Anouk's "Vintage" TV spot

The dolls used in the Video

I wanted Anouk to have a vintage style video. Like the B & W TV spots dolls like Francie, Barbie and, Tammy used to have.

With the help of my tech savvy niece Riya Spreadbury, we styled and photographed several first issue Anouk dolls and her launch wardrobe.

We then shot tonnes of footage. We knew we needed lots so we could edit later.
Next, the soundtrack. I knew I needed something iconic and evocative of Anouk's personality. A chic young French girl in 60s Paris. After considering many options I settled on the theme from the 1966 film Un Homme et une Femme. Not only did it star Anouk Aimée, it is probably one of the most evocative and famous pieces of music to come out of France in the 1960s.

The result below is extremely flawed. The dolls could have been better groomed. The background is untidy. The lighting is dark, and the editing needs work. But this was a first attempt to get to grips with what was possible with the editing software and effects. I still think it is cute, and worth showing, though next time it will be far better. I hope you enjoy it!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/37546968@N08/30928591394/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/37546968@N08/31397636970/in/dateposted-public/

If you are in the US, click the Flickr links above to watch. The YouTube link below only works in Europe.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ3ZqkspioI

Anouk's new vintage style Advertisment

 

 I wanted to do an advert like the ones we used to see in catalogues and kids magazines back in the 60s and 70s. It all adds to the vintage feel of Anouk. I love doing this type of work for Anouk as I feel it is so evocative of the time period that Anouk is inspired by. Furthermore this shows her play value and how she can be styled etc.

Anouk's Official debut! Fashion Doll Quarterly

Pre production Prototype Anouk dolls featuring in the article.

I am very excited and pleased to announce that Anouk has her official unveiling to the doll collecting world in the Spring issue of Fashion Doll Quarterly magazine. A big thank you to Ian Price and Patricia Henry for featuring her so prominently as a lead story with a six page glossy spread.
The magazine is available to buy online and on ebay I believe. Do have a look if you can! :-)
For all sales enquiries please contact Nav Sikand at navsikand@aol.com

Anouk receives a mention on the cover! Hurrah :-)

Anouk goes to the Opera

The beautiful gown "Opera", which was originaly to be made in silver only, will now also come in a gold fabric variant. It will be temaed with white gloves and taupe heels. The guys at the Atelier have done such a great job in selecting fabrics. I am so thrilled with both variations. :-)

These are prototype dolls, but I do love photographing them in the Anouk packaging.

The Anouk Atelier

The Anouk Atelier has been working hard and busily turning out her lovely little outfits. The work is so meticulous, these pics reminded me of the old fairy story "The Elves and the Shoemaker". Everything falls into place slowly but surely :-). The guys have been working very hard to ensure the outfits are produced to the highest standard and quality. It has been a stressful process for all involved, but, I am very grateful for all their hard work and commitment.

The glorious "Opera" gown is cut out in Gold and Silver.

The black skirts for the suit "Trotteur"

Lining cut out for the "Opera" gowns.

Anouk Vintage Advertisements

Keeping with the theme of a totally vintage doll, I knew I wanted some print advertisements made that would set the tone for Anouk. Who better to model them then my very own little doll, my daughter Aanya. It took a fair amount of bribery and begging to transform her from a trendy young pre-teen into a pony tailed child from the 60s, but we got there in there in the end!

In the end there are 8 versions. Four in French and four in English. I may produce a booklet, for the dolls. If I do, I may use one of these as the cover.

The images below were taken with the first prototype dolls and outfits and at my dining room table!

Then I added the logo, and wording. I was very pleased how they turned out. They have a very vintage feel and are reminiscent of advertisements from the 1960s for dolls like Tammy, Barbie, Francie, Tressy etc. Here are the French versions:

Here are the English language versions, for the American and English markets: