In 1970, after thorough market research and much fanfare, Topper Toys' of New York City dazzled the 68th Annual American Toy Fair with a 6 1/2" high fashion doll optimistically christened Dawn (body measurements: 2 3/8 by 1 3/4 by 2 3/4 inches). Her reign would be too short but sumptuous, thus assuring her collectibility amonth a generation that found her, in the words of her promoters, "A lovely, fresh, young titillating (sic) girl."
Dawn was the pet project of Topper's president and owner, Henry Orenstein. Though they were criticized for reinforcing sexual stereotypes, Orenstein's successes included Suzy Homemaker for little girls and Johnny Lightening race cars for their male counterparts. Anxious to launch his own majestic rival to Mattel's phenomenal Barbie, he came up with the idea for Dawn. "He took an obsessive delight in every aspect of Dawn."
Grandee, a renowned designer of great diverstiy, was summoned by Orenstein fresh from doing Cary Grant's office at Faberge's Fifth Avenue headquarters. They worked closely together to create a disarmingly delectable little lifestyle based on that of an actual 20-year-old model/actress named Susan. "Susan was like a beautiful, living doll. She was as sweet as they looked, with this Holly GoLightly way about her, and this inspired Henry. He, in turn, inspired me creatively,"Grandee says. "He had final say on all the designs. I think Henry was brilliant. We had a great deal of fun creating Dawn!"
Life imitated Dawn for her debut at Toy Fair. Lively fashion shows featuring real models were held. There were five baroque presentations a day, including a gold lame' swimsuit sequence. The buyers, who included literally thousands of men, ordered like crazy. Dawn was a smash! Topper Toys had succeeded in creating a doll that was not just different in size (although this was important because, according to their research, children preferred the smaller, more manageable proportions), but different in style. Compared to the somewhat suburban Barbie -- or even Mattel's own 6 1/2" high entry for next year, the flashily folksy Rock Flower--Dawn's image was pure glitz.
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