Both the souvenir doll and the companion doll are from the new FR Monogram Collection and are each limited to 300 dolls. For those who don't know, a companion doll is an optional purchase at a convention. The souvenir doll is included in the price one pays to attend the convention. I heard that attendees were offered the option to purchase additional dolls. I don't have that verified at this time. Apparently there was a price for Best Drama, the souvenir doll, which would lead me to believe that this is true. Her price was $225. Black Party was $175. a huge jump from the $90. companion dolls of the past.
Here are the pictures from Integrity Toys. First is "Best Drama," the souvenir doll.
Next is "Black Party," the companion doll.
I like Best Drama's hair. I think it's adorable. The dress is a combination of the "I Want Candy" style and the layered chiffon of "She Comes in Colors," both of which I liked very much. I think I would eliminate the patterned tights and add a be-jeweled belt.
The earrings - roses - are straight out of Valia's jewel box. I found them to be inappropriate for earrings as the base of the setting stands away from the ear and looks odd.
It's a very cute suit and looks great in the photos but bare chested tops don't work for my dolls. They need a touch of modesty...just a touch. It's easy to sew a strip of stretch lace into a bandeau and slip it over the doll's chest. One can find inexpensive packets of lacy hem binding in sewing shops.
{I have been informed that there is a sheer fabric over her chest.}
The hands appear to be the same as Lifeball's which are not terribly graceful but they are removable. Problem is, where are we to get all these replacement hands? I wonder if the shoes have squishy plastic heels. It looks like eyelashes may be a thing of the past.
What do you think?
All the images in this post are the property of Integrity Toys.
I think FR, NuFace, Misaki and Dynamite girls are the only ones with the eyelashes. I personally do not like the molded eyelids which is why I am not a fan of older Barbie/repros, Silkstone or Valia. While I think Best Drama is gorgeous, I don't anticipate buying the Monogram line though I do like their fashions.
ReplyDeleteI agree on the earrings they look odd. Overall a very the souvenir doll is very romantic with a modern twist, I do love her! Black Party is very edgy, I love her too, but if I saw correctly she has an overlay on her chest, kinda nude in color like bewitched Luchia's dress color. Very nice dolls, just with the economy and life happening this year has been a low one for doll buying.
ReplyDeleteBlack Party has a skin colored shell top underneath the jacket. I too thought she was nude under there until I looked more closely!
ReplyDeleteConnie in PA
Personally I like the Monogram face, but making them without lashes must surely cost less than dolls WITH lashes. These dolls do NOT come with the interchangeable hands, although they can be switched out. While the outfits are very nice, they do not include any extra pieces. Except for the first Monogram Life Ball which was for charity, I find them pricey for what you get.
ReplyDeleteLooks a little like Playline / Collectible.
ReplyDeleteNo eyelashes and costs more money.. hmmm.
I think they are okay... just okay.
"Best Drama" looks like something we have already seen before. Silkstone Barbie's "Midnight Mischief" (or whatever the outfit is called with the cape? LOL)? The dress also reminds me of the lavendar cocktail dress, with the swirl of organza overlay, that FR had at Convention in 2006. (Or was that '07)
I won't be collecting these. For this much money.. I would rather have a taller doll.
Thanks for posting.. always great to read your Blog..
J.
To J:
ReplyDeleteI know which dress you are talking about. That was the 2007 Wu convention fashion we were given. I used to like that dress but I see what you mean. I agree.
I like the color of Black Party's hair. The hairstyle reminds me of Dress Me Luchia, another IFDC doll.
ReplyDeleteOther than that I am just not feeling the Monogram Collection thus far, and I am okay with that. They are lovely, but remind me of playline heads transfered to FR bodies.
I completely agree with Terri's last comment - playline heads on an FR bodie. The Black Party suit looks so much Lanvin! The other outfit has been done to death and the rose earrings are so un-designed!
ReplyDeleteI keep thinking "Emperor's New Clothes" with these Monograms. They seem like a step down, and they're being sold as a step up.
ReplyDeleteThe head mold is ...I'm sorry, it's just awful. The price tag is another deal-breaker.
I'm baffled by their popularity and wondering if there will be a day that more people see what I'm seeing.
i personally LOVE the monpgram collection because its our way to get a piece of the Fabulous fashion pieces by Jason Wu.. But i looked at Style.com again and again and i couldnt seem to find these 2 outfits in real life?
ReplyDelete