Tropicalia: Final Act

The official photos and titles of the last three dolls have been released by Integrity Toys, clearing up some confusion - I think.
Apparently, according to her title, Imogen is not the convention souvenir doll. She was the Welcome Kit Gift Set. Someone screwed that up in it's distribution as the welcome kits usually are doled out piece by piece.

Fame by Frame
Imogen Dressed Doll Welcome Kit Gift Set
2012 Tropicalia Convention Exclusive

 Eugenia is a gorgeous doll with a less than stellar gown.

High Profile
Eugenia Perrin Frost Dressed Doll
2012 Tropicalia Convention Exclusive Table Centerpiece

 Vanessa is the convention doll. She is a new sculpt. Back to the open mouth and closer to the original than the last two incarnations which were not popular among most long time collectors. The gown was given out with the registration (welcome?) kit. Vanessa was distributed in a baggie! Who is running this show these days? Who cares. I'm glad that someone had the good sense to make a real Vanessa again and to make her the convention doll. She deserves it. That's my story and I'm sticking with it.

High Point
Vanessa Perrin Official Convention Doll
2012 Tropicalia Convention Exclusive

 ______________________

I'm off to attend the last function of the Jamieshow Convention in a few minutes. We're doing brunch at a gallery where George's photography is currently being featured. I'll be back in PA later today. Back to the packed dolls and showcases waiting for their empty spaces to fill up. Four more cases are on their way from Ikea. I was busy before. Now I'm going to be ridiculously occupied.

The dessert looked delicious.

Still on the topic of Tropicalia 2012:
I'm trying to figure this out. The convention souvenir doll came in a round box with two red dresses and it's Imogen.
The dinner centerpiece was a gorgeous tan Eugenia.
Where did Vanessa fit into this? Someone posted that she is the doll that goes into the red dress that was in the box presented at registration. Imogen trumps Vanessa? Not in my world.
So, I saw a picture of Vanessa and she is looking like the original Vanessa we know and love. That's a good thing. After all, if collectors want the original doll, give it to them. That always made sense. Make a different sculpt and call it something else.
Personally I am pretty confused by all the sculpt switches and I do not see the marketing value of this behavior. More is not always better.
I'm hoping that I can see the professional images from IT soon.

_____________

Some of you may realize that this weekend I have been blogging from Canandaigua, NY, while attending the "Prohibition" Jamieshow event. I had a great time and will be writing it up for FDQ. I will, however, post images here at some time next week.
We were a small group of 22 collectors and it was an excellent opportunity to get to know people on more than just a cursory basis. It was like the experience I had when I attended Sandra Stillwell's event in Nashville a while back. Small conventions and doll events are very different from large conventions. We spent a lot of time with George and Tim of Angelic Dreamz. We got to know two of their employees as well.
More to be revealed.

Tropicalia Part 2

Several more dolls have made an appearance at the Fashion Royalty convention as it unfolded.

At the FR16 Tea breakout event the following doll was the centerpiece:

"Sheen Siren" Elsa Dressed Doll
2012 Tropicalia Convention Exclusive Table Centerpiece Doll

There were a multitude of dolls available at the designer workshops. I think they go by letter. I do not have Integrity Toys official pictures of them but they might show up eventually. According to some collectors all or most sport sculpts previously used. I can't tell one from the other anymore.

Today was the W Club breakout event. The centerpiece was a gorgeous Elise Jolie. So far she is my favorite doll of the entire convention and I am happy to say that I will be getting her.  Everyone was given an FR2 shoe pack.

Escapism Elise Jolie™   FR: Squared Dressed Doll
2012 Troplicalia Convention Exclusive Table Centerpiece 

Shoe Win 12" FR2 Doll Shoe Pack
2012 Tropicalia Convention Exclusive Table Giveaway

There was also a companion doll which was Victoire Roux. I'm guessing that many in attendance would have preferred the second doll to be another FR2. I would have. But that's because I like the FR2 dolls. However, many collectors do not collect the FR2 due to the price. This Victoire is tan and she is cute.

Saint Tropez Victoire Roux Dressed Doll
2012 Tropicalia Convention Exclusive

 I will post the Saturday night goods later tonight.

