Lillian Russell paper doll - Gets a New Look

A very popular actress of her day was Lillian Russell, so it is no surprise that L&B
(Littauer & Boysen) would have chosen to use her likeness on one of their paper dolls.
They made the beauty into a ballerina doll and celebrated her "curves" by allowing
the doll to have full and rounded limbs just as the real lady of the day did.

I was especially thrilled to give this gem in my collection a new variety of 

color choices  regarding her costume and a new up-do for added interest.

Altered version of my original Lillian Russell paper doll by L&B - Teal

I acquired the original vintage paper doll of Lillian back in 2011 along with the Adelina Patti doll.  Both these paper dolls traveled an ocean to reach me, since they were in Australia at the time I purchased them.  I was especially thrilled to be purchasing a Lillian Russell doll even though she was paired with blue ballet slipper legs rather than the pink ones she should have had.
I posted all about her at the time of the purchase, which you can see - HERE

A few weeks later I was able to purchase the correct set of pink ballet legs
and now I have an authentically correct doll with all the correct parts.

Several dolls from my original c1890 L&B paper doll collection

 My Lillian Russell paper doll is quite large; when assembled,
she is 14 inches from the top of her head to the tip of her pointed toes.

Now that I had all the correct parts for her, I made a new scan to create this image of her.

A slightly altered scanned image of my original L&B vintage paper doll of Lillian Russell

I'm sure you will note the well rounded upper arms and full thighs on this doll.


You have to remember that in the late 1800's and early 1900's a curvy and
well rounded woman was a thing of beauty, especially with a corseted waist.
Lillian Russell was celebrated for having a hearty appetite and the large curves to go along
with it, so it's not unusual that her doll recreates the well rounded beauty in those areas as well.

Vintage photos of Lillian Russell - Actress and curvy beauty of her day.
Both show her well rounded upper arm quite well.

A Plus Sized Lillian Russell c1899

Lillian Russell was always a curvy beauty and adored by the public
even when her weight reached over 200 pounds.

 Being a "curvy" girl myself I love seeing vintage photos of the more shapely divas.

Now that you have seen photos of the lady in question I hope you appreciate the
rounded loveliness of the L&B paper doll that was created to emulate her.

Here again I after viewing so many photos of Lillian I decided she too needed a bit more
dramatic hair style.  My goal was to accent her rather than getting too wild
so I just added in a bit of an up-do for her.

Before and After comparison of the original doll head to my altered version showing more of an updo style

I like the extra bit of hair that give the appearance of a more formal Victorian hairdo,
however if you are cutting out one of these paper dolls and prefer the original style,
you can easily cut the extra bit away. Either way, she's still a winner in my book.

Once I had a new hairstyle for her, I worked on her costume so I had a rainbow of
choices to play with.  I hope you enjoy the color selection for this altered beauty.
 I also trimmed a bit off her upper arms, they are still "full" in size but not quiet as large as the original doll parts.  I did this so they did a better job of fitting the dolls bodice when she was assembled.  Lillian still remains a curvy girl but her pieces are better proportioned for assembly.

Altered version of my original Lillian Russell paper doll by L&B - Black

Altered version of my original Lillian Russell paper doll by L&B -Gold

Altered version of my original Lillian Russell paper doll by L&B -Green

Altered version of my original Lillian Russell paper doll by L&B - Peach

Altered version of my original Lillian Russell paper doll by L&B - Peacock

Altered version of my original Lillian Russell paper doll by L&B - Petal Pink

Altered version of my original Lillian Russell paper doll by L&B - Pink

Altered version of my original Lillian Russell paper doll by L&B - Plum

Altered version of my original Lillian Russell paper doll by L&B - Powder Blue

Altered version of my original Lillian Russell paper doll by L&B - Silver

Altered version of my original Lillian Russell paper doll by L&B - White

And once more this is the Teal version I started off with at the very beginning of the post.

Altered version of my original Lillian Russell paper doll by L&B -Teal

I hope you find these versions of the original vintage L&B Lillian Russell paper doll entertaining and I hope you get a chance to browse the Internet to discover more about the life she led.
She was a fascinating individual with a very colorful past and it makes for an interesting read.


I'll be back soon with another L&B Beauty.

Till Next Time...