These two vintage sweethearts exchanging valentines greeted members at the refreshment table.
Member Jan Irsfeld gave a program on the Madame Alexander Cissy doll entitled "How It All Started and How It Destroyed My Bank Account!" She said that in 1955, Madame Alexander introduced Cissy, a glamorous fashion doll with a shapely female figure, feet molded for high heels, and a sophisticated wardrobe. The first Cissy was produced through 1962, with a vinyl version reintroduced in 1996. In 2011, Cissy was redesigned with additional jointing, including at the wrists, allowing her to maintain more realistic poses. Jan told the club how as a little girl she coveted a Cissy owned by a playmate and saved her allowance until she could buy one of her own. Sadly, her much-loved childhood Cissy was later given away. Jan created an impressive display of her vintage and modern Cissy collection.
This vintage Cissy wears a form-fitting black velvet elegant evening gown from 1956.
An extraordinarily skilled seamstress, Jan created her own version of this gown, adorned with elaborate hand-beading.
Jan brought many examples of modern Cissy dolls. This Swashbuckler Cissy comes with her own parrot.
These two Cissy dolls model fashions from past eras.
Another historically-inspired outfit called "Seventies Strut." The beaded gown in the foreground is another example of Jan's creations.
Madame Butterfly.
Renaissance Garden.
This doll wears a daring Egyptian outfit of Jan's own design
Sibylla.
The center doll represents Marilyn Monroe as she appeared in the classic comedy "Some Like it Hot" and the doll in red and cream models a courtier outfit from 1999. The third lovely lady models a creation made by Jan.
The reintroduced Cissy includes African American models.
In 1997, Madame Alexander issued "Cissy's Secret Armoire," a trunk filled with exquisite undergarments.
Some collectors might call Cissy the queen of the fashion dolls and she often was garbed as royalty. This vintage Cissy represents Queen Elizabeth II at her coronation.
Madame Alexander's update of the coronation doll includes a velvet robe with a long train.
These dolls are part of a limited edition designed by Tim Alberts representing Madame
Pompadour in the court of King Louis XV of France. Here she is dressed for spring. . .
summer. . .
and fall.
Jan reinterpreted the outfit designed for winter, using lush black velvet, faux fur, and and detailed hand beading.
Two more Cissy dolls dressed as queens by Jan. This is Elizabeth I.
This royal beauty models a golden gown with elaborate beading and embroidery.
Members also brought examples of Cissy dolls from their own collections to share. This bevy of vintage beauties belongs to member Myrna Loesch.
Bridesmaid from 1957.
Lovely in lemon tulle from 1958.
A belle in blue camellias, also from 1958.
Pink camellias with a velvet stole, also from 1958.
These two all-original lovely lasses are from the collection of Jenell Howell.
A pretty Cissy belonging to Michele Thelen.
"Ribbons and Roses" ensemble from 1956.
