For generations (1905-1960) Bleuette was a cherished companion of French children. She
started life as an S.F.B.J. bisque-headed, ball jointed composition body promotional doll
whose possibilities for wardrobe enhancement both came from commercially available
wardrobe items and patterns in the periodical La Semaine de Suzette both issued by the
publisher Gautier-Langereau. Over the decades more than a thousand patterns for apparel
would be published. This display is based on clothing available around the year 1918 from
both commercial and homemade sources, some of it being reproduced. Bell Collection
Bambino was introduced in 1928 by GautierLangereau as Bleuette's bisque headed,
composition-bodied baby brother. Like many
babies his layette was composed of many
woolen knitted items that have been devoured
by over time. Using La Semaine de Suzette
patterns that appeared occasionally, replicas
have been made of some of his layette items,
others are originals. Like his big sister Bluette
by 1960 he had an extensive official wardrobe
of handmade and commercial items that can be
traced to Gautier-Langereau. Bell Collection
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Fall 2016
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Doll News Fall 2016