MAM'SELLE SINDY DOLL MAGAZINE ISSUE 03 | NOVEMBER 2021

SHIMMYSHIM

SHIMMYSHIM IS A FASHION DOLL CLOTHES, ACCESSORIES AND FURNITURE SHOP WITH ALL THE GOODIES YOU NEED TO GET CREATIVE AND PLAYFUL

Specialists in vintage dolls clothes, accessories & handmade clothes by cazjar BOUTIQUE

DIVACRAFTS

SINDY PLAY IS HERE!

meet the

Sindy Fairy Godmother

Rachel Godfroy-Scott has been designing dolls for over 20 years but Sindy was her very first introduction into the toy industry. We caught up with Rachel to chat all things Sindy...

Rachel fell in love with Sindy when she was five years old and has been obsessed ever since! She is an avid collector herself, so she knows what kind of details a collector goes for and what they like about Sindy. She has been involved with Sindy as a brand for twenty years including doll range designs, sewing prototypes, photographing, designing concept ideas for Sindy merchandise and the character ideas for the Sindy the Fairy Princess movie (back in the early 2000's!), and involved in the Sindy Style guide. So she was the perfectfitforKidCreationsandthe newSindyteam.

Mam'Selle: Hello Rachel. We're so pleased to meet you Let's start with the Sindy collectors dolls that were a huge success and have brought back so many memories for Sindy fans How involved were you with their concept/design?

Rachel Godfroy-Scott: I was invited to become a part of the Sindy team in March 2019 to help design the new Sindy doll range with Kid Kreations. They already had the design concept for the collector dolls (turning the original 1960's Sindy launch range into today's fashions), but nothing for the play range, although it had already been decided that there would be a play rangeatsomestage.

Mam'Selle: Tell us about how the clothes and bodycameabout?

RGS: The outfits for the collector dolls had already been designed by Vittoria Tombs, a talented and experienced designer at Kid Kreations, so it was my job to make her designs a reality! At this stage the doll's face and body hadn't been decided upon so this was my opportunity to recreate the iconic 80's Sindy which was the most popular face of Sindy overthedecades,inmyopinion

I also found this head mold to be the most classic and timeless; Sindy could pull off any look whether it was classic or cutting-edge. I wanted the body to be as similar as possible to the active 80's Sindy body.

It had a good shape, was easy to dress and was a good size for young children to play with. We had to completely re-engineer the doll to meet current safetystandards,andwetweakedlittlethingssuchas reducingherbust,givinghermoreshapelyhipsand legs and giving her nicely-shaped feet I always felt that her hands were always a lovely shape so the factory made them identical to the original I took Vittoria's designs and made many prototypes of the outfits, and customised vintage Sindy dolls to show thefactorywhatwewanted

We also wanted a doll stand to display the dolls, so I created a stand that could be as transparent as possible for collectors who wanted to display or photograph their dolls without the stand being too obvious It was also my task to help create the credit cardsizedollcertificateofauthenticity.

Mam'Selle: And,letsdiscussthosestunningboxes?

RGS:Whenthepackagingwascreatedwethoughtit would be a good idea to have an illustration or photo of the dolls on the inside of the boxes comparing them to their 1960's counterparts, so I drew up six illustrations to go on the inside of the boxes.

Ithenhadthehonourofunveilingthenewcollector dolls at Dollycon UK in 2019 which was amazing! Collectors were crying tears of joy and hugging me when everything was revealed, it was a very emotionalday!

Mam'selle: Was it on the back of their success that theSindyPlayrangefinallycameabout?

RGS: Actually, the playline was designed alongside the collector dolls as it hadn't been decided which collection would launch first. I am so glad that it's launching now as it has developed so much over this past year. I would sometimes work a week on the play line and a week on the collector dolls, it just dependedonwhatwasneededatthetime.

Mam'selle: What was the initial idea for Sindy Play?Howdidyoustarttodesignthem?

