Kingdom Doll Atelier Fashion, Bluebell

I have chosen Electra to model the latest Atelier fashion from Kingdom Doll.
The first four photos are iPhone made.

The gown was created by Amanda. The jewelry by KD jeweler, Mike and the wig by Ilaria. Shoes by Alexandra.

 I did not have the gown on correctly! The front of the gown should rise up so one can see the ankles and feet. There is an additional skirt inside I was supposed to put the doll into. Sigh.
I do have it right in the following photos.

House of Zenith "Avenue" New 12" Resin Doll

On March 11, Superdoll released this photo of Avenue for whom I had already pre-paid. I was looking forward to getting one of the first dolls in their new 12" line, House of Zenith.  I based my decision on the success of Solitaire, the first GenX doll who was pretty and had an adorable outfit and vibe. My thinking was very wrong.

  

I hesitated writing a review for much longer than I normally would as the creators of this doll will not like what I say here but I have to tell the truth and it's my opinion anyway. I know some out there like Avenue and I'm sincerely happy for them. Personally, I will never buy a doll sight unseen from Superdoll again. 

I don't know why I cannot find any photos I took of her in her original state. That's very odd. I'm pretty sure I shot a few, at least. Did I delete them? I'll have to hunt the internet as it's entirely possible that I posted and then deleted the images from my camera.

I am not sure that this is my own photo. 

When the doll arrived, I disliked her look in many ways. Her wig had the texture of straw. The black throw around her shoulders shed all over her yellow dress. I did not like the way the skirt hung on her body. The 'drape' was bad. The pleats were crooked, uneven and did not appear to be sewn properly.

Not shown are the shoes, the handbag, and the head-piece.

I tried to sell her for exactly what it cost me and there wasn't a single taker.

With the wig removed it made a major improvement. She does have a nice face and I like the eye make-up. 

Superdoll skimped on the joints and the details. Look at this photo which compares, side by side, a Dominion Doll, a House of Zenith Doll and a Monarch Doll. Monarch is 12" tall. 

I chose not to have my Dominion doll (left) strongly body blushed and the Monarch Doll (right) has natural-looking blushing. Avenue's blushing is exaggerated.  She has no underbust joint and her knees have only one joint. There is no thigh or ankle joint. She does not have a matte finish and she didn't come with a stand. They should have just made her from vinyl. She looks it.

Avenue (left) vs. Fashion Royalty body.

One has to wonder if this doll was rushed through to make some sort of deadline. 

What she does have going for her is that her feet fit into FR shoes. No doll is perfect but Avenue made me regret my purchase and she was not an inexpensive mistake. She also made me appreciate more the quality, artistry, and attention to detail of the Monarch and Dominion dolls. Vinyl Fashion Royalty dolls are made better. 

I will make the best of it by dressing her in pretty clothes and wigs and never buying another one.

OLE!

I purchased a separate Superdoll boxed fashion for Avenue and I think it is lovely.

Below is a Rimdoll fashion. Wigs above and below by Culte de Paris. 

 

Superdoll December 2017: Three Dressed Dolls, One Crown and Sceptre

KUMALO SYB/DD_0135

Inque is thrilled to be joining her sisters this year for the Holidays.
Like an exotic Africa princess she chose to wear chocolate satin and furs.
EARTH
From the top. Her gorgeous wig of blended black and brunettes formed into a multitude of topknots ...fabulous!
Her eyeshadows in the spectrum of turquoise and smoke surround her eyes of translucent chocolate with lids of muted sepia, eyes those of golden amber. Lips of dark rich red.
Her multi piece ensemble; a confection of chocolate satin hot pants and a corset dripping in beads is the foundation of her 'look'. Accompanied by a matching satin bolero trimmed in metallic matte gold rice beads and seeds and spectacular guipure finds.
Inque loves drama and for this she selected a fur wrap inset with feathers; just to get her silhouette going!
Always accessorised to the point of envy, Inque has an indiscreet set of fabulous faux fur condiments; consisting ankle & knee pads, fur balls to her foot and totally uncomfortable stiletto heeled courts in a chocolate brown with broad ankle ribbons!
Bringing exotic Africa with her; a final accessory is her monarch staff adorned in her tribal colours.
Inque is excited to pose along with her sisters all night long.
Happy Holidays from the d'Royces.

 Clone: 1603 Inque d'Royce

Skintone: TRUFFLE
Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand
PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.
In stock and ready to be delivered

In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £279.20 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

________________________________________

RIO SYB/DD_0137

Voltaire is thrilled to be joining her sisters this year for the Holidays.
Like a titian Latin princess she chose to wear blazing pink, orange and purple.
FIRE
From the top. Her gorgeous wig of natural vibrant reds set with fringe and an up do we call bun - bun - bow. ...fabulous!
Her eyeshadows in the spectrum of violets and smoke surround her eyes of translucent charcoal and ginger with lids of muted white, eyes those of green flame. Lips of gorgeous coral.
Her 2 piece ensemble; a confection of embroidery and satin trimmed in gold and sequin. A matador suit hitting all the right curves, with epaulettes and a stand collar.
Voltaire loves drama and this suit of lights has just her favourite kind.... the glamourous kind.
Always accessorised to the point of envy, Venus has an discreet white lace jabot at he neck, and totally uncomfortable stiletto heeled courts in a hot pink with broad ankle ribbons!
Bringing south America with her; a final accessory is her pair of banderillas and a red tulle veil.
Voltaire is excited to pose along with her sisters all night long.
Happy Holidays from the d'Royces.

