The Ultimate Fashion Statement: Матрёшка

Most of the matryoshkas consist of five dolls and that's how many names they are known of: matryoshka, nesting doll, babushka doll, Russian doll, stacking doll. They have come a long way since the first set was crafted in 1890 by doll maker Vasily Zvyozdochkin and hand-painted by folk artist Sergey Malyutin. In addition to being the most popular Russian souvenir, the cheerful, kerchief-wearing women keep inspiring the world of fashion. Even the biggest brands have apparel featuring the nesting doll motif. Just think of the matryoshka clutch that Karl Lagerfeld presented as part of Chanel's 2009 pre-fall 'Paris-Moscou' collection.

My sister collects the authentic matryoshkas and I contribute to her collection with less precious pieces, e.g. fashion accessories, crocheted doll, etc. There is a huge variety of merchandise depicting the character, ranging from home accessories to clothing items. Here are the ones I like the most:

Bed linen - Come inside
Pillow case - Riky and Nina
Wall stickers - Baby Roo
Shoes - Hippy of Doom
Handbag - Hanaha
Tea set - Amazon
Baby dress - Lolah Pop Vintage Baby
Christmas ornament - Golden Cockerel
Stationery - Egg Press
Rubber stamps - The Small Object
Bento box - Sugar Charms
Applique pattern for DIY projects - Arlyna
Costume - Craftzine