Michelle O. in Vive Jacqui!

A few years back, Tuesday Morning offered doll outfits at 50% below retail for Franklin Mint's 14-1/2-inch Jackie and 16-inch Princess Diana dolls.  I scooped up four.  Even though I did not and still do not own the aforementioned dolls, I knew the fashions would eventually come in handy for others already here or yet to come.

Robert Tonner's Ultra Basic Esme and Franklin Mint's Michelle Obama Official White House Portrait Doll

Basic Esme and Ultra Basic Esme have both worn the yellow two-piece, taffeta, Vive Jacqui! suit, which, according to the fashion's certificate of authenticity, is "a replica of the actual ensemble that Jackie Kennedy wore on the State visit to France in May 1961."   This Franklin Mint fashion was authorized and authenticated by fashion designer, Oleg Cassini, who designed the original suit worn by Jackie Kennedy. 



Fashion swap:  Michelle O. wears Vive Jacki! fashion

A recent glance at Franklin Mint's Michelle Obama doll influenced the above illustrated fashion swap.  Ultra Basic Esme now wears Michelle's black sheath and black pumps.  Michelle now wears the yellow two-piece suit, matching pill box hat, white elbow-length gloves, taupe handbag, and beige shoes of the Vive Jacqui! ensemble.  The doll made in First Lady Obama's likeness is a little taller than the Jackie doll, resulting in a slightly snug fit of Michelle's new suit and shoes.  It is, however, a pleasant change.  See her smile... she loves it?!

dbg

Girls and Their Dolls ~ Encouraging Doll Play

On page 422 in my book, Black Dolls A Comprehensive Guide to Celebrating, Collecting, and Experiencing the Passion, mini profiles of African American (AA) girls and their dolls are preceded by the following passage:

Doll play allows little girls to exercise their innate nurturing characteristics. During times of doll play, girls usually imitate or reenact the nurturing received from their mothers or other female caregivers. Healthy role play and doll play are vital to a child’s development. It is even more vital that doll ownership includes dolls that mirror a child’s image. Seeing one’s self in a positive light aids in the development of positive self-esteem and self-worth. When a little girl sees beauty in dolls that look like her, specifically an AA girl – dolls that have hair like hers, beautiful deep skin color like hers, facial features like hers – her form of beautify is personified and she is unfazed by anything to the contrary.  (Copyright 2008)

Last week, I watched the first part of the following 9-1/2-minute Youtube video. I viewed it in its entirety today and thought I'd share it here.  What are your thoughts?
dbg