 Clone: 1000 Voltaire d'Royce

Skintone: CORALO
Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand

PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.

In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £275.79 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

_____________________________________________

VUSHKA SYB/DD_0136

Venus is thrilled to be joining her sisters this year for the Holidays.
Like a blonde Siberian princess she chose to wear sky blue and gold.
AIR
From the top. Her gorgeous wig of baby blonde set with a centre part cascades in voluptuous curls to her waist. Huge glorious hair ...fabulous!
Her eyeshadows in the spectrum of muted browns and smoke surround her eyes of translucent charcoal and mud with lids of muted nude, eyes those of sky blue. Lips of pale rose outlined in rose.
Her 1 piece frock; a confection of gold lace and tulle trimmed in matching rhinestone bearing an empire line front and a long slim torso in back. All this over a multi layer tulle and glitter attached petticoat. Mid calf length front trains toward the back.
Venus loves drama and this gown has just her favourite kind.... the glamourous kind.
Always accessorised to the point of envy, Venus has an indiscreet fabulous faux fur wrap in dark blush fur, opera length gloves in almost not there glistening gold tulle, and totally uncomfortable stiletto heeled courts in a pale gold with broad ankle ribbons!
Bringing fairy tale Siberia with her; a final accessory is her gorgeous 'coach' purse in gild 'gold' and a matching blue velvet strap.
Venus is excited to pose along with her sisters all night long.
Happy Holidays from the d'Royces.

 Clone: 1000 Venus d'Royce

Skintone: COSMETIQUE
Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand

PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.

OUT OF STOCK
Price: £269.75 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

______________________________________________________

Glorious Crown and Sceptre Set

Custom made for your Princess 

In stock and ready to be delivered

Price: £35.00 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

_______________________

Collectors have been asking for more varied sculpts and Superdoll has heard them. In this offering we have Inque, Voltaire and Venus. Certainly something for every Sybarite lover and all three for many.

As happens so often, the princess-type dolls are the first to sell out. Vushka is sold out. What I like best about her is her wig. While her gown is lovely, it's just not special enough. I can see that the crown and sceptre belong to her.

Kumalo is my personal favorite and I was lucky to get one. She is quite different from the faces on the dolls currently in my collection. When I saw her close-up three days ago, I was hooked. I tried to resist but it was futile. I'm glad I didn't wait too long. I think she will look amazing posed along with Forest.

There are some aspects about Rio that I do not like at all. Sorry to say that includes her face and costume. It does not come across as fashion at all but rather as unfinished toreador glitz. I'm sure that she will look lovely once redressed and rewigged; however, she's just not my cup of tea.

When will we see pierced ears on the GenX dolls? C'mon Superdoll, give us some openings for our own earrings!

W-Club Members Only "RIGHT TO BUY" Lottery For The 2017 IFDC Dolls

Integrity Toys produced three dolls for the 2017 IFDC convention which was called "Dollton Abbey."
Their interpretation of the theme was quite broad as no one would ever mistake any of these dolls as representing the early 20th century in British fashion. (1900-1920)

Touch of Whimsy

Official Convention Doll

IFDC 2017

Limited Edition Size: 500 (Total edition size, including those sold/given out at IFDC)

Price: $175.00 + shipping and handling.

Head Sculpt: Finley

Body Type: FR 6.0

Skin tone: Cream;  Hair Color: Golden Blond

Never Predictable

Official Companion Doll

IFDC 2017

Limited Edition Size: 500 (Total edition size, including those sold/given out at IFDC) 

Price: $150.00 + Shipping and Handling

Head Sculpt: Adaline King 2.0

Body Type: FR 6.0

Skin tone: Japan;  Hair Color: Auburn Sugar

Feeling Wild

IT Direct Exclusive

IFDC 2017

Limited Edition Size: 500 (Total edition size, including those sold/given out at IFDC) 

Price: $150.00 + Shipping and Handling

Head Sculpt: Giselle D.

Body Type: FR 6.0

Skin tone: Cream;  Hair Color: Burnt Sienna

Check out this page for some catwalk takes on Downton Abbey era fashion.

http://forums.thefashionspot.com/f49/downton-abbey-sparking-trend-early-20th-century-fashion-151407.html

What do you think of these dolls? 

Kingdom Doll Elgin

Elgin is the newest doll to be released by Kingdom Doll. Her sculpt, Icini, was used only once before on a OOAK auction doll during the Orlando convention in 2016. This was the largest edition so far from KD. Sixty-five Elgins are now in collections around the globe. Of course, this edition, like all of the others, sold out very quickly.

