Into The Rabbit Hole With Franklin Lim Liao

Franklin Lim Liao is very well known for the spectacular and award winning costumes he wears at the doll conventions. But today, instead of looking at pictures of Franklin, we'll see a series of pictures he shot entitled "Into the Rabbit Hole."  The cats are the humorous stars of this photo shoot. Look carefully at the 4th picture. What do you think?

I believe the doll is a redressed Azone Pure Neemo Alice Aika. I'm normally not attracted to anime style faces but this line is very interesting. They are 1/6 scale and not inexpensive.  I love the outfits.

Azone Classic Alice Aika Cheshire Cat Ver.

Classic Alice koron Amazon.co.jp

Black Alice Lien Amazon.co.jp

From what I'm gleaning on Flickr and amazon.co.jp, there are a several different dolls with this theme and there are several themes and lines of Azone Pure Neemo dolls.  They're all dressed in these wonderful fashions which fit the theme of their line. They're apparently very popular and sell out quickly.

These last two are from the latest series Witches' Magical Land. Both about $156. each. Of course you would have to pay shipping from Japan if you could score one of them. At Hobby Search, they're sold out with waiting lists only.

While you're at Hobby Search, check out the Pure Neemo bodies. I love the 'snap' together and pull apart ability. You can change the hands, the torso and more. That's gotta be fun.

"Snow White" Kumi and "Rose Red" Yuri Price Drop!

I blogged about these Nu.Fantasy dolls here:
http://terrigoldphoto.blogspot.com/2010/05/integrity-announces-bic-exclusive-two.html

The W Club announced the price reduction on these dolls from Azone and BIC, Integrity dealers in Japan, supposedly due to the strength of the yen and negotiations with the factory. That doesn't sound honest to me. If these dolls were flying out the door, the yen could have been as strong as ever and the price would have stayed the same. The reception from collectors to this pair was quite cool and I think the lack of interest spurred the price drop more than the strength of the yen.
It's the economic principle of supply and demand in action. Consumers won't buy -> supply is great -> price drops.
Deceptive backpedaling.
Why couldn't they just say they priced the dolls too high for this market and have adjusted the price accordingly?
Would negotiations with the factory go like this? "We won't pay you and your children will starve?"

Dollystyle Convention Featured Souvenir Dolls

The Dollystyle Convention just took place in Tokyo on November 21-22. Attendees were presented with a stunning Amelie (Misaki's friend) dressed all in pink. Her fashion is a a throw back to the first Misaki doll who was dressed similarly but all in black. Amelie is called "Tokyo A Go Go." The original Misaki was called "Tokyo Here We Go!"
There was also an uber-limited Tokyo Here We Go - Marui Misaki released when the Nippon line began. I wanted this doll for such a long time and then I stopped collecting Misaki. She was dressed all in white and only 100 were ever made. I still admire this doll.

The other doll took me by surprise and until I was able to secure one I was on pins and needles. She is called "Night Warrior" and has the Vanessa sculpt.
Registrants also received the following items. This partial list was posted by Robsdolls.

DollyStyle Tote Bag(The 1st two were great!)
DollyStyle Tumbler
DollyStyle Pen
ECO Cute Bag-gift from Bar-B
Mini Cosmetic bag-gift from PB Factory
Momoko Doll-Gift from Sekiguchi
Doll Stockings-Gift from Azone
Mini Doll or Blythe items-Gift from Toms Toys & Goods

The convention was sponsored by BIC Co., Ltd. owned by the wonderful Kazue.