This is an article I wrote for our sister site that hosts the Couture Doll Design Challenge, and have adapted for the CDS shop owners. I hope it will be of some help to you.
When we put ourselves out there in any venue where our garments will be shown side by side with other designers there are bound to be people who will evaluate our work. For example, our work is shown together with other designers in our blog and in magazine articles.
Luckily we've had no scalding reviews, rather it has been sweet to hear good comments about our garments when we have provided surveys for the public. So, in my mind, we have succeeded with our promotions. But, have you sold your garments that we've promoted, is the important question only each designer knows for sure. If the answer is no more times than yes, you must decide what is important - pleasing yourself or going for the sale - or if you could conceivably do both!?!
You must decide if we have satisfied the definition of the Happening but also have achieved a garment you feel will sell at a decent price point if it's still hanging on your rack, or if the audience has judged you badly by not acquiring your latest work. Remember it's a thin tightrope one walks when we choose to put our work out there, so we need to know and take advantage of all the tips and tricks those who are selling well already know!
Perhaps Doll Couture 101 will provide some insight into the type of garments you need to make for our Happenings.......since we are supposed to be designing couture for each event - after all, we are Couture Doll Shop.com.
What is your lifestyle today, dahlings? Have you traded in your designer duds for something a bit more comfortable? For a majority of the adult doll collectors this is the case. Yes, there are some professionals in the mix, but young housewives/househusbands and retirees make up the majority of this populace. So it only makes sense for them to cast away constricting garments for things that are cute and comfortable.
However, the seamstresses in this group know that neither cute nor comfortable have any place in the world of couture they love. They understand it is quite natural that many are turning to their dolls to fulfill their passion for fashion since they no longer practice it on themselves.
Successful doll designers run for the brass ring in most cases - not content to do ready to wear; rather they find this the perfect opportunity to design and master couture clothing for their diminutive divas. Well, why not? A small investmet will give you the perfect fashion doll to model garments. And, whether one favors the larger ladies or the original 11.5" darlings, any one you choose will be waiting patiently to accept fittings for hours on end. She won't complain or argue and never needs a break! Obtaining that sumptious fabric notable in couture clothing won't break the bank, either. Most designs can be made from a yard or less of fabric, thus presenting the perfect opportunity to splurge and get the best to be found!
For those just starting out in this world of Doll Couture it may be valuable to have a little explanation of exactly what it is, Doll Couture is neither haute couture scaled down nor is it the simple designs achievable through standard dressmaking or purchased patterns. Doll Couture is defined by quality craftsmanship, luxurious fabric and findings, and uniquely new creative designs. It is a procedure that brings doll dressmaking to a whole new level! Execution is often time consuming and may demand elaborate findings, but the results are far more rewarding than any simple doll dress could afford the serious adult collector.
Three important considerations when working with Doll Couture are proper proportion, movement in the design, and appropriate fabric choices. As one develops their own style other concerns may be added to one's personal list, but these basic three factors remain constant considerations for one who aspires to be a designer of Doll Couture.
Anyone who wants to achieve the status of a respected Doll Couture Designer must learn to conquer a complex balancing act. In most cases we have to compensate because fashion dolls have larger heads and hands, longer legs, and more tiny feet than their human counterparts... Face it, even runway models don't have bodies that are quite so elongated or slenderized!! Therefore, it is important to balance the design on this body of unequal proportions while accomplishing the challenge of appealing to the audience's natural sense of rhythm.
As one works with their own doll they must work with a critical eye. Stepping back to assess the overall scale of the doll will often make things out of proportion appear more clearly. A critical eye is often hard for an artist to develop when surveying their own work because in doing this one may conjure up self doubt. But, be assured, once one moves past this they will not only realize their design problems; they will also begin to learn how to compensate for them.
Yes, right now you may love an elaborate hair style or a hat used by your favorite designer without even thinking it could be a means to compensate for the doll's body length's unequal proportion. But upon developing your own critical eye, you should really begin to move toward understanding how different waist heights, collar treatments, hemlines, and even accessories can serve as catalysts for the balance and proportion you seek.
When talking about movement we don't mean this literally as I cannot imagine doll companies designing a walking fashion doll. Rather, we are looking toward building a sense of movement and energy into our designs. Creating this type movement doesn't always require a lot of time; rather it takes a bit of ingenuity. Take a moment and you might recall seeing some of these techniques. Simple flowing ribbons can provide space in a design especially when the ribbons are flowing away from the body. In this way the ribbons actually displace space around the doll quite like a tulle stole can when it stands out from the doll's body.
