It all started when Robert Tonner saw the exhibit of the French Theatre la Mode at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a project that benefited the victims of World War II. He thought of how great it would be to do something like this today, with current fashion designers. He thought that a contemporary exhibit of dolls dressed in designs by famous designers would be a wonderful fundraiser for a worthwhile charity.

Tonner set out to make his idea a reality, and his first and biggest job was to get the fashion designers to participate. Since he used to work for Bill Blass, he went to him first. Bill was very excited about the idea and agreed to participate right away. Donna Karan was the second one to join in, and others followed. Everyone who heard about the idea really loved it. The more than 30 designers involved also include Carolina Herrera, Issey Miyake and Michael Kors. Tonner provided two of his American Models to each designer, which resulted in two different one-of-a-kind outfits from each one.

Ten of these beautifully outfitted dolls were sold in a preview auction that was conducted by Christie's on August 26 1995 at the 2nd Annual Doll & Teddy Bear Expo in Arlington, Virginia. All of the proceeds were donated to the Children's National Medical Center of Washington, D.C. The bulk of the fashion dolls would be auctioned at a later date.

For approximately 3 weeks, October 5 thru the 27 of 1995, the remainder of the Tonner American Fashion Models in their one-of-a-kind designer originals were exhibited at the Parsons School of Design, of New York City for a spectacular fashion show of dolls. (See large photo above)

On Valentines day 1996, a Benefit Dinner and Auction was held at New York City's famous Roseland Ballroom. Hollywood celebrities, the mavens of the fashion trade and talented artist of the Doll Industry gathered together to have an auction to raise money for the American foundation for Aides Research (AmFAR). The name of the event - "Dolls Have Heart", and was hosted by fellow doll lover and collector - actress Demi Moore. Doll enthusist and stars alike paid from $100 to $1,000 for tickets to this event.

But the true stars of the evening were the Robert Tonner's American Model dolls. 57 of these beauties dressed in the one-of-a-kind creations designed by some of the industries leading designers such as Bill Blass, Carolina Herrera, Calvin Klein, Anna Sui, Betsey Johnson, Oscar de La Renta, Donna Karen, and Ralph Lauren just to name a few, and were auctioned off to the highest bidder. And just to give you an idea of how the bidding ran, the Maxmara doll, (left in Brown coat), sold for $6,200. The Dolce & Gabbana doll, (held by Ms. Moore in photo above), was purchased by Bruce Willis with the high bid of the night of $50,000. Demi herself stepped away with a Donna Karan which she purchased for $3,800.

Robert Tonner stated that he had always wanted to contribute to the fight against aides, especially because the fashion and doll industries had been hit so hard.

The event was staged as a live and silent auction, and raised $280,000.00 for this worthy cause.