"Doll Dressing" Exhibition at the Fashion Institute's Museum
Posted by Jennifer-in-PA on September 17, 2026, 6:55 pm
If anyone is in NYC, this looks like a fun exhibition! It opened yesterday.
Here's an excerpt from the official FIT program:
Doll Dressing centers on the longstanding connections between dolls and high fashion. Historically, dolls operated as miniature fashion models—they were shipped around Europe and abroad, communicating the latest styles in three-dimensional detail. By the early twentieth century, dolls were not merely sharing the latest trends, but setting them. Curated by Dr. Colleen Hill, senior curator of costume, the exhibition explores the ways in which dolls have influenced fashion and dressed appearance. Doll dressing takes many forms, ranging from the appeal of youthful baby doll dresses, to the 2D quality of "paper doll" looks, to the influence of creepy dolls on fashion. It encompasses clothing and accessories, hair and makeup, and even movement and gestures that take their cue from dolls. Beginning with a brief history of fashion dolls from the eighteenth century to the present, Doll Dressing continues with designs from Marc Jacobs, Patrick Kelly, Lanvin, Jeremy Scott for Moschino, Martin Margiela, Anna Sui, and many others.
Are you a fashion doll collector, creator, or admirer? Is there a doll from your childhood that you keep for its nostalgic value? Share your story with us! This project is ongoing through the run of the Doll Dressing exhibition (September 16, 2026 – January 3, 2027), our fall 2026 exhibition that explores the history of fashion dolls and the influence of dolls on high fashion. You may submit up to three images of your dolls. We suggest one image that represents the breadth of your collection or a full-length shot of one doll, alongside two detail shots. Only personal photos will be accepted. Do not include images found on the internet.
1.Take an artistic photograph of your doll(s)
2.The background should be uncluttered, neutral in color (preferably black or white).
3. Center the doll(s) in the photograph, taking care that they are arranged as symmetrically as possible.
4. Make sure the doll is well lit and the photograph is in focus.
5. Do not include any text on the photograph.
6. Name the photo in the following manner: FirstName_LastName_img01.jpg (or img02, etc.)
on September 17, 2026, 6:55 pm