6/05/2014

JAMIEshow Violet Waters "Satin Doll"

Hardcore Gene Marshall fans and even dabblers like me are over the moon with the release of two new resin characters added to the JAMIEshow Gene Marshall line. I purchased Violet Waters "Satin Doll" who arrived today. This doll is a limited edition of only 50 and was $525.

Someone at the factory was a little confused about the names of the dolls.

The new Madra is called "Spotted in Manhattan."  On the box is a label attributing Violet with both names. I suppose the label person had a GENINUE moment. Long term Silkstone collectors will get the joke.

First - the requisite box shots:

I am glad I didn't have to put these shoes on. What I usually do is tape the extra ribbon to the back of the doll's calf with Scotch 3M Magic Tape. It leaves no residue on the fabric or the doll.

Violet is as beautiful as all the promo pictures we've seen. Her eyes are brown. Her eye shadow is violet with a metallic gold highlight. Her lips are coral which matches her perfect manicure and pedicure. She's got the prettiest mouth of any Violet I've seen to date. All in all, she has a truly beautiful face.
The gown fabric has a quality feel and it is well constructed and fitted. The wig cap is well-suited to the era and the hair accessory (what we would call a fascinator now) has a pearl-tipped hat pin that slides right in to her hair and stays on securely. The earrings are aurora borealis crystals set in silver colored metal like the ornament on the ribbon neckpiece.



For the high price of this doll I would have liked a beautiful necklace to have been included instead of the neck ribbon. I removed it as it does nothing for her and looks a little chintzy. A purse and pantyhose are 'missing' as well.  Although I like this doll very much, if this trend continues - high prices with no accessories, I won't buy another.

 Violet comes with a JAMIEshow adjustable doll stand. They are the best stands out there.

Link to JAMIEshow Doll USA: http://www.jamieshow.us/
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A wonderful Madame Alexander fashion is on it's way to me and I think it will be perfect for Violet. 
"Festiva Paris," whose fashion has been an elusive commodity, is coming. I've been trying to find just the fashion for years to no avail. I finally broke down and ordered the NRFB doll from Matilda Dolls.  Hers was the best price around for the complete doll plus if your purchase is over $50., shipping is free. Works for me. Unfortunately, this version of Paris was released prior to the line's dolls being fully articulated. But no matter, I just want the outfit anyway.
 Madame Alexander fashions are exquisitely well made and stand the test of time...at least they were. I haven't bought anything from this line since Jason got in there and ruined Alex. Sigh.
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6/03/2014

Luciana Silkstone Barbie is Revealed

The latest Silkstone has been revealed by Mattel. She is Luciana Barbie, a doll shop and Barbie Collector Exclusive.  Retail price is $99.

She is not to my personal taste as I don't care for the huge forehead (or any other part of it.)  The suit with it's peplum jacket and flounced skirt is, once again, overly designed. Add in the boots, the lace gloves, the patterned fabric on top of all that and there's just too much going on. Did I mention the rhinestone buttons on the jacket, the big cuffs and giant pocket flaps, the buttoned up peter pan collar or the gathered shoulders? OMG.
Good designers don't put everything they possibly can into one ensemble and call it fashion...
unless it's in Gone With The Wind.
Even in this frilly dress, there's a control - it's all white. Can you imagine an overall flowery print and this dress? You would go blind.
But I digress. Apparently Robert Best is not at his best this year. Perhaps it's that his doppelganger doll has done so poorly with collectors.

But, if you like this doll - Cherished Friends, the best doll store on earth is carrying her and that's where you should buy it.
Tell Lynn that Terri sent you.

6/02/2014

Superdoll Gold Luggage Set

If you loved the luggage in the photo below this post, it can be yours for £155.00, ($259.72 US) plus postage. But hurry. It won't last long.

4 piece luggage set consist of:
Large suitcase
Medium suitcase
Hatbox
Vanity case.
Gold mock leather and 'gold trim'.
All pieces in this collection are hard frame with slot and pin closures, 
 straps, custom clasps and gilt barbell detail.
Lined in striped satin.
Inner detailing includes, mirror, elastic restraint straps, 
 pouches and ribbon placement holders.

The detailing and craftsmanship of these luggage pieces is exquisite.

Limited edition.

Where to go to see and buy:  

5/30/2014

Italian Doll Convention in Milan Begins Saturday

I'd love to return to Milan one day. This year will not see that happen for me. However, many lucky collectors are on their way or already have arrived in Milan for the Italian Doll Convention which begins tomorrow. We're seeing many photos on Facebook of schedules and arrivals.

One photo from the Superdoll site (not there any longer) shows a new doll called Londra with a gorgeous set of gold luggage standing in Milan at an elegant and fashionable shopping area called Via Montenapoleone. 

It's a wonderful photo. Here's a close-up. I'm not a fan of the ginormous lips but I adore her fashion.

Londra on Instagram
BTW
The gorgeous OOAK Superdoll created for the IDC charity auction sold for €3,970 (Euros.) That translates to $5,414.58 US Dollars. Izzy was the winner.

Sybarite Cardice OOAK

It Begins: Repaint of Carmen Dell'Orefice Doll by Freddy Ramirez

This is the first full repaint I've seen of Tonner's new Carmen doll.


Freddy Ramirez is spot-on in this repaint. The changes to her hair, eyebrows and eyes and particularly her lips have transformed the sculpt into an excellent representation of Carmen.


She's up for auction (nude) on eBay with a starting price of $400.
Here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/OOAK-Carmen-Dell-039-Orefice-Repaint-by-Freddy-Ramirez-/251543434145?ViewItem=&item=251543434145&nma=true&si=jnsNXixyimqTJmdNGjXK8DJvt%252F8%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557




5/28/2014

Tonner - Wilde Imagination Announcements

Tonner and Wilde Imagination have announced the upcoming Wilde Convention, "All Our Wilde Holidays." The event will be held on October 3-5, 2014 at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown Hotel in PA.

Here is the link to register:
 https://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventId=1544593

Spend the holidays with Wilde Imagination!  We’ll celebrate them all, and in spectacular fashion.  Spreading the holiday cheer, we’ll trick or treat under the mistletoe as we ring in the New Year, lead by our Enchantress of Ennui, our Mistress of Melancholy:  Miss Ellowyne Wilde, the bright and shining star of our souvenir banquet.  There will be a jolly good sales room, spook-tacular raffles, reindeer games and more at this celebration to end all celebrations.  Spend the holidays with your family:  Wilde Imagination! 

Limited to 250 Party Goers
Cost is $349

A non-refundable deposit of $100 will hold your spot

Reserve your hotel room at the special convention rate of $159 by clicking here.
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A new archive has been created for the Imperium Park line which ended shortly after it debuted.
Click on the image to go to the archive.

http://www.wildeimagination.com/content/gone-not-forgotten-2

I don't know why they don't finish the Tyler Wentworth archive. After all, she's been around the longest and is still around.