My own Signature Style Tyler Wentworth, dressed in a Gene Marshall outfit.
Photo by Stratos Bacalis
Dressed to the nines. As Tyler Wentworth should always be. Ready to celebrate her 15th anniversary. as dear Tommy Courtney (who spend a decade with her, making her look glamorous and fantastic through his photographs for Tonner Doll) kindly reminds us in his lovely commemorative article. On the 14th of December 1999, the first Tyler Wentworth dolls shipped to retailers. And thus begun a dream story, with a core idea so simple, yet so powerful: The power of play.
A version of Tyler that became a classic throughout her career - and embodied her "life" and story more than any other is the Signature Style Tyler. The first one, in 1999 (above), had some problems at first, but quickly became the darling of collectors. And while the doll progressed through the years. the style became a staple that kept on being re-released as a basic dressed doll version of Tyler - and a great entry doll for those seeking to discover Tyler's world. Fashion designer extraordinaire. She even got her own design desk and atelier accessories. I hope I will be able to find a set one day for my signature style Tyler. Yes, my one and only Tyler Wentworth doll is a BW (bending wrist) Signature Style with raven hair from 2004.
Signature Style Tyler through the years
Of course through the years she came with a magnificent wardrobe, lots of accessories, many friends (and a boyfriend, who finally married her) and furniture - even a piano! She even got released in a resin BJD version (with inset eyes even). She got to wear some of the best designs Tonner has ever released, from suits to gowns to casual wear, from pret-a-porter to haute couture - even goth! I am a proud owner of some, even one from the first ever collection in 1999: the Central Park Benefit Luncheon suit, exquisitely made.
Central Park Benefit Luncheon, outfit only, 1999
Even her body evolved. From the original one with articulation only at the shoulders, hips and knees, she gradually became articulated at the elbows, waist, wrists, bust and even got interchangeable feet: high heeled, flat and even ballet arched ones. She even got a new sculpt in 2007, with a slightly more angular face. The power of play indeed.
Fifteen Years Dressed Doll, 2014
Fashion Design Weekly Awards, outfit only, 1999
Chicago Sophisticate LE 500
United Federation of Doll Clubs (UFDC) "Fin du Millenaire" Convention
Standing Ovation Gold - Special Edition
Tonner Doll 10th Anniversary Celebration Convention, May 2001
Papillion, 2002
Cinema Satins Tyler Centerpiece
Special Edition, Collector's United, 2003
Anniversary Gala, 2004
I'm a lucky owner of this amazing outfit
Red Hot
Tonner Doll Company Convention 2004
Grand Tour. 2004
One of a Kind
Tonner Doll Company Convention; Auctioned for Children Affected by AIDS Foundation
Femme en Noir, 2004
Cherished Friends Exclusive
Toscano, 2005
Ski Retreat, 2005
Wild Spice, 2006
High Style Grand Finale, 2006
Reverie Publishing Exclusive Edition
First Tyler doll with applied eyelashes
Winter Fantasy Centerpiece, 2006
Boston Winter Fantasy Extravaganza
Casino Jade, 2007
Autumn Gold, 2007
Wigged doll
Versailles & Versailles Courtier
Paris Fashion Doll Festival, 2007
Au milieu de l’hiver, 2008
Special Tyler exclusive for Kathy Moreau’s Boutique Museum in Paris, France
Mademoiselle à la Mode, 2008
Paris Fashion Doll Festival
Ultra-Basic Goth, 2008
Tonner Doll Nightmares Halloween Convention
Shown wearing the table favor set
A Perfect Ten, 2009
Tonner Direct Exclusive, 10th anniversary
Tyler's wedding to Matt O'Neil, Sydney and Marley are bridesmaids
Tonner Doll Collector's Convention - On Film 2009
2010 Ultra Basic - Raven, 2010
Tonner Direct Exclusive
I think this is the first pale Tyler, Lily skintone
Signature Statement, 2011
Fire Opal, 2011
A Whole Nu Mood, 2012
IDEX Event Website Exclusive
There were only basic Tyler dolls in 2012
Classic Elegance, 2013
All photos (except the first one) courtesy of Tonner Doll