The sculpt, named after an ancient Brittonic tribe, Iceni, follows in the path of all of KD names which are associated with the history of Britain. You can see the names of Kingdom Doll's sculpts and one of the dolls' names on this map. Can you pick out the sculpts from the map below?

http://boudiccanhd.weebly.com/the-iceni.html

Elgin's resin is a glowing, warm tan color called Roman Bronze. Her sleek, short wig was made by Ilaria. The ivory silk satin gown is designer inspired. It's undulating flares of fabric create drama and movement while the train gives sense of stability. There is an insert of pale gold leather at the bodice.
Elgin's pumps are retro with their peep toe and platform sole. I love them and I'll be using them with other fashions.

She could be a bride doll if a collector wished. A lovely veil and a bouquet would look divine.

I'm off to play with other wigs and different outfits.

I really love this doll!

Some New Photos

It's been a very busy January occupied with the monthly thinning and selling of my collection excesses, putting away holiday decorations and binge watching House of Cards. That show is irresistible, addictive and oddly realistic these days. I'll say no more.
The new Kingdom Doll Lancelot arrived. He came only with underwear and a wig. I'm glad I had another male wig that fits him as I was not fond of the style wig he came with. I'm trying to restyle it but it has so much stiffener, I'm not sure I'll be able to. I have to do some research on that.
Evan is the next Kinsman on the menu but I did not pre-order him. At this time, including Lance, I have only three resin male BJDs. I've invested in wigs and fashions for the Jamieshow and Deva but I don't play with them at all. I'm hoping to sell Angelo. Although he is gorgeous, I'll let someone else enjoy him.

Here is Lance and Guinevere. I've been told that Matt O'Neill's shoes will fit Lancelot. In the meantime, a dog is keeping his feet warm.

Guinevere's skirt (kilt) is from an Integrity Toys' Homme outfit! Apparently, most of the shirts and shoes fit the Kingdom Dolls. I wish they'd make sweaters. I have loads of Homme clothes. Gotta find the time and motivation to try them on.

As far as Lance's outfit, it's from the Camelot event last October. I thought it would be too large for Lance as he's smaller than the original Kinsman dolls. It fits perfectly. I had one heck of a time getting the shirt on. I had to remove his hands and put it on with his arms extended straight up in the air. The slacks and jacket seem as if they were made for him.

Here is Michigan Avenue Alejandro, a Jamieshow doll. He is wearing the outfit from the first Jamieshow event, Prohibition, which was held in Canandaigua, NY in 2012.

It's a beautiful fashion with great attention to detail. The tailoring is top notch. I would be thrilled if all doll clothing were this quality. Really!

Until next time....

Dasha and Elise Model R&D Exclusive Fashions

Photo by Kha Hoang

Last year Rudi Teruel, of R&D Dolls, offered limited editions of fashions from Kha Hoang and FuZin. These are the last two that I purchased and they are just lovely.

"Bleu de Chine" is a complex gown of many folded pieces - almost Origami. Like a good sculpture it looks great from all sides. My model is Fashion Royalty Dasha.


"Bleu de Chine" by K (Kha Hoang)

Below: Model Elise Jolie is admiring her new gown in the mirror.


"Golden Dream" by FuZin

Here is Rudi's Facebook Album of R&D Exclusives:

  https://www.facebook.com/rpteruel/media_set?set=a.10152812160331945.1073742055.519746944&type=3

There are several in there I'm sorry to say that I missed out on.

"Museum Day" Fashion Design by K Exclusively for R&D

 Rudi Teruel has been selling very limited editions of fashions made by various artists these past few months. They sell out rather fast and he advertises them only on Facebook.
This fashion is called "Museum Day." It came in a long-sleeved version in a red colorway. Originally there was a white ribbon belt and white ribbon straps which I removed. I thought the red belt looked more substantial and the dress obviously didn't need straps so I cut them off.
The quality of the fabric was surprising as is the very good construction of the panel skirt. It's fully lined with a light woven interfacing and all seams are finished. The dress snaps in the rear. Impressive! All this plus overseas postage for only $41.

The bag is a Birkin copy from the Purse of the Month Club and the red sunglasses and shoes are Fashion Royalty.

Below, Vanessa models the previous R&D fashion I received in August.

Sandra Stillwell Presents: Convention Wrap-Up

The fashions from Sandra's recent "Bellissima Italian Style" convention held in Chattanooga, TN is now cataloged on her website with pictures and prices along with a description of the activities from the event.

There are 49 fashions if I counted correctly. Several are available in multiple color ways.  There are 4 wigs to pre-order. I know three of them are made by Ilaria but I'm not sure about the 4th.  They're all being sold for $90., including the last one which does not look like a hard cap wig.
It has been confirmed that all the wigs are made by Ilaria. 

My favorite fashions are
"Pucci Capri Breeze" @ $140.

"Visconti" @ $175.

and "Luminoso" @ $160.

All the fashions and wigs are created to fit the Gene Marshall body, vinyl or resin. In some cases, of course, the fashions will fit other similarly sized dolls.

You can see all the fashions available to buy now and to pre-order at Sandra's site:
http://sandrastillwellpresents.blogspot.com/p/bis-sales.html



All of the photos were taken by Joan Greene. 
I have taken the liberty of brightening and sharpening a bit.