Articles of clothing with graduating hemlines - shorter in front, moving to full length in the back - softly suggest movement as can certain fabrics. For example, a silk brocade that provides a subtle shimmer factor can work as effectively as one that incorporates bead work, sequins, or even crystals, when the sparkle it provides is sufficient to equal movement and energy. And few could dispute how color and light can attract an audience. Incorporate any of these suggestions or your own personally devised movement makers, and you will distance yourself from the dullness of a static display.
Fabric, especially the weight of the fabric, must also be considered. In Doll Couture you not only have to allow for the turn of the fabric in joining seams, you must also allow for the bulk that often accumulates in a doll's garment. Most find that more light to mid weight fabrics work best, but the quality in these weights can be less than desireable. However, silk is a fabric that always seems to please. There are others, of course, but my motto is give me silk, anytime!!
Many prefer silk because it is a natural fabric that it relatively easy to work with. It can be purchased in a myriad of beautiful colors, and is available in several weaves including satin, velvet, dupioni, twill, brocade, and even tulle. Even if one is designing vintage style clothing, silk is probably a safe choice; after all it has existed for many centuries. For linings one can use a duplicate of the original fabric, but many favor light cotton muslin, batiste, or even a soft silk organza. The preferred colors are white or beige but line one must! It not only gives garments a finished look, but, in some cases, lining provides the very needed function of preventing dye from discoloring your doll's body.
Small prints and findings are usually best used for Doll Couture. Always keep in mind, if you sew for several sized dolls, as the height of the doll decreases so should your prints and findings. Busy prints not only look odd, they actually serve to distract from your design. Likewise, larger trims such as out of scale buttons or overblown bows may only serve to overwhelm your doll.
Remember, don't confuse couture with avant garde; couture does not require such extreme decoration. In confusing these two styles your couture can quickly move to a tackier state than anyone would desire. It is certainly best when designing Doll Couture to do it with a Chanel attitude; when you think you are finished, remove one item. This worked for Chanel when accessorizing an outfit, and it could work for you when embellishing your Doll Couture!
With each Happening you will have certain guidelines, but making a couture garment is a given in each one. Take all guidelines into consideration as you formulate your design, always paying particular attention to the little details. You may want to consider, trims, belts, buckles, buttons, jewelry, hats, embroidery, and anything else that adds detail to your creation.
If you can find the perfect balance of the definition of the Happening as well as couture and weave it into your garment, then you should have a splendid, perfectly scaled Doll Couture item that will achieve your goal of being sold! Yes, pride in our achievements is important, but in the real world a successful designer must also meet their sales goals, and when both are understood as well as accomplished designing wonderful doll couture that will actually sell should become easy!
When we put ourselves out there in any venue where our garments will be shown side by side with other designers there are bound to be people who will evaluate our work. For example, our work is shown together with other designers in our blog and in magazine articles.
Luckily we've had no scalding reviews, rather it has been sweet to hear good comments about our garments when we have provided surveys for the public. So, in my mind, we have succeeded with our promotions. But, have you sold your garments that we've promoted, is the important question only each designer knows for sure. If the answer is no more times than yes, you must decide what is important - pleasing yourself or going for the sale - or if you could conceivably do both!?!
You must decide if we have satisfied the definition of the Happening but also have achieved a garment you feel will sell at a decent price point if it's still hanging on your rack, or if the audience has judged you badly by not acquiring your latest work. Remember it's a thin tightrope one walks when we choose to put our work out there, so we need to know and take advantage of all the tips and tricks those who are selling well already know!
Perhaps Doll Couture 101 will provide some insight into the type of garments you need to make for our Happenings.......since we are supposed to be designing couture for each event - after all, we are Couture Doll Shop.com.
What is your lifestyle today, dahlings? Have you traded in your designer duds for something a bit more comfortable? For a majority of the adult doll collectors this is the case. Yes, there are some professionals in the mix, but young housewives/househusbands and retirees make up the majority of this populace. So it only makes sense for them to cast away constricting garments for things that are cute and comfortable.
However, the seamstresses in this group know that neither cute nor comfortable have any place in the world of couture they love. They understand it is quite natural that many are turning to their dolls to fulfill their passion for fashion since they no longer practice it on themselves.
Successful doll designers run for the brass ring in most cases - not content to do ready to wear; rather they find this the perfect opportunity to design and master couture clothing for their diminutive divas. Well, why not? A small investmet will give you the perfect fashion doll to model garments. And, whether one favors the larger ladies or the original 11.5" darlings, any one you choose will be waiting patiently to accept fittings for hours on end. She won't complain or argue and never needs a break! Obtaining that sumptious fabric notable in couture clothing won't break the bank, either. Most designs can be made from a yard or less of fabric, thus presenting the perfect opportunity to splurge and get the best to be found!
