Violett and Gabby by Doug James: The Sequel

I have gone to the source for the best description of the new Violett and Gabby dolls, Doug James himself. The proud Papa of these lovely new resin BJDs was at MetroDolls this past weekend.

Violett, the doll Doug is holding, was played with by me at the event. I found her articulation to be excellent. I actually put her on the table to see if her legs would support her body and she stood on her own. (Don't try that at home.) That is very important to me as a photographer. She can touch her face. She can cross her legs. She can put her hands behind her head. I think she looks a lot like Joan Collins - the young version. All she needs is some big hair and lots of jewelry.
Each doll is a limited edition of only 20 pieces! 

The dolls are $485. with free US shipping.

Here is what Doug wrote:

The new Violett and Gabby dolls are in many ways the same as the originals, they're 16 inches tall, they have have many points of articulation and  they can wear most of the clothing of other 16 inch dolls.  There are, however, lots of differences, too.  The new young ladies are a very high quality resin and they have 14 points of articulation, not 12.  Although the body is very similar, it has been resculpted and refined. They have a slightly smaller bust; their hands are more graceful; the painted eyes are just a bit smaller and more natural; their ears are more refined and in general there's more detail in their bodies. The resin  Violett and Gabby have light body blushing, French manicures and beautifully done hand painted faces.
 
This first edition of Violett and Gabby are "The Somers and Field Black and White Gala" Both girls are dressed for the London store's yearly black and white event which has a 1920's theme this year (1969.)   Violett has borrowed her Mum's Onyx bracelet and Gabby borrowed her Mum's double-strand pearl bracelet.  Violet wears a mini dress, very 20's, of black and white micro sequins and paillettes with black and white organza straps that wrap around and become a bow under the bust.  She has black and white earrings (her ears are pierced through the earlobe and out the back, not into her head) and 3 bracelets.  She has a small black velvet handbag and her sandal T-strap shoes are beaded with white and gun metal grey beads.  Her black Bob wig has a clear rhinestone clip at the side.  Both girls come with a custom clear plexiglass stand and authenticity card. Violett is available now.

Gabby, who is coming the beginning of the year, has beautiful caramel skin and brown eyes.  She wears a honey blond wig and has grey faceted drop earrings.  She wears 2 large bracelets and carries a black and white checked handbag.  Her 20's inspired dress has a white satin finish under dress with a black net overlay that is striped with tiny black sequins.  Her strappy shoes have black bows at the toes with a grey gem in the center and black criss-cross ankle straps. We are taking reservations for Gabby currently.

Alexandra Forbes has graciously taken several amazing photos of both Violett and Gabby and they're can be seen there as well as the pictures on the link to the dolls order page at http://www.ceddolls.com/gabbyviolett.htm

Doug James and Doll Show in New Jersey

I made my way over to Teaneck, New Jersey today to attend the Doll Show at the Rothman Center at Fairleigh Dickinson University. I set my clocks ahead last night and set my alarm for 7:00 AM. When I awoke at 8:30AM I discovered that I had set my clock to PM instead of AM. Oh well.  Lucky for me it wasn't a missed flight or a job interview. My friends arrived pretty much at the same time so I was OK.
I'd never been to this show which takes place every few months. Most of the booths are selling vintage dolls and accessories. I love the truly vintage items but I dare not even think about going there with my collecting. There are several dealers selling modern fashion dolls.
A bunch of us crazy collectors gathered at a large table to eat lunch and have a show and tell! Dolls were passed around and there were lots of oohs and aahs to be heard. I had a great time and will definitely be attending again. If you are in the general area - NY, NJ, CT, PA - think about coming. 

I was very happy to finally meet Doug James in person. For those who are not familiar with his work, Doug James worked with the late Laura Meisner for the L.L. Knickerbocker Co. to design and create
 
Mod British Birds, Willow and Daisy. (link) There is no official link for Daisy and Willow.  (link)

You can find many images of these dolls on the Yahoo group by the same name. I have a nice collection of them. They are interesting and very pretty dolls but their bodies are stiff without articulation. Many collectors dress their Tyler and Ellowyne dolls in the clothing which is mod 60's era styling.

Doug designed the CED dolls

Portrait Claire ~ Image Property of Doug James

Violet and Gabby

Image Property of Doug James

Image Property of Doug James

And now he has created Seine, Sayer and Sebastian Fashion Dolls.

Seine ~ Image Property of Doug James

See the link for more images of these new dolls, their fashions and wigs that are currently available.

Here is Doug himself holding Sebastian for me as I took this picture.  (At least I think this doll is Sebastian.)  If you like a male doll with a body that says hunk, this may be the doll for you! He is anatomically correct and fine to look at, almost as cute as Doug. :-)

Getting back to the doll show...I did not bring a camera because I didn't want the event to turn into work for me but I couldn't resist taking a few shots with my iPhone.

Click on this link to see the pictures I took today and remember they are made with a phone. Be kind. Hehe.

Doll Show - Rothman Center at FDU