The iconic photo of Portrait Dolls by Madame Alexander, featuring a Christmas tree, is now a part of the Valentine Museum collection in Richmond, VA. The picture was taken right after the dolls were received, and the museum's annual Christmas tree served as the perfect backdrop. Sometimes, the iconic Christmas tree photo appears, which creates a conversation about its origin. It turns out it was taken at the Valentine Museum, Richmond, Virginia, when they received the portrait dolls made for the Miller & Rhoads 1960 Seventy-Fifth anniversary, which, in turn, were donated to the Valentine ..read more

The early dolls produced by Madame Alexander and her Alexander Doll Company were made of cloth and composition materials moving into hard plastic. https://www.dollpodcast.com/podcast-archive I'm delighted to post regarding the Doll Podcast by Louisa Maxwell and myself, which explores the journey and career of Madame Alexander up through the 1960s. After a very rough experience of being in a severe car accident and being unconscious for the first two weeks and two months in three hospitals, the release of the Podcast on Thanksgiving brought great joy. The podcast ties into my two articles on t ..read more

During the 1950s, Madame Alexander and the Alexander Doll Company achieved significant success in what is now known as their "Golden Era" of doll-making. Department stores and retailers throughout the United States eagerly promoted the arrival of new dolls, providing us a glimpse into the development process of these products, from initial concept to inclusion in company catalogs and ultimately reaching the hands of consumers via retailers. Madame Alexander and her company became part of the American dream through their dolls. Beatrice Alexander made significant changes to her business in the ..read more

Madame Alexander and her company underwent an evolution of change from 1923 to 1988, from establishing a company with a $1,600 bank loan to selling the company but remaining the executive design consultant. Each decade presented unique opportunities and challenges, with shifting social and economic impacts that influenced the dolls they produced. Madame focused on creating beautiful, indestructible dolls that were positive role models for girls, teaching them how to love themselves and others. The early life of Madame Alexander was full of anticipation as her parents faced challenges while im ..read more

Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden took different roads to achieve businesses in a barely defined concept of products for beauty. The 1920s would establish the platform each built a multi-layered industry. The use of science and research, or at least the appearance, became paramount. The education of both the employee and the consumer on the principles of beauty included cosmetics, physical health, and educated women who had choices and options. Rubinstein and Arden chose a different brand image and specific product focus. Their advertising, packaging, and personal lives reflected almost a ..read more

(1958) "Cissy" No. 2230 in a sheer shirtwaist dress accented with rows of Val lace. Her glorious Italian straw hat with pale pink tulle and pink roses frames her face perfectly. Rhinestone buttons and accents are pure mid-century playful fashion details. The tradition of colorful foil-wrapped chocolate Easter Bunnys is a nod to celebrating a new, more extravagant mid-century era after years of heavy restrictions. The hollowed-out bunny was introduced during the chocolate rationing of the war years. The early 1950s saw the introduction of the foil-wrapped chocolate Easter Bunny. Part ..read more

Cissy by Madame Alexander, 1960, No. 2184 “Belle of the Ball.” Ten years ago - Valentine's Day, 2013 this doll was featured for dolledition.com with a video. Now, it's more about TikTok. The world moves at warp speed, but dolls, well, it's a bit slower. When these dolls were created, it was a time of change for Madame Alexander and how the fashion doll would be presented. Barbie was a tsunami of change and pushed many manufacturers left behind into panic mode. The large fashion doll had a good run at different price points, manufacturers, and a wide array of extra clothes, accessories, and su ..read more

Hillwood Dining Room: The Dining Room at Hillwood, with its 2022 holiday tree, gets a festive and bejeweled touch to this grand entertaining space. One of the most striking aspects of Marjorie Merriwether Post's collections is her jewelry. Over her lifetime, she acquired many superb pieces. She donated a handful of exceptional jewels to the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. Some of these pieces would come via her daughters. The vast majority of Merriweather Post's jewelry is in the Hillwood Museum collection. Post curated these important pieces as a serious collector. She took great joy in weari ..read more

Marjorie Merriweather Post: Life was so big that it spanned countries, husbands, fashion, jewelry, world-class collections, and multiple homes. In Part 1 - Looking at this fascinating American who could do it her way, including changing lives, adding culture, and moving with history. Marjorie Merriweather Post (1887-1973) was an American businesswoman, socialite, and philanthropist. She was also the owner of General Foods Corporation. hillwoodmuseum.org Breakfast Room: Post would have the table set for four at all times, even when dining alone. A green chandelier used by Catherine the Great ..read more

"Cissy" - 21-inch, No. 2281 (1958) as Queen Elizabeth ll. This doll is the most elaborately produced "Cissy"/Queen Elizabeth from the company's annual introduction between 1955-1962. "Cissy's" gold brocade gown sports an elaborate bustle detail she would receive this year and a unique gold crown made of gold braid accented with jewels. Her Grace-Kelly style chignon is another exceptional detail for 1958. Facing the transition of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III is another not-so-gentle reminder of the progression of time and the changes it brings. The British Royal Family was a popular ..read more