RGS: The initial idea for Sindy Play was just a collectionofsixSindydollsthatwouldrepresentthe classic play themes and bring back some of the uniqueaspectsofSindythatmadehersopopular

We knew we needed to include a ballerina and rider as they were such a large part of Sindy's heritage, and the other dolls evolved around them The first doll I had in my head was Fashion Blogger, which wouldbethefirstBlackproperSindyplaydollsince the late 70's, not one of Sindy's friends but actually Sindy. Over the last few decades Sindy had evolved into a blonde haired, blue-eyed doll that had friends of different ethnicities, but to me when I played with Sindy she had many hair colours and each one wasofthesameimportance.

RIGHT: RACHEL WITH HER DAD AND HER SINDY

I wanted to bring back the idea that Sindy could be any ethnicity and each one would be just as much Sindy as the other. I wanted any kid who played with Sindy to know that there was a doll that represented them in some way. I think that we should never repeat the same doll twice, so each play range makes Sindy more and more diverse as wegoalong

LEFT: RACHEL'S IMPRESSIVE 1980'S COLLECTION

Mam'selle: What did Pedigree think of the new SindyPlaycollection?

RGS: When we first showed the initial range to Pedigree they wanted something extra for the dolls that placed them apart from the competition, so I went away and thought about all of the aspects I loved about playing with Sindy The way that kids play with dolls hasn't changed much over the past few decades, and it got me thinking as to how much I loved to make items of furniture and accessories forSindyfromanythingIfoundaroundthehouse.

Mam'selle: Is this how the Play or crafting aspect cameabout?

RGS: Yes. I was a huge Blue Peter fan when I was a childandIvividlyrememberthepresentersmaking furnitureforSindy!ThenlockdownhappenedandI started making crafting YouTube videos for Kid Kreations' other doll range DesignaFriend, which involved finding items around the house to make into beauty salons, beach huts and tents, and we got such a positive response I thought it would be great to incorporate some sort of crafting activity into the Sindyplayrange

Mam'selle: With toy companies taking responsibility for producing so much wasteexplain why the eco play aspect of these new dolls wassoimportanttoKidKreationsandyou?

RGS: I was also shocked at the time as to how much plastic waste was being incorporated into other toy brandsduetotheunboxingtrend.IwantedSindyto be different, and thought that instead of destroying the packaging and only having a toy or doll at the endofitandalottothrowaway,canwereversethis and use the box to create Sindy's world instead? Then this would not only be really creative but also make the packaging as eco-friendly as possible. It wouldalsogiveustheopportunitytoshowkidshow to have fun with crafting and stimulate their imaginationswithinSindy'sworld.

– Rachel Godfroy-Scott

"The playline was designed alongside the collector dolls as it hadn't been decided which collection would launch first."

Mam'selle: Please talk us through each of the six dolls and how and why you designed them as you did? And, their clothes, style and theme and what makesthemspecial?

RGS: Kid Kreations had planned for six dolls in the range so we had to assign the dolls each to a shop We wanted to include as many popular play patterns from our research, so we decided upon a fashion store, a beauty salon, a bakery, and a pet parlour which covered aspects of hair play, fashion play, baking and pet care as well as the ballerina and riderthatweneededtoinclude.

It was so much fun coming up with the range and what the dolls would look like! Each doll was carefully designed so that they look on-trend but age-appropriate for young children. We wanted Fashion Blogger to really stand out from the crowd and then we made Sweet Treats have a more vintage-inspiredlooktomatchherbakery.Ballerina was heavily influenced by the ballerina Sindy I had as a child. I wanted to put as much into her as possible, so she could have several different looks whether she was practicing or performing! I also thought it would also be lovely to give her brunette hair as so many previous ballerinas had been blonde I gave Riding Club freckles as she reminded me of one of my daughter's friends, and freckles madeherlookadorable!

