From the 42 page retrospective of YSL in Paris Match, I was very amused by this photo. Fashion hasn’t really changed with designers playing or planning their collections with paper dolls. Maybe not going as far as creating model cut-outs to envision the runway presentation, but these flat design “dolls” are certainly used to merchandise the collection. This enables spontaneous decision making, essential for all designers continuously creating in their minds. The digital world has transformed the paper doll method with graphic programs simulating color, line and pattern. Fashion is always about change with many options so these electronic tools bring speed and clarity to present the concepts. But the YSL method isn’t completely outdated. Fashion sites such as Stardoll have brought the cut-out doll into this generation’s culture. Creating celebrity clothing suites and closets, users can drag and drop illustrated designs from the racks creating their own outfits using their favorite “stardoll.” Now, they have built virtual shopping malls with designer boutiques. You can shop your favorite brands virtually and actually.