Integrity Toys Tropicalia Convention - Post #1

The IT convention is currently underway in Orlando, Florida. I am going to post their photos here for those of you who are not members of the W Club.

 Convention Collection and Friday Dinner

Lady in Red
Erin S. Dressed Doll

All White Now
Collette D. Dressed Doll

Main Event
Adèle Makéda Dressed Doll

Peak Season
Kyori Sato Dressed Doll

Haute Société
Véronique Perrin Dressed Doll

Sweet Victory
Natalia Fatalé Dressed Doll

 Infallible
Dasha™ FR2 Dressed Doll

Hot Dots
Poppy Parker Dressed Doll

Wrap-ture   Anja™ Dressed Doll
2012 Tropicalia Convention Exclusive Table Giveaway

Force of Nature    Agnes Von Weiss Dressed Doll
2012 Tropicalia Convention Exclusive Table Centerpiece 

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Friday Luncheon

Sea Breeze  Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
2012 Tropicalia Convention Exclusive Table Centerpiece

Lemon Crush    Loni Lawrence Basic Dressed Doll
2012 Tropicalia Convention Exclusive Table Giveaway

Violet Eyes Elizabeth Taylor Doll

Why do I keep hoping that the next Silkstone will be better? Violet Eyes arrived today. The sculpt is very nice; the rest is not.
First of all, mine has defectively screened eyes.

There is white showing under one eye only on mine and I noticed the dissimilarity immediately. Her eyes aren't even violet!
This is the promo image:

Am I going to be able to get her hair to look like that? I think not. I don't really know what it will look like because I don't want to de-box a doll that has bad screening. I have never returned a doll to BC.Com for an exchange. Do they even do that?

Here is the rest of my doll in her box:

At first glance the dress looks OK but then you see that the V neckline has been glued to her chest and there are all sorts of fibers sticking out. It looks cheap. UGH. I am really bummed. This doll was not inexpensive but I got her because I love the sculpt and I loved ET as well. Luckily I was able to get her for about 80% of the listed retail by using my quarterly club coupon.
After the debacle of Afternoon Suit, what made me think this Silkstone would be better? Now I don't even know if I will buy Gala Gown. She looks so gorgeous but apparently looks are very deceiving. Mattel is deceiving buyers by posting beautiful images of dolls no one actually gets. Of course they cover themselves by posting their disclaimer: "Production doll may vary from the photo shown above."   

Tonner, Integrity and Jamieshow Dolls in Louis Vuitton Ad

 Fun to watch.

http://www.louisvuitton.eu/front/#/eng_E1/New-Now/articles/Walking-in-Fabrizio-Viti%E2%80%99s-shoes-Part-two

Precarious as Party Girl

Here is my latest doll who arrived yesterday. She is stunning and I love her fashion, too. Party Girl is from Tonner's new Precarious line.
I will let the photos do the talking:

Her high pony tail has a black, braided hair wrap.

Very sleek silver tights and great fitting pumps.

 The only problem I see is the tight fit in the bustline which pulls the bodice open showing the lining and part of the snaps. 

I love the applied eyelashes and everything about her face. This gal is a keeper!

The staircase is a Byers' Choice product.  It is their spiral staircase which has been re-released this year. The funny thing is, Byers' offices and showrooms are located about 20 miles from here. I could have purchased the staircase right there but would have had to pay PA sales tax and the retail price of $190. I found an eBay seller with a lower price, no tax and free shipping. It always pays to shop around and check prices.

Anatomical Barbie Model by Jason Freeny

No, this is not your new anatomy class mannequin, it is a Barbie doll whose insides have been dramatically sculpted by artist Jason Freeny. Taking an iconic plastic doll to a surreal level by revealing her skeleton and organs, she has become an image from a horror movie - an unmasked Phantom whose birth defect has affected not only her face. I think we've found the perfect doll for Rico The Zombie Boy!

All Images in this post are ©Jason Freeny

Unfortunately, the dolls themselves are not available. Prints are at www.moistproduction.com.

Mr. Freeny has "unzipped" the skins of many other toys as well.

