A Dandy Paper Doll

Fine and dandy: Patrick McDonald, aka "The New York Dandy," will appear

at a booksigning at Books Inc. on Market Street in the Castro on Thursday.

New York dandy Patrick McDonald, seen in the pages of national fashion magazines, newspapers and blogs for his colorful attire at high society parties and on Bravo TV's "Launch My Line," will be in San Francisco Thursday to sign copies of illustrator Jim Howard's book, "Four Famous Dandies Paper Dolls" (Paper Studio Press, 2010). The book is a paper doll book featuring McDonald, Beau Brummel, Oscar Wilde and the Duke of Windsor and was illustrated by Jim Howard, an artist who did illustrations for I. Magnin, the now-defunct San Francisco department store chain. Howard, now in his 80s, will also attend. McDonald has appeared in books including "The Style Makers" (Monacelli, 2001) and "American Fashion Menswear" (Assouline, 2009). He is also a fashion writer and consultant who appears in the latest documentary about street style, "Bill Cunningham New York," set to open in San Francisco April 8. Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/chronstyle/detail?entry_id=85992#ixzz1ICChpXXG

Not just kids stuff: Paper cut-out dolls can be fun for fashionistas.

Patrick McDonald is one of four dandies in a new book by Jim Howard.

No fashion book signing can be held without a cocktail party first, so McDonald and Howard will hold forth beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Sui Generis Ille, a vintage and consignment store for men at 2231 Market St. No need for cabs or re-parking: The book signing will follow at 7:30 p.m. at Books Inc., 2275 Market St. And at 8 p.m., Sui Generis Illa, a new women's boutique, serves cocktails to celebrate its grand opening at 2265 Market St.Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/chronstyle/detail?entry_id=85992#ixzz1ICDoO23x

Easter Offering

We are pleased to announce the second and final production of "Peter Cottontail" for the 2011 spring season! Peter Cottontail is constructed of the finest mohair plush and wool felt. He is fully jointed and stands approximately 15" tall. His beautiful sculptural face and ears have detailed coloration and he features felt-backed glass eyes, a molded felt nose, and inserted whiskers. Peter Cottontail holds a springtime bouquet of detailed felt violets and pussy willows made entirely of felt and mohair plush. He also carries a papier mache Easter egg gaily wrapped in paper with silk ribbons. For effortless display, Peter Cottontail comes complete with a built-in removable metal stand.

Peter Cottontail was produced at the R. John Wright workshop in Bennington, Vermont in an edition limited to only 200 pieces worldwide. The final pieces in the edition are now ready for shipment. We would encourage you to place your order ASAP to avoid disappointment! The suggested retail price is $825.

Call 215-627-5790 or email us at heastore@aol.com.

Ken Winner

Kurtis Taylor, lower left, who was named the winner of the “Genuine Ken” contest, with the other competitors. Go to related article »

Use your own words and phrases, or click “read more” to choose from a scrambled list of the words or phrases that were removed. Another option? Read, or listen to someone read, the original article first, then fill in the blanks from memory.

The toy maker Mattel is revamping its best-selling Barbie franchise by emphasizing her longtime beau, __________.
The company is bolstering awareness of Barbie’s companion — who celebrated his __________th birthday on March 11 — using social networks like Facebook and Twitter and a series of just-completed webisodes in which wholesome-looking young male contestants vied to be the new __________, literally, of the soon-to-be redesigned boyfriend.

The eight-part series, called “Genuine Ken: The Search for the Great American Boyfriend,” was Mattel’s first _________ into digital reality events and an effort that “is on the beginning edge of a new marketing trend,” said Dean DeBiase, chairman of Reboot Partners, which advises companies on growth strategies.

Spotlighting Ken comes after the toy maker’s recent update of __________, who turns 52 this year, as a fashion plate with high-style _________. The eight contestants in the “Genuine Ken” series competed in an array of “Bachelorette”-style challenges to determine who had the ideal qualities to fill Ken’s customary role as the “ultimate __________ for every occasion.”

The redesigned Ken doll will resemble the contest winner, Kurtis Taylor, a 25-year-old former defensive lineman for Iowa State, who won over the __________ in the romantic gesture category.

…Ken, who had a breakup with Barbie in 2004 but won her back on __________ Day, began his comeback by appearing in Disney’s “Toy Story 3” last summer. The “Genuine Ken” series began appearing on Hulu in January, hosted by another fashionable __________, Whitney Port, who appeared in the popular MTV series “The Hills.”

Mattel’s Ken series featured eight boy-next-door contestants who competed in contests including cooking, decorating, entertaining and __________ to win over Barbie.

…In the episodes, the __________ and confident contestants, who also include a bartender and a singer-songwriter, make on-camera asides — both humorous and cutting — reacting to their __________. The show has an air of __________ house humor and is aimed at an over-18 audience.

“The series is aimed at grownups,” said Ms. Cota. “The Barbie brand resonates with three generations, from consumers who played with the dolls as children to those who love the brand today.”

Collectors of all things Barbie put millions of dollars into Mattel’s coffers each year. And they have an annual __________. This year it is in Fort Lauderdale in July, and it will focus on Ken.
…Meanwhile, Mattel is readying a modeling contract for Mr. Taylor. With $500 to buy gifts, he edged out his rivals when he won the romantic category by giving each judge a __________ and donating the remaining money to the Make a Wish Foundation.

judges
outfits
face
surfing
Ken
rivals
Valentine’s
clean-cut
boyfriend
50
Barbie
foray
frat
penny
gathering
blonde

A Truly Royal Doll

Move over Barbie – the future Queen of England has been turned into a doll.
The Kate Middleton Royal Engagement Vinyl Portrait Doll, which comes complete with the blue dress she wore to the public announcement of her engagement to Prince William, as well as a miniature replica of her necklace, earrings and engagement ring, is being sold for a whopping $195 (£120).

The Franklin Mint – the same US collectables company that won a multi-million pound lawsuit against the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, in 2004 – is only issuing 5,000 of the figurines worldwide, with a portion of the proceeds from sales going to charity.

Collectors can also pre-order a Portrait of a Princess Kate Middleton Bridal Doll, in full wedding attire, which will be released after the royal couple’s big day on 29 April.

The Dolls of Japan

The Dolls of Japan: Shapes of Prayer, Embodiments of Love
This exhibition introduces Japan’s representative dolls, including Hina ningyo (Girls’ Festival dolls) and Gogatsu ningyo (Boys’ Day dolls), which have their origins in ancient customs; dolls connected to traditional performing arts like noh, bunraku and kabuki; regional dolls from throughout the country; and “creative dolls” produced by contemporary craftspeople.

Dolls Digital Mag

Dear DOLLS subscriber,
Your March/April digital edition of DOLLS is now available. Click here to get instant access.
Turn to page 18 to see the high-flying couture creations of Gregg Ortiz,
Keep flipping to page 30 to enjoy the latest classic, yet innovative, Alexander Doll Co. offerings,
And be sure to check out the play doll guide for parent that starts on page 36.
We sincerely hope you enjoy the latest issue of DOLLS!
Sincerely,
Carie FergAssociate Publisher/Editor DOLLS