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Click for larger version; click for the list of dolls.
So I got an e-mail from a reader named Brittany who also likes to draw paperdolls, and she suggested that I do some more up-to-date outfits, maybe some pants, shorts, bathing suits and dresses “that are actually in this time period.” (Her e-mail was very sweet and not snarky at all, I just thought that phrasing was funny!) I wrote back to her, but for some reason the response didn’t go through, so I’ll post the reply here:
I think that’s great that you design your own outfits! (It’s fun, isn’t it? :) ) The problem with more fashionable outfits is that I, personally, am possibly the least fashionable human being in America, I wear boring clothes myself and don’t watch much TV or read fashion magazines. So when I think of what’s going on in my life that I might want to draw a paperdoll about, I don’t often think of something cool ;) But you’re really right, that it would be interesting to have more modern, stylish outfits as well, so I will consider some outfits like
that for the future. I used to draw prom dresses when I was in high school, but I haven’t paid attention to prom styles for a while… maybe I’ll start there! Thank you for the suggestion. :)
And it’s true, I mostly wear pretty but unfashionable dresses and skirts. Pretty clothes are one thing, but fashion, constantly changing clothes and adornments that send messages about class, taste and individuality, that’s a whole different animal. To me, style is like a language where my mastery is limited to asking “Is this vegetarian?” and “Where is the bathroom?” So for this particular project I’ll start with something I can get into: prom dresses. After all, it looks like your average prom dress is as far removed from catwalks and Vogue as I am.
Now, looking through prom dresses, they don’t seem too different from the kinds that were around when I was in high school — except that the pick-up skirt is a new one on me. I can see it as a design element, part of a well-balanced dress, but the full pick-up skirt that looks like a poofy, sloppy, satin pineapple? Let’s just say I think the pick-up skirt ought to get off of my darn lawn. I can sort of understand the appeal on an intellectual level, I didn’t mind this one, but it just seems that the line between “opulent and romantic” and “sloppy trainwreck” is just so easily crossed. Well, the children of 2030 need something to laugh at, I guess. Aside from that, it seems like the ball gown skirt is out, sleeves of any sort are out, fussy (aside from those pick-up skirts) is out, and a more classical look – albeit one dressed up with sparkles and pretty designs – is in. Here’s my take on one — and yes, the white paint pen is definitely a new toy.
I didn’t end up going to prom (graduated before the year was over, it’s a long story — although I doubt I could have talked my husband, then my boyfriend, into it anyways) but for those of you who did, what kind of dress did you have?
I love simple dresses like that! Absolutely gorgeous!
Back in the dark ages of 1978, I wanted to borrow my best friend’s dress (plain, simple) which wouldn’t have cost anything, and I thought my frugal mom would be happy about that. But she thought it was “too slinky” so she shelled out for something in muslin with a tiered skirt..
I like this purple one much better.
I just found your blog and I love it! I’ve collected paper dolls for years!
Don’t feel bad about never going to prom… I went to 3, each time thinking it would be better. The dresses were fun though. I had a strapless iridescent red one with hand beading all over, a teal and black empire waist one with a sheer black beaded overlay, and a satiny dark purple halter ballgown with embroidery on the top.
I prefer to forget that I even WENT to my prom, so I shan’t answer that question.
I LOVE THE DRESS!! It’s purple–purple is my favourite colour, as you might already know. It’s classy and streamlined but it has a sort of whimsical look to it. I think this dress could be either a modern prom dress, but certainly it wouldn’t look out of place on a melancholy sorceress. But then, I’m also biased towards the more fantastical gowns…
I’m also colouring the two black-and-white dresses from the last few days. It helps cheer me up. ^^*
Prom was a god awful mistake XD My dress was pink and looked almost exactly like the “opulent and romantic” one you picked out. Except pink. But my dress ended up being the best part of prom T.T Limo broke down, music sucked, food sucked, building sucked (OMG wayyyy to many stairs and those suckers are hard to climb in them heavy ballgowns and heels). If I could do it again, I’d have stayed home.
I’m in NZ, so ball dress styles are a bit different to ones that seem to be popular over there!
Mine was a floaty sky blue one, with a ruched bust and empire waistline. Full length of course :D
I love your designs, I think they are fab! And this dress in particular is lovely, I love purple, and the style is very feminine and pretty.
Love this dress. We didnt have any prom when i were in school. =(
Thanks everyone, it’s fun to hear about the prom experiences (and dresses :) ) I was a real anti-social type when I was in high school anyways — I ended up graduating early and moving away, but I probably wouldn’t have gone to prom even if we had stayed in the area! My mom and I used to go shopping and I’d try prom dresses on for fun, though. Probably better than the real thing…
well i’m going to prom this year and the link below shows my dress.
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=357876&CategoryID=42768
Ooh, I like that — very romantic!
i loved my prom dress!! i helped design it and it’s the only formal dress i own and i use it every time i can…which has been only two. I have no idea how to describe it except that it was copper-orange, halter, and backless except for beaded straps that hold the dress together.
your’s is beautiful and i hope to see more!
Back in 1986, I had an electric blue sequin gown, body hugging, slit skirt, with one bare shoulder, and a pom bow on the other shoulder. In 85 I had a striped cream and maroom princess bodice dress, with puff sleeves, almost off the shoulders, low neck line, full skirt.
I would have loved to wear this purple dress. It reminds me The Titanic evening gowns that Kate Winslett wore.
Too bad that I went with boyfriends I had dated most of the year, and we at the end of the romance, so there was no spark or magic.
I love your drawings. that purple empire is the perfect wedding dress i want, though not purple more like baby blue. i wish i could draw like you i would design my own gown. but owell
Wow! My sister wore a prom dress almost identical to that one only it was a deep wine red color instead of purple. (She believes all things purple are evil)But it’s amazing to see how very similar your dress and her dress are!
Wow, Elena, that’s a cool coincidence! If you know where to find a picture of it I’d be interested in seeing it :)
I wish this dress was real! I am looking for something just like this for my formal! (Australian prom)
Both of the links are broken
its so cool i love the color purple! i wish i could have ccome up with that.
odd it took me so long to see this but absolutely gorge. totally not fashionable either. not anti-social just like to do my own thing. hmmm, prom dresses i like sleeves and long twirly skirts. hate the pineapple look but understand how a couple of pinny bits (what vare they called?)would look awesome. not going to prom this year but not sure bout nxt year. by the sounds of it i’d be better giving it a miss ;)