This Riley is one of 6 samples that we had made testing the possibility of production with rooted hair. We never produced these dolls. She has thick, long blonde braids on the articulated body that came into being later in Riley’s history.

Back in 2004, when Riley was fairly new in the market, a doll clothing designer by the name of Elizabeth Miesner sent me a beautiful clothing set that she created for Riley, with all the accoutrements to dress her sweetly for Easter Sunday. From the straw hat on her head to the pink Mary Jane shoes - Riley is a virtual fashion plate. Her dress is made of pale pink organdy, replete with vertical tucks in bodice, with laced trimmed puffed sleeves and a white cotton collar embroidered in tiny roses; the skirt is gathered at the waist with more tucks near the hem. Tiny gingham ribbons finish the hem & accent both the waistline and the hat in long bows. Of course, she has the proper slip, undies and shorty socks that a young lady of her age and era would be wearing. And last of all, she carries her very own tiny Holy Bible.

I have enjoyed this darling set over the years, beautifully displayed in a decorative box. And now that I am ready to let go of the rare rooted hair Rileys - it seemed like a perfect fit to make this rare Riley that much more unique.