The People's Princess vinyl portrait doll by the Franklin Mint is arguably one of the most successful Diana commemorative items ever made, and probably the most lucrative, if not for the Mint, then for an assortment of people who cater to her collectors.   The doll and her wardrobe collection were launched in 1998 and have continued to be hugely popular more than 10 years after her death.

The collection started with a 15½” vinyl doll wearing a blue knit suit.    Eventually, more than two dozen more of Diana’s outfits have been either added directly to her wardrobe as separate ensembles or on dressed dolls.  For more about Princess Diana dolls, please see my other eBay Guides. 

Unfortunately, the Mint gave up issuing separate ensembles in 2003.  Since then, it has issued more dolls, but dropped the wardrobe, preferring to sell collectors more dressed dolls.

In a desperate response to the Mint’s dilatory attitude, some collectors began recreating outfits that the Mint missed.  Some did this for themselves, some for friends and fellow collectors, setting off what has become a high-dollar and exclusive sector of the doll collecting community.  These folks attempted all aspects of Diana’s wardrobe, ranging from classic suits and smart day dresses to elaborate evening gowns, fabulous cocktail dresses and leisure wear such as swimsuits and other sports apparel.  Most use photos from books, magazines and the Christie’s auction catalogue as a reference guide.

Eventually, dressmakers who specialised in other dolls were attracted to sewing for Diana because of the huge demand.  Some of these have been able to command HUGE prices for their work, and while some of these gave value for money, some collectors haven’t always been given their money’s worth.

You will see many custom outfits claiming to be for the FM Princess Diana on eBay.  Some are excellent, well done replicas of ensembles she wore during her life; some are fantasy creations which quite frankly, often push the ephemeral envelope of tastefulness into a dimension which makes sleazy Las Vegas lounge singer glitz seem classy by comparison,  pushing Diana into the Barbie-zone of outrageous make-believe. 

Other times, you will see Diana dressed in outfits belonging to other dolls such as Tyler Wentworth, FM’s Elizabeth Taylor or Brenda Starr with descriptions sounding as if FM had released it as a limited run item or had originally intended for Diana to wear them.  Many don’t even fit the doll properly and often the seller hasn't revealed that the outfit isn’t fastened in the back or that special arranging has been done for the photo shoot. 

Of course, some collectors don’t mind going beyond what Diana wore and feel that they are keeping her alive by imagining how things could have turned out.  If you don’t share this opinion, you may need to do a little research in order to make sure that what you are buying is truly a rare and wonderful item meant for Diana, rather than another doll’s cast-offs or a seller’s imagination run amok to plump up a final bid or even worse, the result of someone using up a remnant fabric stash left over from the Gene Halloween witch’s outfits done five years ago for a fashion doll convention!  Egad.

A few sellers buy outfits from the educated Diana dressmaking sellers and repackage them in some way, often pricing them at levels way beyond the original cost, using misleading descriptions while occasionally adding accessories that aren’t right for the outfit and seldom offering additional value for the money.  The other effect of this type of seller is that they artificially inflate the market by projecting the impression that this is the load the general Diana replica market will bear.

How do they mislead?  I have seen some dillies.  One seller edited her doll photo and cropped Diana’s head onto it which made it appear that Diana herself had worn the gown (which was a figment of the seller’s imagination.)  This was not mentioned in the description.  Another seller (who doesn’t sew) has been selling outfits designed and sold for other FM dolls (such as Vanna White or Elizabeth Taylor) and stating in the auction, quite factually, that “This is an FM gown” but adding that it is “for your Diana Princes off Wales” [sic] which can trick a buyer into thinking that the item was made by FM FOR Diana.  Some sellers like to dub their items “rare” or “unique.”  Beware.

They may state that the item is OOAK (“One of a Kind”) or a “limited edition,” either ignoring or not understanding that using those terms mean that only the number they indicate (one or whatever the edition limit was) exists.  Don’t be goaded into bidding big bucks for these items.  Just because I have an item (of which thousands were made) and put it on another item (again, made in the thousands) it doesn't make that item "one of a kind."  That is fuzzy math meant to convince uneducated buyers into parting with their cash.  

