate good construction and attention to details. I say this with confidence because I do know these are things she pays particular attention to when making her own designs. Welcome back, Durelle; we look forward to some great critiques coming from you! </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-26964576437609922392011-04-02T13:37:00.000-07:002011-04-02T13:39:16.438-07:00Elena Feathers Her Nest With A Perfect Score<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://couturedoll.com/"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SqtdYRd7KE8/TZddB-f7eHI/AAAAAAAABG4/zMtB0XGwnpg/s400/elenawin11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">ELENA TSELISHEVA</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> "I love silk ribbons, and the theme of this Challenge has pleased me. Ribbons are very various, using them limited only by imagination of the designer. You can weave them, embroider, crochet and knit, weave, such as macrame, can make beautiful flowers."</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--YbcOukvVkY/TZddlEncWSI/AAAAAAAABG8/G8-jpVKk-1E/s1600/elenawin13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--YbcOukvVkY/TZddlEncWSI/AAAAAAAABG8/G8-jpVKk-1E/s200/elenawin13.jpg" width="133" /></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVk22EakoaE/TZdc3p0Q1gI/AAAAAAAABG0/h3TLRYrzURI/s1600/elenawin12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVk22EakoaE/TZdc3p0Q1gI/AAAAAAAABG0/h3TLRYrzURI/s200/elenawin12.jpg" width="133" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Very impressive...Stunning work...Feather detail is amazing...Exquisitely crafted....these are just part of the overall critiques from the judges. So it isn't surprising that Elena Tselisheva not only pulled off a perfect soore of 80/80 Elena to become CDDC3's first challenge winner!!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">For her dress she used five kinds of ribbons, gold metallic thread, and a weaving technique plus a little crochet. A crochet hook was used to decorate the cut on the back of the dress, and for the skirt nylon ribbon was used. The skirt's feathered effect used more than 10 meters of ribbon, and took more than 20 hours to achieve. .In fact this ribboned marvel even included a zipper as a closure. The remarks, the scores, and the photos show clearly why this design moved up to the forefront to become this first winner - CONGRATULATIONS Elena! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxBOJ6cqvg/TZd43fgx-VI/AAAAAAAABHU/rihL1Cq9Uq0/s1600/huckleberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxBOJ6cqvg/TZd43fgx-VI/AAAAAAAABHU/rihL1Cq9Uq0/s400/huckleberry.jpg" width="222" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Winner of the Photography prize is:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">HUCKLEBERRY JACKSON</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOyMwCmhSUs/TZdfiN1ynUI/AAAAAAAABHA/B7RCwWTntjk/s1600/julia-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOyMwCmhSUs/TZdfiN1ynUI/AAAAAAAABHA/B7RCwWTntjk/s320/julia-design.jpg" width="214" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">JULIA REBESKOVA</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">The People's Choice Design favourite.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tlV3c17_SZI/TZdibfX7kuI/AAAAAAAABHI/TfMazmAiPPg/s1600/Natalia-photochoice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="209" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tlV3c17_SZI/TZdibfX7kuI/AAAAAAAABHI/TfMazmAiPPg/s320/Natalia-photochoice.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">NATALIA SHEPPARD</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">The People's Choice Photography favourite.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Honorable mention goes to: Julia Mezrina and Anita Stoklosa. CONGRATULATIONS to all of our winners</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">That 70s Thing Gets An Update, Guest Judge Yana Emellyanova </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Even as I am announcing these winners, I'm sure the contestants are knee deep in accomplishing the next challenge. And we are delighted that the winner of the last CDDC, Yana Emellyanova, has been moved up from contestant to guest judge for this phase of challenge.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">There's little to write since my last update except Yana has been quite busy with commissions as well as making items to stock her new online store. As the winner of her own doll shop on </span><a href="http://couturedollshop.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Couture Doll Shops</span></a><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">, she needed to build a website complete with a shopping cart. So her fans can look forward to buying direct from her soon!! </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">As some of you know, Yana creates fashions for Fashion Royalty, Poppy Parker, Silkstone, Tonner and Little Fee Dolls. She defines her style as classic, often inspired by vintage and retro fashions. She uses high quality fabrics and pays special attentions to details. Wouldn't it be nice to add something very couture to your collection - perhaps something like this would satisfy your diva doll??</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hsMWD3qrJ74/TZdyqapbxlI/AAAAAAAABHQ/Q8XyF_6GUrU/s1600/yana2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hsMWD3qrJ74/TZdyqapbxlI/AAAAAAAABHQ/Q8XyF_6GUrU/s200/yana2.jpg" width="133" /></span></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Id6sxS4iGQ/TZdyDlIb6-I/AAAAAAAABHM/xH5yL-AxZiY/s1600/yana1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Id6sxS4iGQ/TZdyDlIb6-I/AAAAAAAABHM/xH5yL-AxZiY/s200/yana1.jpg" width="146" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284841720691200942.post-38644385250326969582011-03-28T19:32:00.000-07:002011-03-28T19:32:21.478-07:00New Fashions - Watch for a '70s Reimagination<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://couturedoll.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1ZHbcm7R5U/TZDYgbtZolI/AAAAAAAABGY/q_Am9lTcO78/s1600/couture+fashion+week.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Challenge Two: At Milan fashion week, designers showed their trend towards maximal modernism, which is defined as pared down, minimal, wearable shapes, but in rich opulent fabrics with highly, decorative detail. While showing max/mod, the designers still made it obvious that the 70's continued to have a firm hold on their imaginations. Your challenge this week is to create the perfect 70's influenced daywear design with a maximal modernism flare<br />