The range was reviewed and tweaked hundreds of times before we arrived at what we have today We didn't want to make the range too pink either, but we also wanted to use different colours to make the rangelookinterestingaswellascohesive.

Mam'selle: The packaging is very different from thecollectorsdolltellus aboutthePlayboxes?

RGS: We used card wrapping to advertise the dolls on the front of the packaging so that when it was removed you were left with a playset with no advertising on it, so the box looked like a store on the inside and out. I really enjoyed creating the artwork for the inside of the boxes, and there are small references to Sindy throughout. There are vintage Sindy photographs in the riding stable, and most of the items in the stores are labelled with the heart-shaped 'S' logo I absolutely love that we were abletoputmirrorsintothesalonandballetstudio,it reallymakestheboxlookfantastic!

Mam'selle: We love the little magazines. What was theinspirationbehindthem?

RGS: The tiny magazines that come with each doll were so fun to make This was one of the concepts we had from the beginning, as I still have my brochuresthatcamewitheverySindydollfrommy childhoodandIstilllovethem!Wewantedtoaddas many of the original details that made Sindy who she is We added a few puzzles into the magazine to makeitintomoreofakids'magazine

Mam'selle: Sindy was a big part of our childhoods. What do you think Sindy will mean to children today?Howdoyouthinktheywillviewherwithso muchchoicealreadyoutthere?

RGS: I hope children will have as much fun playing with this new range as I used to have with my dolls whenIwasachild,thenIwillknowthatIhavedone my job! There are so many wildly outrageous dolls on the market today competing with each other, I think Sindy is a wonderful alternative to them. She is younger, more relatable to children and has a world that they can really immerse themselves in Sindy's world is very safe and wholesome for young kids, a refreshing change to some of the more adult, moresexualiseddollbrandsthatareavailable

Young children are being made to grow up very quickly due to what they see and what they play with at the moment, and Sindy is about enjoying childhood without having to hurry the growing up process I'm hoping parents and caregivers will like the idea of being able to download more crafts for free at the website (www.sindyplay.co.uk) to add even more to Sindy's world. My favourite is the cupcake chair and table for the Sweet Treats bakery. You can print out as many tables and chairs as you like and makeawholerestaurantifyouwantto!

Mam'selle: The separate outfits? How did you decideonjustthreeandwilltherebemore?

RGS: The three outfits were a lot more to begin with, I think that overall we had about 40 different designs to choose from after two years of development We chose something sporty, something Sindy could wear at bedtime and a party outfit to try and cover as many bases as possible for extraplay

I h o p e k i d s t o d a y w i l l

a l l i n l o v e w i t h S i n d y t h e w a y I d i d w h e n I w a s y o u n g

I love the pink heart labels that are sewn into every outfit, it's these tiny details that really set Sindy's outfits apart. My favourite is the unicorn onesie, it's sosoft

Mam'selle: After keeping this big secret for such a long time how do you feel about them finally comingout?

RGS: Keeping this secret for the past two years has been so difficult! It was especially hard when I saw collectors buying vintage Sindy dolls from auction sites as they were desperate to give their children and grandchildren Sindy to play with I wanted to tell them that they didn't need to buy vintage dolls whenanewplaylinewascoming!

Mam'selle:Whatdoyouthinkyoursevenyearold self would think of the new Sindy dolls? What do you want children to think/feel when they receive aSindyPlay?

RGS: I think that my 7 year-old self would be so pleased with what we ' ve created, especially as I madeapromisetomyselfin1986thatIwouldbring Sindy back the way I remember her, and 35 years later I've kept that promise! I hope kids today will fall in love with Sindy the way I did. My mantra will always be to put as much play value into every doll so that when a child receives a Sindy doll they will open the box and find a world of Sindy that they cancreateandrecreateoverandoveragain

Mam'selle: Come on tell us, will there be more collectors dolls or Sindy play dolls? Or, a dolls houseandfurniture?

