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This very special doll was dressed exclusively for display at Bullock\'s Wilshire,an iconic, ultra-luxury Art Deco department store that opened on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles in September 1929. It catered heavily to Old Hollywood royalty, counting stars like Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, and Clark Gable among its patrons.
Elite department stores of that era featured premiere custom toy boutiques and high-fashion doll salons. Wealthy patrons would purchase imported European bisque doll heads and bodies, then commission the store’s custom workrooms to design couture, high-quality silk and lace miniature gowns.Since the store opened in 1929, and this doll was manufactured primarily between the late 1890s and early 1920s, this tells us a beautiful story. The doll was likely dressed in this bespoke gown during the late 1920s or 1930s—either sold as a premium, high-end legacy piece by the store, or brought in by a wealthy family to be custom-outfitted in the latest couture children\'s fashion.
The dress has a small tear on one sleeve and some subtle soiling, but is otherwise in good condition. Under the dress is an ivory slip and bloomers, both of which have lost their fasteners.
The 22\" bisque and composition doll displays beautifully and looks flawless at first glance.
On closer inspection, her composition body shows signs of repair on one arm and one leg, with scrapes, scuffs, and cracks in the paint. She is still securely strung and holds a pose.
