A new paper doll! It has been over six months since the last one. This one is inspired by another British fashion model, Naomi Campbell, and some of the memorable outfits and items she has worn over her significant career. Making this doll, I was struck by Campbell’s amaranthine beauty – her body is so finely formed even fashion designers hesitate to cover it up with much – and her super-sweet smile. In this format, I can only capture a fraction of the essence of this incredible female.
You can purchase a high-resolution, print-quality PDF of this doll personal use, to print, cut out, display and play with, for just $9 USD.
It has been far too long since I’ve done a paper doll series, eh? The first part of the process is developing a new croquis, or figure. I selected a simple, versatile pose that will also allow me to do shoes in side view, and hats in three quarters, which is a bit more exciting than full frontal. I want to focus on creating more accessories this time around.
So, what sort of theme should this series be built around? Designers again? I would like to focus on something more enduring than seasonal collections this time. The dolls could be based on specific muses or models or actresses, film or literary characters, or they could represent various style tribes, eras, etcetera…
Your ideas are welcome. Leave a comment and let me know what sort of doll you would love to dress.
This is my first ever watercolour paper doll, commissioned by Pink Martini Collection, a cute Canadian label with a vintage vibe, based in Toronto and available worldwide. There’s another element to this which I look forward to revealing soon. Thanks Pink Martini Collection! It feels great to return to paper dolls after a bit of a break, and with the twist of a different medium.
Wow! This is a dream paper doll – inspired by fashion maniac and fountain of enthusiasm Anna Dello Russo, commissioned by great Canadian department store, The Hudson’s Bay Company. Drawing this doll was truly one of the greatest pleasures of my life. ADR is all whimsy and colour and glittering glamour layered over a slamming hot body. The perfect fashion paper doll. She unreservedly loved the tribute, with effusive exclamation marks!!! I love you Anna Dello Russo!!!
The striding stance of the doll is an homage to the work of Tommy Ton, whose photos of ADR are currently being exhibited in The Room at the Bay flagship in Toronto. Tommy is a total inspiration both as an image maker and a fashion careerist. To get a sense of the synchronicity between shooter and subject, this interview on Style.com is a must read.
Big, heartfelt thanks to Anna Dello Russo, Tommy Ton, Christopher Sherman and everyone at The Bay for a beautiful opportunity to participate in a true fashion moment. Love!!!
Thanks to Sharon at The Backseat Stylers for capturing ADR and the dolls at the signing!
This pair of paper dolls inspired by the designs of Vionnet is now available as a high-resolution PDF download for personal use. This includes the two dolls and 20 outfit options including dresses, coats and swimwear. For a preview, check out these posts.
A PDF is a high-quality printable file. Unlike the images found on the web, there is clarity of detail which reproduces beautifully. Purchase this pair of paper dolls, and you can print them out as many times as you like for personal use – to cut out, play with and display.
Christy says…
LOVE them! I cut out one dress and doll and displayed her on my desk at work. Beautiful illustrations.
This is the second paper doll inspired by great 20th century designer Madeleine Vionnet, a front view to complement a back view. One thing that I love about the very tight, detail oriented process of creating paper dolls is how it forces me to focus very closely on the garments. I think about them a lot as I go through the elaborate task of drafting, inking, scanning and colouring. What struck me as I did this is how sensual Vionnet’s work is. The way it responds to the human form instead of forcing a form upon the body it is what gives it such an essential, modern quality.
This paper doll, with her sister, is available as a high-resolution, printable PDF file for $12 USD. Purchase this pair of paper dolls, and you can print them out as many times as you like for personal use – to cut out, play with and display.
As per my resolution, I have been working on a new paper doll project. This one is inspired by 20th century designers, especially ones I feel are under-appreciated. Everyone knows about Chanel and Dior, but there were so many other designers who offered significant contributions to fashion design and for whatever reason, haven’t won the legacy they deserve.
These dolls are very time consuming to make, and are taking longer than I anticipated. They’re very detailed, based on research, and have a greater than usual number of garments per doll.
The first doll, inspired by Madeleine Vionnet, is a departure from paper doll conventions – a back view. Vionnet’s work was created by draping on a small wooden mannequin, and as a designer she very much conceptualized a total look in 360 degrees. Vionnet was a contemporary of Chanel, however she was a modernist not only in attitude but technique. At the beginning of the 20th century, fashion was very much dictated by detail rather than form – Vionnet turned that on its ear by creating designs inspired by geometry and the natural human form. Her work was often shown on models without underwear – something incredibly revolutionary at the beginning of the 20th century.
This paper doll, with her sister, is available as a high-resolution, printable PDF file for $12 USD. Purchase this pair of paper dolls, and you can print them out as many times as you like for personal use – to cut out, play with and display.
The Fresh Collective paper doll got a wardrobe update for Spring 2011. Very cute! Fresh Collective prints these dolls and dresses out as magnets and sends them out to a select group of fashion media in Toronto – maybe you? I’d love to see a shot of these on someone’s fridge.
Isn’t she gorgeous? I had the wonderful opportunity to work with a favourite client (and former sponsor), Fresh Collective, to create a paper doll for a press kit promoting the best fall merchandise by several designers. The best part? The doll is in magnet form and will be gracing the most fashionable fridge doors and file cabinets in the city.
There are also a limited number of paper doll kits available for purchase from Fresh Collective – and I’m told there will be some available to win in upcoming promotions.
Thanks Fresh Collective for a fun, colourful paper doll project!