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Have fun and make it work!!!</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t9xnMSVOyHo/TZDZJCnAetI/AAAAAAAABGc/i9XBK7QPCXw/s1600/70s-look.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t9xnMSVOyHo/TZDZJCnAetI/AAAAAAAABGc/i9XBK7QPCXw/s400/70s-look.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hold on to your hats, fashionistas - it's official! Not only did the '70s influence Milan Fashion Week, but subtle hints the '70s are reemerging are beginning to show up in New York Fashion. And what is being seen?<br />
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Any hip designer is taking pointers from that era, and you can look for everything from jumpsuits to turtle necks to show up once again. <br />
Drop waists, flowing ruffles, and draping will round out a '70s based collection. And, we'll see them in our own clothing, so I think it will soon be apparent in clothes our dolls will wear. Doll fashion just normally follows our trends - and you do wear couture now, don't you, dahling?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mq_vvReT2Uc/TZDbXvmKcZI/AAAAAAAABGg/oT1NAkFm4IQ/s1600/70swile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mq_vvReT2Uc/TZDbXvmKcZI/AAAAAAAABGg/oT1NAkFm4IQ/s400/70swile.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">We'll all feel we've stepped into a disco era when we begin to see fabrics that are shiny like lurex and satin taking a leading role. We can expect big name designers to embrace a more minimal look. Layering can be key to design work at this time, so I look to see lots of individual pieces in multiple colors.</span><br />
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</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bt6I0VrXAvY/TZDbl-7CVDI/AAAAAAAABGk/t5HsItEeoqE/s1600/shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="97" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bt6I0VrXAvY/TZDbl-7CVDI/AAAAAAAABGk/t5HsItEeoqE/s400/shoes.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Be sure to include plenty of tops to wear over your new flared pants. Flared pants are what designers are using as an update for bell bottoms. Say hallelujah to colorful prints and fun designs! Embrace leg warmers and simple shift dresses that are taking the place of the '70s mini and knee socks. And don't forget to include killer shoes - platform shoes and mules as well as thick heels and ankle straps will best suit all your '70s designs.<br />
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It should be interesting to see what all of the designers come up with, and it will also be interesting to see if our dolls will embrace designs from the '70s. But first we'll announce the Challenge One winner - watch for this in a few days!<br />
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</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><a href="http://fletcherpatterncompany.com/"><img border="0" height="152" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7o9W44W-1U/TZDb5G78yZI/AAAAAAAABGo/Ct-2vFmNrFQ/s400/Judelogo.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">We're extremely lucky to have Designs by Jude (Owner Tamara Casey) as our sponsor again for this version of CDDC. Since we've already heard how this fitness trainer turned fashion doll fashionista has used her considerable talents in our world, and about the combination of patterns that makes Designs by Jude, I thought it would be fun to let you know about other challenge events this bright star is involved with. First, she makes appearances with her products either as a sponsor or a participant in most of the events of our sister site, <a href="http://couturedollshop.com/">Couture Doll Shops</a> (CDS). This is because she is one of our cornerstone, or sponsor shops there. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsNai9waB38/TZDcy1sPgKI/AAAAAAAABGs/xdLLfIAq96s/s1600/versatilityrevlon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsNai9waB38/TZDcy1sPgKI/AAAAAAAABGs/xdLLfIAq96s/s320/versatilityrevlon.jpg" width="213" /></span></a><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">But her most fun personal pattern project is the challenges she hosts on her Yahoo group. The requirements to enter these challenges are to belong to her <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fletcherpatterncompany/">Yahoo group</a>, and to use her patterns (which can be altered a bit). Small things like closures and hem length can be changed to make her patterns your own, but other than that you just have a theme to follow. But you don't want to veer off too much from the current pattern or you probably won't cover one of the winning points which is best interpretation of the assigned pattern.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"></span></div><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Because a pattern is allowed, this kind of competition has a range of competitors from experienced to novice. The group also discusses sewing and pattern information in general. For novices, there is always someone to answer a question. And, for everyone, lots of new and upcoming things you may have never heard of are introduced on the group as well as things you've wondered about - perhaps a serger, ruffler, or pleater for example.<br />
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The current challenge is the Spring 2011 Castle Carnival Sewing Challenge that has an entry deadline of April 9th. Her Yahoo group is always accepting new members. She also makes announcements there for new patterns. So whether you're a competin' Queen, or just want to stay up to date about this great company, you'll enjoy belonging to this particular doll group - I know I do!!<br />
</span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><a href="http://fletcherpatterncompany.com/"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NfCHvPFLrLo/TZDezSQHvAI/AAAAAAAABGw/k_R4TyjW15w/s400/springbreak.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0