Scarlett's Debut:
A Journey of Elegance and Craftsmanship

By Nora Sims

The goal was to create an art doll that was less doll-like, graced with a feminine form. Seeking answers as to how to achieve this goal, my journey began with much research. Eventually, I stumbled upon the incredible artist, Gayle Wray, whose techniques and artistry provided the foundation for Scarlett's creation. 

 

After months of meticulously following Gayle’s techniques, Scarlett finally emerged, not as a preconceived design, but as a beautiful surprise.

Scarlett's elegant face, shapely body and dainty hands guided me towards the concept of a sophisticated doll, and who better to inspire her wardrobe than the legendary Christian Dior?

 

The essence of Christian Dior's style, often referred to as the "New Look," revolutionized women's fashion in the post-World War II era. The key elements that define Dior's iconic style are:

*The hourglass Silhouette punctuating the famine silhouette

*Use of luxurious fabrics such as silk, velvet, and wool

*Exquisite tailoring to ensure perfect fit and structure

*Full, voluminous skirts that flared out from the waist

*Elegant and feminine details such as lace, embroidery bows and pleats.

*Bold colors and prints

*Emphasis on glamour and elegance

*Accessories to add to the overall sophistication of the ensemble such as wide brimmed hats, pearls and gloves.

 

I began to make choices that slowly created her look. Determined to give Scarlett the elegance she deserved, I decided to create a pair of high-heeled shoes for her.

Crafting high heels for a doll isn't straightforward and there's no doll shoe store where one can find the perfect pair! More research led to experimenting with polymer clay and molds. Without a road map, progress was slow, but I finally succeeded in creating the type of shoes I had

envisioned for Scarlett.

 

The final details required attention as well. Painting her nails, choosing the right pearl earrings and necklace, and finding the perfect prop to complete her look, deciding on a wine glass as a symbol of celebration and elegance.

 

After more than sixty hours of devoted love in creating her, Scarlett is ready to be adopted to and welcomed into her new home. She will arrive with a custom-made stand and a hand-made piano hinged bounded book as her certificate of authenticity.  She is a numbered, enchanting cloth jointed art doll, measuring 24" tall, that is fully articulated in 10 points. My wish is that she brings as much joy to her new owner as she has to us during her creation.

 

Please remember, Scarlett is an art doll, not a toy and her enemy is the sun.

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