A Long-Legged Legacy Lives On

No one in the eighties or nineties inspired a love-hate relationship quite like Barbie. On one hand, she was to be hated for her figure, her hair, her clothes, and her generally 'far more beautiful than me' airs. On the other hand, how much can one really hate a doll that mutely acquiesces to a dozen wardrobe changes a day, never once so much as frowning upon her eight-year-old owner’s undeveloped tastes? We left her behind, but for certain talented and creative photographers the likes of Michelle Brusegaard, a little part of her lived on in the dresses we kept, wishing they were just a few hundred sizes bigger so we could wear them ourselves. Brusegaard’s enviably original photo gallery of vintage and handmade Barbie dresses in various poses and patterns, ranging from the floral elegance of Royal Mod and the soft femininity of Yellow and Grey to the stylish simplicity of Another Pretty Dress (black and white) and the radiant, sweet innocence of Peaches and Cream, is a must-see for anyone who loves to see a fresh idea fleshed out just right. And for what it’s worth, the photographer’s beautiful non-Barbie compositions, not to mention her many and various paintings, prints, and other media, are well worth discovering on their own (I mean really, who is this talented?)

Of course, anyone who subscribes to Wishing Willow knows we’re loved for our giveaways, and no first-of-January feature would be complete without offering a unique and lovely calendar as a prize. Thus it’s serendipitous that Michelle has agreed to offer the winner of this drawing one of her own original Desk Calendars, simply for taking the time to browse her online collection. To qualify, visit Made By Michelle Brusegaard, then come back here to tell us about your favorite item in Michelle's shop. Tell us in a second post if you subscribe to Wishing Willow, since our subscribers receive an extra entry in the contest. To post without a Google account, just click “anonymous.” Be sure to also leave your email address. The winner will be chosen randomly. Contest ends 1/09/09.

We have a winner! Kate who said, "I am overwhelmed by how much I love everything Michelle has made! I think I'll go with the super stationary set so I could have a variety of designs!"