RGS:Depending on how the first launch of the play line dolls go there will certainly be more I have so many ideas in my head that I would love to see go ahead, and I would also love to see more collector dollsinthefuturetoo

This is what I love about working with Kid Kreations, they go to enormous lengths to make sure every detail is right and explore every avenue when it comes to creativity. We're a small team and it has been so wonderful to work with them these last 2 years. We've laughed, cried, worked unsociable hours and gone to crazy lengths to make surethattheSindyPlaylinecametogether.Ifeellike the luckiest person in the world working on my favourite doll with an amazing team. It's felt like being a part of a special family with an incredible secrettokeep!

f

. "

a c h e l G o d f r o yS c o t t , S i n d y P l a y d o l l d e s i g n e r

ABOVE: THE 2021 SINDY PLAY DOLLS

n d y 2 0 2 1

Fashion

Stylist

Pet Parlour Sindy

Sindy loves taking care of the small animals that visit her pet parlour! She makes sure that every pet is happy and grooms them to look their best.

Boxturnsintoherveryownpetparlour

Additionalaccessoriesincludeselectionof smallanimals,petcarrybox,petbed, groomingessentialsandmagazinewith craftsandpuzzles

Acessoriestocraftincludingshelfunit, carryboxandfloorsign

RRP£25

Sweet Treats Bakery Sindy

SWEET TREATS BAKERY SINDY

Ballet Studio Sindy

Riding Club Sindy

loves spending time with her pony! She grooms him and cleans out his stable, then its time for a trek across the countryside.

From desk to D A N C E F L O O R

Take your work suit from the 9-5 via weekend wear to evening glam - with a few choice accessories and a little style know-how...

WEEKEND LOOKS

LEFT: from L-R

Skirt, unknown Jacket (on backwards), part of ‘Lunching Out’, c1960s

#vintagetressy ; Stripe Top, ‘Skater Girl, 1963; Skirt, unknown Polo, unknown; Skirt, part of #barbieconvention2020

WEEKEND STYLE & EVENING GLAM

WORK LOOKS

OPPOSITE PAGE: from L-R

Jacket, Skirt, Blouse and Belt, part of #barbie2020convention; Shoes, @sindycollectorsclub Suit, ‘Lunching Out’, c1960s #vintagetressy; Suit and top, unknown; Bag, @sindycollectorsclub

EVENING LOOKS

RIGHT: from L-R

Black Jacket, unknown; Logo T-Shirt, part of ‘Weekender Sindy’, 1977; Trousers, unknown; Bag, @sindycollectorsclub; Tweed Jacket, part of #barbieconvention2020 ; Dress, part of ‘Shopping Look’, @sindycollectorsclub; Disco Tee, unknown; Skirt, part of ‘Lunching Out’, c1960s, #vintagetressy; Belt, @poppyparker_sunday

FROM WORK TO PLAY

EVENING LOOKS

OPPOSITE PAGE: from L-R Blouse, Belt and Trousers, part of ‘Well Suited’, 1984; Mustard Jacket, unknown. Blouse, part of ‘Shop Around’, 1981; Bag, eBay; Jeans, #vintagetressy ; Trousers, @sewist53 Blouse, #vintagebarbie; Belt @poppyparker_sunday

WORK LOOKS

RIGHT: from L-R Skirt Suit, unknown. Blouse, part of ‘Shop Around’, 1981; Mustard Linen Trouser Suit, @sewist53 ; Blouse, #vintagebarbie; Trouser Suit and Blouse, part of ‘Well Suited’, 1984