For those just starting out in this world of Doll Couture it may be valuable to have a little explanation of exactly what it is, Doll Couture is neither haute couture scaled down nor is it the simple designs achievable through standard dressmaking or purchased patterns. Doll Couture is defined by quality craftsmanship, luxurious fabric and findings, and uniquely new creative designs. It is a procedure that brings doll dressmaking to a whole new level! Execution is often time consuming and may demand elaborate findings, but the results are far more rewarding than any simple doll dress could afford the serious adult collector.
Three important considerations when working with Doll Couture are proper proportion, movement in the design, and appropriate fabric choices. As one develops their own style other concerns may be added to one's personal list, but these basic three factors remain constant considerations for one who aspires to be a designer of Doll Couture.
Anyone who wants to achieve the status of a respected Doll Couture Designer must learn to conquer a complex balancing act. In most cases we have to compensate because fashion dolls have larger heads and hands, longer legs, and more tiny feet than their human counterparts... Face it, even runway models don't have bodies that are quite so elongated or slenderized!! Therefore, it is important to balance the design on this body of unequal proportions while accomplishing the challenge of appealing to the audience's natural sense of rhythm.
As one works with their own doll they must work with a critical eye. Stepping back to assess the overall scale of the doll will often make things out of proportion appear more clearly. A critical eye is often hard for an artist to develop when surveying their own work because in doing this one may conjure up self doubt. But, be assured, once one moves past this they will not only realize their design problems; they will also begin to learn how to compensate for them.
Yes, right now you may love an elaborate hair style or a hat used by your favorite designer without even thinking it could be a means to compensate for the doll's body length's unequal proportion. But upon developing your own critical eye, you should really begin to move toward understanding how different waist heights, collar treatments, hemlines, and even accessories can serve as catalysts for the balance and proportion you seek.
When talking about movement we don't mean this literally as I cannot imagine doll companies designing a walking fashion doll. Rather, we are looking toward building a sense of movement and energy into our designs. Creating this type movement doesn't always require a lot of time; rather it takes a bit of ingenuity. Take a moment and you might recall seeing some of these techniques. Simple flowing ribbons can provide space in a design especially when the ribbons are flowing away from the body. In this way the ribbons actually displace space around the doll quite like a tulle stole can when it stands out from the doll's body.
Articles of clothing with graduating hemlines - shorter in front, moving to full length in the back - softly suggest movement as can certain fabrics. For example, a silk brocade that provides a subtle shimmer factor can work as effectively as one that incorporates bead work, sequins, or even crystals, when the sparkle it provides is sufficient to equal movement and energy. And few could dispute how color and light can attract an audience. Incorporate any of these suggestions or your own personally devised movement makers, and you will distance yourself from the dullness of a static display.
Fabric, especially the weight of the fabric, must also be considered. In Doll Couture you not only have to allow for the turn of the fabric in joining seams, you must also allow for the bulk that often accumulates in a doll's garment. Most find that more light to mid weight fabrics work best, but the quality in these weights can be less than desireable. However, silk is a fabric that always seems to please. There are others, of course, but my motto is give me silk, anytime!!
Many prefer silk because it is a natural fabric that it relatively easy to work with. It can be purchased in a myriad of beautiful colors, and is available in several weaves including satin, velvet, dupioni, twill, brocade, and even tulle. Even if one is designing vintage style clothing, silk is probably a safe choice; after all it has existed for many centuries. For linings one can use a duplicate of the original fabric, but many favor light cotton muslin, batiste, or even a soft silk organza. The preferred colors are white or beige but line one must! It not only gives garments a finished look, but, in some cases, lining provides the very needed function of preventing dye from discoloring your doll's body.
Small prints and findings are usually best used for Doll Couture. Always keep in mind, if you sew for several sized dolls, as the height of the doll decreases so should your prints and findings. Busy prints not only look odd, they actually serve to distract from your design. Likewise, larger trims such as out of scale buttons or overblown bows may only serve to overwhelm your doll.
Remember, don't confuse couture with avant garde; couture does not require such extreme decoration. In confusing these two styles your couture can quickly move to a tackier state than anyone would desire. It is certainly best when designing Doll Couture to do it with a Chanel attitude; when you think you are finished, remove one item. This worked for Chanel when accessorizing an outfit, and it could work for you when embellishing your Doll Couture!
With each Happening you will have certain guidelines, but making a couture garment is a given in each one. Take all guidelines into consideration as you formulate your design, always paying particular attention to the little details. You may want to consider, trims, belts, buckles, buttons, jewelry, hats, embroidery, and anything else that adds detail to your creation.
If you can find the perfect balance of the definition of the Happening as well as couture and weave it into your garment, then you should have a splendid, perfectly scaled Doll Couture item that will achieve your goal of being sold! Yes, pride in our achievements is important, but in the real world a successful designer must also meet their sales goals, and when both are understood as well as accomplished designing wonderful doll couture that will actually sell should become easy!