10/21/2014

Tonner's Sindy Collection

Many were once wild about the original Sindy doll. That would be back in 1963 when Pedigree Dolls and Toys created her. She was a best-selling toy in the UK at the end of the 60's. Throughout the end of the 20th century through to the beginning of the 21st, there were several manufacturers who tried to bring Sindy back to her glory days. Looking back now, the fashions and the accessories were wonderful for the day. She had everything! As a child, I would have loved this doll and all of the goodies. There is a tremendous amount of play value in what I see here.

I've actually had a few pieces of Sindy furniture in my collection, namely the dining room, bedroom, living room and beach lounge. They are perfectly scaled for Fashion Royalty dolls.

Sindy was a wholesome-looking doll compared to most Barbie dolls and there's probably not a parent who boycotted a store due to any of the versions.

There are currently about 4000 listings on eBay under the worldwide search, "Sindy."
                Above, a favorite accessory, hot rollers.  Below, the indispensable stereo record player.


So, why is Robert Tonner doing Sindy? What does he have in mind? I can certainly see where well made furniture and accessories would be a hit with the 1/6 crowd. Tonner's furniture is always a success, well scaled for the doll and a sell out.
But what about the doll herself?

Cute? Check.
Wholesome? Check.
Well-attired? Check.

But why isn't she articulated? She's a reproduction but one can upgrade a reproduction to provide more play value.
This is the "Just Sindy Basic Doll" who is available at Cherished Friends (NJ store) for $59.99. I hate to say this but I can find a similar dolls in Target or Walmart for $19. I'm sure Tonner's Sindy is a fine quality - much better than a $19.99 doll but it's all about perceived value.

This is Sindy Summer Fun Dressed Doll who is also available at Cherished Friends for $84.99.

Are these fashion dolls or toys?  If they are toys, they're priced too high. If they're fashion dolls, I don't know where to go with that one.



I wish them luck.

Obsidian Culture Three Ways: Lots of Extra Fabric?

Integrity released photos of two new dolls Obsidian Culture dolls in the same exact outfits as the Couture Dolls, Inc. exclusive Hanne Erikson.

Here is the "exclusive" Hanne:

Here are her doppelgangers:



According to the announcement:
The new FR:16 collection was received to high praise by everyone and many of you expressed that they would have loved to see "Obsidian Culture" Hanne Erikson with a different hair style/color combo.
Really? Who writes this stuff?
This had to be planned long before people 'expressed' that opinion.
If I were a doll dealer with an exclusive, I'd be pretty pissed if the company put out competition before I sold off my stock.  Of course, I don't know the deal Couture Dolls had with Integrity Toys but IMO, it's not a great one.
When a dealer gets an exclusive, they pay for the entire lot. In this case it was 300 dolls.

Bad business.


10/19/2014

Coming Soon From Kingdom Doll: Brunel

The next gorgeous doll from Kingdom is soon to be released.



The announcement:
We would like to officially introduce you all to Brunel the last doll to use the Novantae head sculpt. This is just a sneak peek at our NEW KD girl all her information will be coming in the next few weeks. So many of you have fallen in love with Novantae this year and you are probably wondering why we are retiring her after only four dolls. This head sculpt was only ever intended to represent the four seasons, Brunel representing Autumn/Fall.
Do not worry as Kingdom Doll is only getting started, with many plans already underway to delight you moving forward into the future!

10/17/2014

Agnes Von Weiss Gift Set Saga and Amazing Deja Vu Repaint

It's been pretty quiet doll-wise around here which is not actually a bad thing.

Here's long version of what happened with my pre-ordered High Visibility Agnes Von Weiss Doll Mini Gift Set:
1. The first shipment to me of my two sets were shipped to some location in Delaware. By that time I had heard about the mold and other defective issues people were reporting and I was very wary. I wanted to cancel my order but they would not refund my deposit so I agreed to accept a new delivery.
2. The two new dolls arrived, both with glaring defects. Customer service agreed to replace both giftsets and sent me a return postage label.
3. The third shipment of dolls was worse even though, according to Alain, Percy himself inspected both dolls. One doll had mold down her dress and heaven knows where else. I was afraid to touch the doll. The other doll had a large patch of unrooted hair.

The shipment back to them contained four sets of dolls and I received a full refund.

What a waste of time for me and a sorry state of affairs for them.

Here's hoping that the Fifth Anniversary Poppy Parker Joyous Celebration dolls do not have any issues. They should be arriving any minute.

<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The most stunning repaint I've ever seen of a Deja Vu doll was posted on Prego today.
 

This is the work of Leslie at Sands of Fire. She has achieved major realism and depth. The open mouth looks appropriate on this face. She could be Cinderella before being turned into a princess. Beautiful!

The link to the post on Prego: http://members5.boardhost.com/prego/msg/1413511439.html
There are several other photos of this doll who has been sold to the highest bidder.

10/08/2014

Heads-Up, Sasenachs! Outlander Dolls by My Immortals

The STARZ television series, Outlander, has captured my imagination and that of many others. It has motivated me to read the books which are huge. I'm on #4.
Susan Hook, the artist behind My Immortals, has recreated Claire and Jamie by repainting Tonner's Lilah and James Dean dolls.
Check these out!



Link to Susan's website

The stars IRL
Heughan is a hottie. Phew. Claire is very pretty. Normally they are not so clean - in the show, that is.
I love the series and the books. Hopefully Tonner will produce a Claire and Jamie. I'd want Jamie in full Scottish dress. Sigh.





Dougal MacKenzie is pretty hot himself.


10/06/2014

Fashion Teen Poppy Parker 2014

 This year's collection from Integrity Toys includes four 16 inch Poppy Parker dolls.

Sunny Splash $120
Fashionable Suited $140
Ma Cherie $140
Floatiing Dream $140

I am trying to find something I like about them because it's certainly not their duck bill lips. Seriously, do these dolls sleep with clothespins on their lips? I pucker up every time I look at them to see if I can even get my upper lip that close to my nose.



The jewelry on Floating Dream is very nice. The gown is very much like something Tonner has dressed Tiny Kitty in. In fact, I have dolls dressed similarly who are much more adorable in 10" size than Miss PP Teen queen.  Oh so Barbie.


Fashionably Suited is wearing a beautiful suit. Other than the aforementioned face, she is a lovely doll and my favorite of the lot.


Sunny Splash comes with some cute accessories.

Each doll is priced at $140. except for Sunny Splash who is $120. I'm not familiar with these dolls' bodies so I do not know what other clothes fit them.



 Next year's prototype, perhaps?