My name is Ilmira. I live in France, 50 km from Paris.
I Igraduated from St. Petersburg State University and worked several years as journalist.  I was writing articles about art and culture of France  for various magazines.

The acquaintance with Samy Odin, director of Antique dolls museum of Paris, and with Francois Theimer, famous expert on history of French dolls changed my life. I made interviews with these people  and they have become my guides in the world of antique dolls.
Francois got me acquainted with well-known French collectors and antique doll-dealers. These relationships became stronger with time and I was being able to buy dolls, clothing, accessories.
I was studying old magazines, history of old fashion, buying antique fabrics and laces in Parisian antique shops, fleamarkets and this way I've began to make costumes for antique French dolls. You can see my works here www.talalayphoto.com/dress 

I started selling these dresses and also original French dresses on eBay (you can find my ebay page here). After several years my name became known among collectors.

If you'll come to Paris and want to see my dolls, this is not a problem. Just email me before your visit.

 Thanks.