Recital Outfit (1996-1999)

The recital outfit is one of the most elegant pieces in the modern collection, in my opinion.

The shirt is very nice, although the catalogue description gives you the impression that you can remove the bowtie from the shirt. Not true, unless you like snapping threads and sewing it back on later.

The skirt is a lovely shiny black material with a gorgeous gold waistband, though I'd hesitate to call it a cummerbund since it's not a separate piece from the skirt. It attaches in the back with velcro.

The jacket isn't made from the same shiny material, but it might be cotton? Fits on the doll pretty well although if you're not careful the sleeves of the shirt will bunch up and make it look a bit lopsided.

The headband is a little difficult for me. It attaches behind the head with velcro and I have a heck of a time putting it on without snagging the doll's hair. Here's a more detailed shot of it:



The shoes are shiny material with two gold beads to match all the gold detailing. It's meant to be worn with black tights but I didn't realize that until I'd already taken the photos. I think it looks better with the tiny bit of bare leg shown between the long skirt and the shoes.

I also like the look of the outfit without the jacket on:



Overall I'd give the outfit an A-. The minus is for how difficult the headband is about snagging hair.