The Paper Doll art of Tracy Williams
The Fifties Formal Fantasy paper doll set is based on photographs from formal dances that my mother and her bridge club friends provided me. The dresses drawn from these photos were worn at formal dances in the late 1940’s, to early 1950’s. I challenged myself to create the artwork using the gradient mesh in Adobe Illustrator, which was a new feature of the program at the time I made these illustrations.
This set is based on the wardrobe of my friend, Harold. He travels almost exclusively by motorcycle and wears leathers every day. The ensembles I have rendered for this paper doll set are but a fraction of what he owns. He is notable for always coordinating his boots with his riding attire and for sewing many of the items himself.
I was asked to create this paper doll for the Madame Alexander issue of Doll Castle News. I used my Madame Alexander Scottish Girl as the inspiration.
This set was done as a 2-page spread for Doll Castle News magazine. It’s my aunt’s Patsyette doll, with vintage majorette uniforms.
Claire McCardell (1905-1958), pioneered a style of modern sportswear that embodied a functional, casual elegance that endures in American design today.
What happens when you add a bit of whimsy to your business suit? The result just might look like Claire McCardell’s vivid blue wool suit with black chenille stripes. A McCardell trademark wrap-front jacket is secured with her brass hook-and-eye closures. The same hook-and-eye closures can also be found on the ribbed-knit waistband on the skirt. In-seam pockets, of course.
Simplicity is defined in this black wool jersey Beach Sweater, which Claire McCardell designed with active women and maximum range of motion in mind. When this item debuted in 1954, swim attire had also become a necessity for social gatherings, making it common for women to own 3 or more suits.
Claire McCardell’s signature brass round hook-and-eye closures are evidence that utility and beauty do mix. This evening gown features a wrapped bodice and hidden, in-seam pockets—elements that McCardell used often.
Claire McCardell’s Monastic dress was first presented in 1938. Princess-seamed, with ample room for movement, the wearer defines the shape with, in this specific example, a tied leather belt.
Scratchboard has always been one of my favorite media. This one-page paper doll features my daughter’s Diva Star doll and an assortment of hats for a winter-themed set.
This set of nursery rhyme cards were inspired by nursery rhyme advertising cards created by Kate Greenaway. My version is an updated interpretation of the verses, created using Adobe Illustrator. The cards are designed with slits, into which the characters’ heads can be inserted.
I was inspired by the costumes worn by Ginger Rogers in the musicals she appeared in with Fred Astaire.
Gator Gal was done at the time my children were at an elementary school, whose mascot was an alligator. I gave these paper dolls to their teachers. The original Gator Gal set was created with water color and gouache paints. I later added the Christmas Cheer outfit, drawn in Adobe Illustrator.
Callie is one of my early paper doll sets, drawn in color pencil. Her costumes change throughout the day, as she engages in various activities related to St. Valentine’s Day.