Sackboy Dissection Sculpt

Cutaway 7" Anatomical Mickey Mouse

Cutaway 6" Anatomical Hello Kitty

Cutaway 5" Anatomical Mario

22" Anatomical Kewpie Sculpt

Be sure to visit http://www.moistproduction.com/Menu/index.html and check out Jason's Facebook page for more. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jason-Freeny/34170123768

Glam Barbie for Charity

David and Phillipe Blond have created a OOAK Pink Diamond Barbie for auction at charitybuzz.com. The proceeds will benefit the MAC Aids Fund organization.
As I have previously posted, there is a silver Blond Diamond Barbie for sale on BC.Com. 

Here is the description of this OOAK:
Pink Diamond™ Barbie^® doll is extra special as her stunning fuchsia and rose “gem” encrusted mini corset dress and pumps were designed and hand embellished by The Blonds themselves. Doll’d up with her famous platinum locks in luscious curls, Barbie^® doll’s dazzling accessories complete her look with luxe full-length faux fur coat, pink studded earrings, and pink sparkling ring!

The Blonds

 Now, Mattel, can we get our Palm Beach Sugar Daddy Ken, please?

Steamfunk Cami in Scandal

The first of my Precarious line fashions, Scandal, has arrived. Steamfunk Cami is modeling. 

This is a very interesting outfit. The jacket is made from a stiff, thick laminate fabric with embedded sparkle. The wrist and collar areas are embellished with beads and black rhinestones. There are two clear rhinestone designs - one at the neckline and one below the waist. The skirt is lace and is really lovely. There are two pairs of stockings - a clear inside the black. The shoes are platform without a heel. Earrings are a cluster of black beads.
Overall it's one of the most unique of all Tonner outfits I've ever seen. In case you don't know, it does come on a doll...

 ...but I chose to just get the outfit. You have to find someone willing to part with it. I got lucky.

Tonner's Twilight Saga "Forever Edward"

Forever Edward $189.99  Pre-Order

Robert Pattison as Edward Cullen

I must say there is absolutely no resemblance at all to Edward Cullen other than the tuxedo. The hair, the eyes brows, the mouth and the look and pretty much everything else is off. It's too bad because I love a male doll in a tux.

Madra Week: Post #2

These photos were posted by Meg on The Studio Commissary.  Meg's dolls are seriously addicted to cigarettes. The second doll is, of course, Trent.

It's Madra Week!

The theme this week on The Studio Commissary is Madra and the photography is stunning.
Take a look at these three posted by Jurrie and let him know what you think in your comments.

Jurrie knows how to stage, light and compose an excellent photograph. Each of the pictures above is perfection IMO.

Want to see more? Click here for The STUDIO COMMISSARY
The SC is free to join. It's a friendly doll board where the Gene Marshall genre is alive and thriving. Other dolls are pictured as well most often dressed in Gene era appropriate fashion.

Annual Facets Picnic

The weather turned out to be glorious for the annual picnic put on by Marcia Friend at her home in New Jersey. This was our fourth time and although the skies ahead looked ominous for a while, it was a sunny and mild day to sit outside and mingle with other doll collectors.

A dense line of clouds appeared over the bridge.

If you haven't been to Marcia's let me just say that seeing her doll collection is like going to a modern fashion doll museum. The dolls aren't just hanging out in cases, they are arranged in artistic tableaus with the finest furniture and props. While most of her collection on display consists of 16" dolls, smaller and larger dolls are included as well. In fact, her Cissy dolls are just to die for.
You might get a tiny idea from these shots:

Don't forget that you can click on any image to enlarge it.

Guests are invited to bring dolls along to display.

Paul Pham brought a OOAK Numina to display whose photo I have previously published.   Paul was surrounded most of the time by admiring collectors.

 

Adrian brought two of his Numina.

And there was food. Lots of yummy food. Rudy was a good boy. He stayed on the cool grass, under a table in the shade.

A fun part of the afternoon is the "free table." People send and/or bring doll stuff for this event. The crazed collectors (yes, I am part of that group) are held back until the GO signal is given and a free-for-all ensues. I was actually pushed very hard by a man whose name I don't even know. Some people are very serious about getting their free stuff. :-)

Our hostess:

But wait; there's more! Door prizes galore. Many were provided by collectors and many were provided by Wilde Imagination.  The prizes were very generous and lots of lucky attendees went home with great stuff.

It's always a fun day when spent with other doll people.