Whichever One is Your Favorite?

"Does a mother have a favorite child? If she does, does she tell?" This is what Madame Alexander herself was said to have replied when asked which of the Madame Alexander dolls was her favorite. Perhaps you are particularly fond of the Madame Alexander dolls of the "golden screen" or perhaps a particular doll that marks a historic event. Madame Alexander's dolls inspire us in many ways from Scarlet O'Hara and Little Women to Queen Elizabeth and the First Ladies. They continue to melt our hearts with their large round eyes, delicate features and elaborate costumes. The exquisite quality and design make these one of the best collectible dolls of today.

The founder, Beatrice Alexander, initially made dolls for the sole purpose of satisfying children. She had been interested in them as a young girl in her father's doll repair shop. Alexander began her company in 1923 and her creations were inspired by celebrities, movies and various literary characters. Her early dolls had flat, cloth faces made of heavy pressed felt with hand-painted features. Although the cloth dolls continued to be popular, her creations of the early 1930's were made of composition. It is difficult to find any in mint condition from this era because composition is so susceptible to damage from heat and dampness. 

Madame Alexander's creations are unique in the way that the same doll face and body are used to display clothing of both male and female characters. They are in many ways used as tiny mannequins. Alexander actually became recognized as much for her fashions as she did her dolls. Alexander had incredible accuracy and detailing in her designs. She fashioned glamorous evening gowns, playful casual wear, and exquisite costumes and introduced children to various cultures and artists such as Renoir and Cassatt. The elaborate designs and perfectly tailored costumes of her dolls won her the Fashion Academy Award in the years 1951-1953. 

As for purchasing collectible Madame Alexander's Dolls, first carefully consider the condition of the doll. The face should be bright, with even coloring on the doll body, and the seams of plastic and vinyl dolls should be carefully checked for splitting. Those that are stained, show significant wear or those not presented in their original costume with accessories would be less valuable and less desirable. Of course, other factors such as age, rarity, and general demand for the dolls will also greatly affect their worth. Restoration can actually lower the value of the  - most collectors want their dolls in original condition. 

In the year 2000, The Alexander Doll Company expanded to produce their fashion model doll, Alexander Fairchild Ford, and in 2003 celebrated their 80th birthday. Her dolls continue to enchant us with a tradition of quality and beauty and appeal to thousands of collectors.

Madame Alexander dolls are beautifully detailed collectible dolls to be treasured for a lifetime by children of all ages. Since their introduction over 80 years ago, Madame Alexander dolls have come to represent the highest standard in the making of traditional collectible dolls.