If the outfit you want goes too high, you can always ask the seller to make another one OR if s/he says it’s not possible, find another sewing seller.  Sellers can set up an auction for a custom order with a buy-it-now in order to stay inside eBay rules.  It is a very rare occurrence that someone will have only enough fabric to make one outfit. 

Typically, it isn’t cost effective for a seamstress to find fabric, design a pattern, make a mockup and sew an outfit ONCE, although I am advised that it does occasionally happen, depending on the complexity of the whole project--materials, labor and techniques involved.  One can never be sure that at least one more hasn't been made for him/herself or being sold off eBay.  I don’t blame collecting sellers for this; I blame them for being disingenuous about how many there are, not that I personally care about having OOAK items.

Some sewing sellers have not always considered that their work may damage their customers’ dolls.  Fabrics can leach dye into the vinyl which may require treatment to remove (or which may stain the doll permanently.)  Sleeves sewn too tight can cause a doll owner to strain the thumbs and fingers of the doll when pulling on long sleeves.  Unlined items with snaps or other metallic notions can scratch or create dents in vinyl or pull snags in fabric during storage if the item comes in contact with something else.

Some things buyers should ask sellers when shopping for clothing for their Franklin Mint Princess Diana doll:

1. Did you make this item yourself or are you reselling it?
2. Do you fit your items on an FM Diana doll?  (Other dolls which have other measurements could be being used as mannequins, making for a poor fit.)
3. Is this a replica of something Diana actually wore?
4. Do you have a photo of Diana wearing the original item OR can you cite a reference book or web site with a photo?
5. Have you edited auction photos in any way (adjusting colors, cropping items out, magically adding items in)?
6. What are the differences between your version & Diana’s? 
7. What kind of fabric is used?
8. How many of these have you made?
9. Is the item is lined? If so, in what color and fabric?
10. Are you supplying any accessories?  If so, what specifically, especially if the auction photo shows such items with the doll?  (Shoes, hat/s, jewelry, belts)  If not, can you refer me to your supplier?
11. Do you provide a story card or certificate?
12. How do you ship your items (boxed, padded envelope)?
13. Do you have a web site where I can see other examples of your work?
14. If the seller is no longer willing to sew the item (OOAKs or limited editions) can/will they recommend a competitor who may be able to help?
15. ARE YOU A MEMBER OF THE PRINCESS DIANA DOLL CLUB?  Have you received one of the Club’s “Royal Dressmaker” Awards? 

 Who are some good eBay Diana replica sellers?  Check the sellers on this list (check back occasionally, this list will be updated as new sellers are identified.

• 333show
• alanab
• dollies4me
• mscravitz
• nonaalaska
• saxien
• schmaltz-20
• sweetcreations

What are my qualifications for giving this advice?  I have been collecting replica outfits for the FM Princess Diana doll for quite some time and I have purchased items from nearly two dozen Diana dressmakers.  I’m not sure how many custom outfits I have, but to give you an idea, it takes twelve Franklin Mint Diana trunks to store them.  Only one contains original FM People’s Princess items—the other eleven are all filled with items I have purchased from custom doll dressmakers (and a few of the FM porcelain Princess Diana doll gowns—there are very few customizers who can match the quality and attention to detail on creations such as the Elvis gown!)

I have bought some good ones and I have bought some utter crap.  I would like to save others from the same disappointment I have experienced when I haven't felt I received value for my money.

I am constantly looking out for "good" Diana designers.  If you sew, and you are wondering what will put you on this list, I'm willing to look at your work and consider you.  I may turn you down because I have very high standards...and if I haven't seen your work first hand, I probably won't add your ID to my list.  If you are new to the Diana collecting community, I may ask you to wait and ask again after you have established a reputation.

I do plan to update this with links and possibly photos, but wished to get it put up as soon as possible.  Please check back occasionally.  Please note:  I will not provide appraisals or valuations.