On April 30th,
The Madame Alexander Doll Company held a 90th Anniversary (aka 90th 'Birthday) event in their NEW Mid-Town Manhattan New York City Showroom. For those in the know, the iconic doll company was headquartered originally in Harlem New York, so it was a bit weird to see them in their new location, they were such an intrinsic part of the Harlem Community for so long. (Not to mention their new offices with their proximity to Macy's Herald Square is so much more dangerous for me as it's way to tempting to go shopping after leaving their new offices now!)
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21" Cissy Doll emulating a photo of Madame Alexander from a 1920's photo, wearing a beaded dress and fur shawl with a rhinestone broach. She was on display in a display case of her own, so please forgive the glare of my flash. |
For those that don't know the brand history, Madame Beatrice Alexander initiated an infamous series of 'firsts' in the toy industry including:
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The first doll based on a licensed character, Scarlette O'Hara from Gone With the Wind
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The first to bring feature Baby Dolls to market
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The first to create dolls in honor of living people, including Queen Elizabeth, the Dionne Quints and more
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The first full figured fashion doll, 'Cissy', with haute couture outfits (years before Barbie hit the market!)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The first to invent the 'sleep eyes' mechanism that makes dolls' eyes close
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The first-ever line of Patriotic Dolls
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The first to use hard plastic in doll manufacturing
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Collection of Madame Alexander Dolls on display in their new midtown Manhattan New York City Headquarters |
They have spent 9 decades capturing the imagination and passion of doll lovers and collectors world wide, and at 90 they couldn't look better, we can all only hope to look that good at 90! My introduction to the brand was when my Grand-Mother gave me my first Madame Alexander doll. My Grand-Mother was a nurse but one of her many passions was embroidery and sewing and she would make Bridal Dolls for Weddings, using Madame Alexander dolls and creating a replica of the bride's dress for the doll. Her handi-work was amazing, and after each one was done, I wanted them all! Everytime I get to visit or attend a Madame Alexander event, it's always a bit nostalgic and bitter-sweet for me, because I instantly think of my Grand-Mother and her late night's making Bridal Dress replicas for Madame Alexander dolls for brides (if anyone out there has one of my Grandmother's creations, I'd love to see a photo!). I only wish she would have been here to make one for me for my own wedding.
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Dollie & Me Display in the reception area of their headquarters in Midtown, New York City |
The famous doll company is now owned by Kahn Lucas Lancaster, Inc, a global designer and wholesaler of branded girls' dresses and fashion collections, and during the 90th Anniversary event, we got the chance to learn more about
Dollie & Me, a doll lifestyle brand made by Madame Alexander and designed by Kahn Lucas. In addition to selling dolls with matching outfits for girls, they strive to empower young girls through positive and imaginative play. The 18' dolls and trendy matching girl dresses, outfits and pajamas can also be purchased seperately (in case your little princess doesn't necessarily want her little friend to match her all the time!). And for my fellow butterfly lovers there were tons of fab butterfly dollie & me outfits to choose from.
The New York City event included a Dylan's Candy Bar treats station:
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Dylan's Candy Bar Treat Station at Madame Alexander 90th Anniversary Celebration in New York City! Notice the Dylan's Candy Bar Queen 8-inch Wendy Doll in the background? She is currently on pre-order and expected to ship September 2013! |
90th Anniversary Cupcakes:
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Madame Alexander Doll Company 90th Anniversary Celebration in their new midtown Manhattan New York City Headquarters attendees enjoyed 90th anniversary cupcakes |
I just had to snap a shot of this Eloise at the Plaza replica that was designed for FAO Schwarz:
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The Plaza Hotel Replica designed by Madame Alexander for FAO Schwarz in New York City |
and a doll to take home! (A bit hard to explain why I was carrying this doll at the Fashion Events I attended later that afternoon and evening!)
Want to join Ascending Butterfly in wishing Madame Alexander a very Happy 90th Anniversary/Birthday?
Get Social:
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 'Like' Alexander Dolls on
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Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You can also become Pin friends with Madame Alexander (Official) on
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What is your favorite doll Butterfly?
˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙
FTC Dislcosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no compensation has been received to share our event recap coverage. We were given Dylan's Candy Treats, Cupcakes and a gift bag!