David Wolfe 1941-2023

 

2015, Chattanooga. 

The paper doll community lost a wonderful friend and artist with the passing of David Wolfe on April 16.

David was the fashion forecaster par excellence, an astute observer of the fashion scene, past, present and future. He was widely quoted in the fashion press as well as in the style pages of the New York Times. Smart and witty, he kept the party moving--and he had great stories to tell about his storied life. David was a wonderful chronicler of his adventures in fashion illustration and forecasting, as you can see here. 

Be sure to explore all of the links to his writing and paper doll art at Paperdollywood.

When I organized my first convention with Sheryl Jaeger in 2008, I knew David Wolfe was the one to emcee the event. I heard him present at the 2007 convention in San Antonio, and he could command the room like no other. 

It wasn't long before he and his best friend, Jenny Taliadoros, organized two conventions, 2011 in Philadelphia, and 2015  in Chattanooga, Tenn.  At many conventions, collectors could find his original paper doll artwork in the silent auction--artwork he generously donated to help organizers cover the costs of the event--in addition to souvenirs that captured the actors and actresses that fueled his dreams as a boy growing up in Ohio. 

When Valerie Keller and I organized the 2017 convention in Philadelphia--with a Swinging '60s theme--he once again emceed and regaled us with stories of his time in London as a fashion illustrator.

With Sharry O'Hare at the 2017 convention in Philadelphia.

David with Ralph Hodgdon and Lorna Thomopoulus in Seattle, 2018.

In the Raffle Room.

This might be Chattanooga...

2008 Piscataway, NJ

The 2017 convention memory board of how we looked in the 1960s...rest in peace, David.

Silent Screen Stars by David Wolfe

If you're like me, you unwind by watching Turner Classic Movies. I'm especially fond of those amazing silent films. There is a haunting mystique to the silents, where every gesture and expression counts for so much. David Wolfe has done a tremendous job of capturing the faces and fashions of the era in his latest paper doll book. 

David focuses on six of the biggest stars of that time: Mary Pickford, Lillian Gish, Gloria Swanson, Clara Bow, Louise Brooks and Greta Garbo. What a line-up! And of course he gives us a brief but compelling commentary on each star and her film career. 

This is must-have for the paper doll collector who is enthralled with movies and fashion -- and isn't that every one of us?

You can order your copy at Paperdoll Review.

Queen Elizabeth on the Screen Paper Dolls

Hollywood's interpretations of  Queen Elizabeth I over the decades -- David Wolfe's informed commentary, beautiful artwork and love of movie and fashion history all come together in this lovely book. paperdollreview.com

Queen Elizabeth on the Screen.....$13.95
by David Wolfe

Queen Elizabeth I was one of history’s most fascinating, powerful and brilliant characters. England enjoyed a golden age during her long and turbulent reign. Her life has inspired many screen treatments, movies and television, and this book showcases the queen as portrayed Bette Davis, Cate Blanchett, Vanessa Redgrave, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren and Glenda Jackon. Costumes from many of the successful motion picture and television versions of the life and loves of the Virgin Queen include:

Les Amours de la Reine Elizabeth starring Sarah Bernhardt. Costumes by Paul Poiret.
The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex starring Bette Davis. Costumes by Orry-Kelly.
The Virgin Queen starring Bette Davis. Costumes by Mary Wills.
Elizabeth starring Cate Blanchett. Costumes by Alexandra Byrne.
Elizabeth, The Golden Age starring Cate Blanchett. Costumes by Alexandra Byrne.
Elizabeth R starring Glenda Jackson. Costumes by Elizabeth Walker.
Shakespeare in Love with Judi Dench. Costumes by Sandy Powell.
Anonymous with Vanessa Redgrave. Costumes by Lisy Christi.
Elizabeth I starring Helen Mirren. Costumes by Mike O’Neil.
Plus costumes from The Queen starring Helen Mirren. Costumes by Consolata Boyle.

Part of a new series by artist and Hollywood fashion historian David Wolfe, this is a super-sized book with six star paper dolls on a cardstock centerfold plus ten pages of clothes!

Hollywood Goes to New York City Paper Dolls

What a great idea for a book! Another beauty by David Wolfe. So many wonderful movies have been set in NYC, from Ziegfeld Girls to Funny Girl to Working Girl. Stage Door, The Women, and of course the fabulous Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Order your copy at paperdollreview.com

Hollywood Goes to New York City.....$12
by David Wolfe

Paper Studio Press continues to focus on Hollywood costumes with a new paper doll book by David Wolfe. Four glamorous paper doll models look like the toast of the town when dressed in outfits from movies set in New York City, some on location, others shot on the studio backlot. Eight pages of glamorous clothes to cut-out go from 42nd Street to Sex in the City and also include such fashionable flicks such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Great Ziegfeld, Auntie Mame, Working Girl and The Women. There are smart suits, gorgeous gowns and show-stopping Follies costumes that capture the cinematic chic of Hollywood’s view of the Big Apple.

Classic Drama Queens by David Wolfe

This is a honey of a book by David Wolfe -- you get David's beautiful artwork and his insight into the movie biz at the height of its glamour. You can order the book at paperdollreview.com

Classic Drama Queens.....$13.95
by David Wolfe

"Classic Drama Queens" pays tribute to stars and costume designs as seen on the screen in the '30s, '40s and '50s...Hollywood's Historic Golden Age.  

The first volume of a super-sized new series, "David Wolfe's History of Hollywood Fashions," provides 6 paper dolls and 10 pages of costumes by famous designers for silver screen star, plus authoritative commentary by David Wolfe, the popular artist and Hollywood fashion historian.

Classic Drama Queens features Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo, Bette Davis, Irene Dunne, Greer Garson and Loretta Young, famous leading ladies from Hollywood's Golden Age. They starred in many important dramatic films, always dressed in beautiful costumes that added to their star quality. This new book, the first in a projected on-going series, spotlights 33 creative costume designs executed by talented designers including Adrian, Edith Head, Robert Kalloch, Bonnie Cashin and Orry-Kelly, among others from any of Hollywood's greatest hits including:
Now, Voyager, Letty Lynton, Mildred Pierce, Peny Serenade, Wild Orchids, Random Harvest, Mrs. Miniver, The Women, All About Eve, Dark Victory, Inspiration, Love Affair, The Bride Wore Red, The Painted Veil, The White Cliffs of Dover, Little Foxes, I Remember Mama, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?, The Letter, Anna Christie, Queen Christina, Camille, The Farmer's Daughter, Juarez, Anna and the King of Siam, Jezebel, Suez 

David Wolfe's Paperdollywood Blog

I can't think of a better way to beat the winter blues than by catching up with David Wolfe on his new blog. Not only does he fill us in on his travels (such as to the Jamaica Flower Market in Mexico City), but he gives us his thoughts on recent museum exhibits, fashion trends, and new paper dolls, by him and other artists. He has a wonderful roundup of Christmas windows in New York City and London department stores.

Of special interest to Paper Collector fans: Dolce & Gabbana's line for Spring 2016 has designs inspired by antique postcards!

Check out David's blog here.