Valentine Belle

Valentine Belle

Ladie Faire Doll Designs

43rd OOAK Design:

Valentine Belle

"Be constant unto me and I will ever be so to thee"

This design represents an Antebellum "Belle" dressed in her finest party attire for a Valentine’s Ball–the striking red and white-themed gown, embellished with roses is a show-stopper!

Valentine Belle

Valentine Belle

Hats were a must for the proper Southern Belle, in order to keep her complexion its most fresh and fair. The Valentine’s Belle wears a huge portrait-style straw hat, swathed in layers of red tulle with extra tulle falling in a veil down the back–all the better to shade the white skin exposed by the low decolletage of her party dress. The crown of the hat is encircled by a broad red satin ribbon and trimmed with red ribbon roses, and the hat ties under her chin with another red satin ribbon. When she arrives at the ball, the hat will be carefully stored away by her hostess and her elaborate hair-style will impress.

Valentine Belle

The gown is in two matched parts, typical to that period: a bodice and skirt, both made of rich, ruby satin. The bodice is fitted and lined, with a portrait-style neckline of red tulle; a red satin ribbon rose adorns the front of the low decolletage, while the snap in back is covered by a heart-shaped red button.

Valentine Belle

The skirt is extremely full, in the bell shape popular in the 1850's; the hem is trimmed with satin ribbon for a finished look and the snap at the back of the waist-band is also covered with a heart-shaped button. The red satin skirt showcases a fabulous overskirt of snowy white lace. Underneath the skirt is a separate, three-layer petticoat of red tulle, each layer trimmed in red lace.

Valentine Belle

The doll’s beautiful, glossy brunette hair has been restyled for this design; carefully twisted to the back and side and adorned with red ribbon roses. Long curls cascade over one shoulder. The doll’s face, with her creamy skin, crystal blue eyes and mauve lips, was already perfect for this design and has not been retouched.

Valentine Belle

Accessories include red satin elbow gloves, red shoes, pearl earrings and a multiple-strand pearl choker

Click here to see my other "Belles"!

Exchanging Valentine cards as tokens of love became popular early in the 1800's. These are examples of original 19^th century Valentines–the little girl in the card on the left is dressed in the "Antebellum" style.