Sindy Our Pedigree Girl Of The 60's

In 1965 the Tri-ang toy train production at the Rovex factory in Richomd was moved to Margate. This left a factory just waiting for something else to produce, and so the 'Gear Get Ups' range by Mamselle was born, catering for all 9 and 12 inch fashion dolls, but marketed especially towards Sindy. Patch and Paul, as stated on the boxes. Production of these outfit was phased out in 1967, just two years of production, in small quantities has meant that this range is in the 'rare as hens teeth' catagory today..always fetching huge prices at auction by die hard collectors. Some outfits are ´easier´ to find than others though.

My budget has been stretched to the limit over my few collecting years, but I could never afford Mamselle prices, so it is with great pleasure, and a huge sigh of relief that Helen Carter has introduced absolutley perfect reproductions of some of the outfits in the Mamselle range. I consider Helen a good friend and I have visited the Sindy Retro behind the scenes, everything is made to actual size of original and is the same/close as possible fabrics, new and vinatge fabrics are used to get results that you just can´t believe, the standard of tailoring  is far superior to Sindy's original outfits and all outfits carry the Sindy Repro, made in London label.

For those that are like me and can´t afford the real thing, these outfits will not disapoint, here's a link to Helens fantastic site, and don't forget, Helen also takes comissions as well....

http://www.sindy-repro.com/sindy-repro.com/SINDY%20.html

1963 Sindy wears Mamselle 'Wild Cat'..and what a   way out groovy outfit this is, Mamselle filled the fashion gap between Sindys first release 'home counties' outfits and her later 'Kings Road' look perfectly. The fitted bodice and flared 'skirt' of the coat are in red crepé, edged down the front in black braid with two authentic, flat, 'factory fitted' poppers, hem, cuffs and high collar are in a flat pile leopard print fur and match the tam 'o' shanter style hat with black elasticated rim. Also with this outfit comes an exact replica of her bag, in satin cotton backed PVC, cut and sewn just as the original was, even with working flap and 'gold' 'clasp'. I have accessorised this outfit with a pair of white boots of the period and a pair of cats eye glasses to go along with the wild cat theme, Sindy looks a million dollars and certainly must be the envy of all the other girls in the high street.

 Off to a pop concert, maybe to hear her favourite group ´The Dolly Beats´, Sindy wears 'Mamselle' reproduction 'Fan Club'...so up to the minute and perfect for all that jumping up and down and girating to the latest hip sounds, Sindy is comfy as well as ultra trendy in her white cotton jersey T shirt with a bold Sindy 'S' printed on the front, her mini skirt is in the latest material, denim, in grey with grey belt loops and a jazzy red plastic belt threaded though to match her 'S' logo T shirt. I've accessorised this outfit with a short pair of red boots of the time. A great little outfit, I can almost hear the Beatles ! Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.....

Here are two more of Helens stunning outfits, which I picked up on my last visit, great to see you again Helen, and keep up the excellent work.

 Cresida looks every inch the high fashion model in her juanty holiday outfit, 'All Aboard', she bought it especially for her trip to Italy. So she tells me anyway. The top is navy nylon with white 'string vest' material over it and also used for the sleeves, with  little navy 'cuff' detail to finish.The cropped pants are white cotton drill with a groovy flare ending in two stripes of binding in navy and red. Sindy wears a sailor hat in navy cotton with a textured PVC peak and 'gold' anchor emblem at the front. She carries all she needs for the beach in her PVC duffle bag with fun red and white stripe cord. I've accessorised this outfit with a pair of red sneakers. Another stunning and extremley acurate outfit. You can just see Cresida walking through the narrow cobbled streets of Capri, finding her way down to a bustling bay of tourists and locals.

 'Sugar and Spice', and all things nice, thats definatly what Sindy is made of in this yummy rich pink shift  dress. She hits the high fashion note at every party she goes to in her cotton dress with navy cotton yoke insert edged in white lace and topped with a white PVC rounded collar. I'v accessorised this groovy simple shift with a pair of black 'Cinderella' shoes, a great little number and so 'of it's time'.

I've been very lucky to have purchsed two genuine Mamselle outfits, so here they are in all their glory.............

  Towards the end of the 60's Sindy had a new night time outfit from Mam'selle. 'Gear Nihghtshirt'. Still suiting Sindy's girl next door image, but a bit more up to date and fun, this lovely nightshirt and matching panties was made in crisp blue and white verticle striped cotton with pillar box red binding at the arm holes, rounded hem, and on the 'legs' of the panties. A ruffle of lovely broderie anglais lace acted as a little stand up collar and trimmed the front on the nightshirt, ending in a bright red satin bow. The panties were adorable, with their white broderie anglais lace waist band trim at the front. Sindy even had a night time read, gone was the Penguin book though, and it's it's place was 'Beat Express' a music magazine for her to catch up on the latest chart fliers and toppers. (this beat express is a copy) I've accessorised this outfit with a pair of red, daisy one strp sandals. A really groovy little night time outfit.

 For smart formal occaisions, or when Sindy just wanted to look the height of fashion, and a million dollars all at the same time ! Sindy wore 'Crochet Look' . And what a dress it was, the most delicate of net and crochet wool in a pale cream was used for the bodice and three quarted sleeves, white binding finishing the rounded neck and sleeve ends. The dress flowed down in a sort of 'Empire/smock' design from the bodice, in cream brushed cotton to the knees. At the bust Sindy wore a tiny gold fob watch with it's own minute saftey pin, one of the best details I've ever seen on any Sindy outfit. I've accessorised this outfit with Sindy's lacy stockings (originally it would have come with stocking to match the top of her dress) and Cinderella company shoes. This has to go down a one of my all time favourite Sindy dresses.

 Detail of the fob watch front, and tiny saftey pin, also the delicate net and crochet wool bodice.

 The minute detail at the back of the watch is fantastic, tiny little workings/cogs etc...just stunning.