WEEKEND LOOKS

LEFT: from L-R

Jacket, Printed Skirt and Scarf, all @sewist53 ; Cardigan, vintage homemade; Skirt, unknown. Blouse, part of ‘Shop Around’, 1981; ‘Striped Skirt & Top’, 1984 Blazer, part of ‘Well Suited’, 1984; Bag, @sindycollectorsclub

make your clothes work H A R D E R

WORK LOOKS

WEEKEND LOOKS

LEFT: from L-R Top, part of ‘Picnic Party’, #vintagetammydoll ; Trousers, part of ‘Jet Setter’, 1978; Necklace, #vintagebarbie ; Top, unknown; Skirt, part of ‘Paris in Spring, 1975; Scarf, part of ‘Free Wheeling’, 1980; Bag, @sindycollectorsclub ; Cardigan, homemade, #ebay; T’Shirt, part of ‘Mix n Match’, 1978; Trousers, part of ‘Otoño’, 1975, Sindy Florido

BRUNCH TO BAR

EVENING LOOKS:

RIGHT: from L-R Jacket, part of ‘Paris in Spring’, 1975; Trousers, part of ‘Weekender Sindy’; 1977; Check Jacket, part of ‘Otoño’, 1975; Sindy Florido ; Jumpsuit, #vintagebarbie; Jacket, part of ‘Jet Setter’, 1978; Dress, part of ‘Weekender Sindy’, 1978

WORK LOOKS

LEFT: from L-R Checked Trouser Suit @poppyparker_sunday; Tee, #aliexpress; Scarf @sindycollectorsclub ;Burgundy Check Skirt Suit, unknown; Blouse, c1980’s; Beige Check Jacket, Skirt and blouse, all part of ‘Window Shopping’, 1982; Bag, eBay

WEEKEND LOOKS

RIGHT: from L-R: T-Shirt, part of ‘Mix n Match’, 1979; Belt, c1980’s; Skirt and bag, unknown; Aran Jumper, vintage handmade; Trousers, @poppyparker_sunday ; White Top, part of ‘Saturday Morning’, c1960’s #vintagetressy; Skirt, part of ‘Window Shopping’, 1982

From work to W O W !

EVENING LOOKS

ABOVE: from L-R Burgundy Check Jacket and Frill Blouse, both unknown; Jeans, part of ‘Weekender’, 1963; Bag @chisaudolls ; Beige Jacket, part of ‘Window Shopping’, 1982; Skirt, #vintagebarbie; Jacket and Leather Trousers, @poppyparker_sunday Tee and Boots, #aliexpress

@ T H E S I N D Y D O L L F L O R I S T

DEAR SINDY...

How to paint Sindy's lips:

Start by mixing colours in a small palette to get the shade you want I use a Daley Rowney ‘spotter’ fine paintbrush to get a precise outline. Apply two coats of paint - allowing them to dry between each application. Once dry, apply matte varnish to seal paint.

T R A V E L

w i t h S i n d y

ZAMORA, SPAIN

@SINDY ATELIER

We spoke to Toni the designer behind @sindy atelier who lives in Zamora. Zamora is a city and municipality of Spain, located between the centre and the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula and the Portuguese border. It is the city with the highest number and quality of Romanesque temples in Europe.

SLEEP: P a r a d o r d e B e n a v e n t e o n P a s e o d e l a M o t a

EAT: C a l l e d e l o s H e r r e r o s i n t h e P l a z a M a y o r d e Z a m o r a

VISIT: C a t h e d r a l o f Z a m o r a a t P l l a C a t e d r a l , 1

VISIT: M o n u m e n t t o V i r i a t o i n P l a z a d e V i r i a t o ( a b o v e )

SHOP: S a n t a C l a r a s t r e e t ( m o d e r n i s t - s t y l e b u i l d i n g s ) a n d S a n T o r c u a t o S t r e e t

WALL OF SOUND 1981

The electronic Wall of Sound (44581) lounge scenesetter is an iconic piece and much sought after today. It's literally what it says on the box, a wall of sound. A detailed back wall with six 'homely' sounds (ticking clock, ringing telephone, a purring cat, a vacuum cleaner radio and record player) and two light-up parts (the 'Yorkstone' brick fireplace and the floor lamp) The wall of sound was operated by a radio battery It retailed for £19 95 in 1981