Post by mamared on Sept 22, 2022 23:42:02 GMT -5
This lovely ensemble was one of three special edition outfits released at Claudie’s debut in collaboration with Harlem’s Fashion Row designer Samantha Black and inspired by the 1920s. So far at my house, Claudie and Gabriela have both tried this on, so pictures of each are interspersed through this review. Here’s the official AG description, along with additional photos and thoughts about each piece.
SKU#: HMJ51 $48
Timeless design meets starlet shine. Designer Samantha Black—in collaboration with Harlem’s Fashion Row®—puts 1920s glamour in the spotlight with this special-edition outfit that shines from head to toe.
Includes:
A wide black headband adorned with rose-gold sparkle foil and a button accent in front - When I first tried the outfit on Claudie, in all honesty I didn’t think the headband would fit. It’s made of a thick material that has no stretch, all sewn together in a loop with a seam at the back, and I was convinced that I’d mess up Claudie’s hair if I even tried to put it on. I eventually worked up the nerve to put it on Gabriela first, and then to try it on Claudie - and to my surprise, it does fit (and I think it looks kind of cute, too!) There’s a photo of Claudie wearing it at the top of this review, so here are a couple with Gabriela and also some close ups of different angles on Claudie. My overall impression of the headband is that it’s made to last, and I like the contemporary vibe and how it coordinates with the rest of the outfit; the black and rose-gold foil fabric is the same that’s used in the top, and the large round button, with the decorative six-pointed embellishment, goes well with the champagne-colored skirt and adds interest without being too busy or overbearing. However, it’s not my favorite headpiece. I’m concerned that leaving it on for very long might flatten Claudie’s curls, and I kind of wish it had some stretch to it. I think I also might’ve preferred a nice knotted headscarf, which also would’ve had a contemporary feel, but hey, I’m not the designer. Grade: B
A black long-sleeved top with allover rose-gold print and fabulous faux-fur trim at the wrists and neckline - This is a very nice, quality piece. The black fabric with the rose-gold foil print is nice and thick and seems like it’s made to last. It closes with a single strip of Velcro up the back, and the warm champagne-colored faux fur at the neckline and wrists is very soft and high quality. Here’s a picture untucked (so you can see the length), and also a close up and a picture of the inside (to see the fabric tag sewn inside and the black back-side of the top’s fabric). Grade: A
A satin pleated skirt with rose-gold sequin accents that sparkle as she spins - This is another really high-quality piece in the set. The thick champagne-colored satin skirt has a very luxe feel. Evenly-spaced pleats go all the way around the skirt, each about 1/2 inch wide, and there’s a Velcro closure in the back. The seven pleats in the front of the skirt each have a vertical line of rose-gold colored sequins; these start at the hemline and rise to varying heights, with the tallest just off center. This vertical element adds an Art Deco vibe that works well in the 1920s-inspired outfit. A plastic oval AG vanity tag is sewn on to the waistband of the skirt. The waist is slightly loose on both Gabriela and Claudie, which allows ample room for both tights and the tucked-in top (by which point it’s snug but not tight). I haven’t tried the skirt on other dolls, but I suspect an older, thicker-waisted doll could also wear this skirt, just without all the extra layers underneath. Grade: A
Black tights woven with sparkly thread - These also seem to be good quality. There’s a tag sewn into the back, and the heel area has some extra fabric so there isn’t bunching at the front of the foot. The sparkly thread doesn’t appear to have the same rose-gold as other pieces of the outfit, but this all works together. Grade: B+
Shiny black shoes dotted with clear rhinestones on the ankle straps - These shiny back shoes are thankfully flat (with just the usual heel piece), making them very easy to stand and balance in. Each ankle strap has three clear rhinestones and closes with Velcro. They don’t feel like particularly substantial shoes, but they’re fine and functional and go with the outfit. Grade: B
Overall, I’m impressed with the quality and design of this outfit, and I think it’s a really nice melding of contemporary design with 1920s inspiration. The colors, construction, and quality are all very nice, and while it’s not typically the kind of thing I dress my dolls in, I really like the outfit as part of the special edition HFR set and on its own. At $48 it’s a little pricy, and taking that into consideration I’d probably rate it a B+. If it were closer to $40, I’d give it a solid A.
Here’s a picture of the back of the box, with information about Harlem’s Fashion Row and designer Samantha Black (the front of the box is at the top of the review), and one more photo of Claudie.
