Doll:French Fashion Doll

As early as the 17th century, French fashion houses dressed miniature mannequins in small ensembles to promote the latest in Parisian couture. When 19th-century fashion journals replaced these little fashion emissaries, a French doll-making industry emerged, essentially repurposing the figures-high fashions and all-as playthings for young girls. Manufacturers developed innovative doll-making techniques to articulate the dolls, enabling children to undress and redress the dolls with ease. These jointed dolls perfectly suited the extensive wardrobes and lavish accessories in the latest styles that the doll makers offered. This doll illustrates the scope of the dolls' wardrobes, for though their trousseaus were replete with the highest Parisian fashions, they also had casual outfits meant for wearing at home, like this doll's simple cotton dress.