W Club Upgrade Doll Eugenia "Modernist"

I am charmed by this little doll. She stood on my night table last night and now she's right here on my computer table. There are lot of things about her that make her very appealing besides her pretty face.

The new packaging is very attractive with its ivory box trimmed in mauve with a string closure instead of a lid.

The way they attached the desiccant behind the inner box and created a vented area is innovative. I've received dolls whose desiccant packs had opened in transit. I think that this is a great solution to keep the packs separated from the doll but still able to absorb moisture.

There are vents on each side of the doll's head. Around back, if you remove the inner box, you can see where the packs are affixed.

Another new feature is the accessory box. No longer does it slide in and out of a sleeve. It now has a flap that opens upward. They're secured to the inner box very firmly so if one wanted to save the accessory box, it would take some work not to ruin it.

 Eugenia's vinyl tone is perfect with the make-up used. Her long brown hair will need shampooing to get rid of the dressing used in the factory which makes it greasy. I found her earrings odd in that the prong was going in a direction that had to be altered. I held my breath as I adjusted it. I already have a jar filled with broken doll earrings whose prongs detached during handling.

Her over-the-knee, open-toed boots have a silvery blue color. I could be imagining the blue tint but so what? The long zipper is a blessing in making them easier to put on.  The manicure and pedicure are the same color. 

My favorite part of the outfit is her handbag. It's sky blue with the same color silver as the boots and has metal handles, a teensy working zipper, studs and a removable shoulder strap. It's so cute; I want one for myself in human size.

2018 Poppy Parker City Sweetheart Collection Reveal

On Saturday, June 23, the W Club membership was presented with the Poppy Parker City Sweetheart Collection Reveal and a live chat with designer, David Buttry. I didn't attend the chat so I don't know what transpired.

Here is the collection and most the text as published by Integrity Toys:

Poppy Goes Back To The Big Apple!

Poppy Parker and New York City go hand in hand. Ever since her arrival last year to start her modeling career, Poppy has fallen in love with her adopted new home. Whether it’s taking in the tourist locations, poetry readings, attending debutante balls or new modeling assignments around the city, Poppy is becoming New York’s City Sweetheart!

Off-Beat Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
The City Sweetheart Collection
Approx. Ship Date: August
Suggested Retail: $135.00 US
Available Via Dealers

Edition Size: 900
Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker
Body Type: Poppy 1.5
Foot Sculpt: High-heeled
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Paper White
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Co-Ed Cutie Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
The City Sweetheart Collection
Approx. Ship Date: August
Suggested Retail: $135.00 US
Available Via Dealers

Edition Size: 900
Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker
Body Type: Poppy 1.5
Foot Sculpt: High-heeled
Skin Tone: New Hispanic
Hair Color: Dark Brown
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

World At Her Feet Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
The City Sweetheart Collection
Approx. Ship Date: Mid-September
Suggested Retail: $135.00 US
Available Via Dealers

Edition Size: 900
Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker
Body Type: Poppy 1.5
Foot Sculpt: High-heeled
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Light Red
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Peach Parfait . Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
The City Sweetheart Collection
Approx. Ship Date: August
Suggested Retail: $135.00 US
Available Via Dealers

Edition Size: 900
Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker
Body Type: Poppy 1.5
Foot Sculpt: High-heeled
Skin Tone: Japan
Hair Color: Platimum/Light Blonde Mix
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Girl Talk Poppy Parker™ and
Darla Daley™ Duo-Doll Gift Set
The City Sweetheart Collection
Approx. Ship Date: Mid-Sept.
Retail: $175.00 US + Shipping
***IT DIRECT EXCLUSIVE***

Edition Size: 800
Head Sculpts: Poppy and Darla 2.0
Body Type: Poppy 1.5
Foot Sculpts: High-heeled
Skin Tones: FR White / FR Black
Hair Colors: Auburn Mix / Black
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Séduisante Elise W Club Exclusive

Approximately 7 months ago (July, 2017), members of the W Club were told that there would be a lottery for this 'basic' Elise who would have the interchangeable fashion to flat feet. Within a few days, we were told that there would be enough for all members to order - no lottery necessary.

Séduisante Elise has a simple palette with gold eyeshadow being the only highlight.
Her hair is straight with a center part.

She comes with her no-frills, cut-to-there bathing suit, a striped tote, sunglasses, earrings and a bracelet. To adorn her two sets of feet we have white sandals and blue strappy wedges.

Those of you who were around years ago, will recognize the coin-like jewelry from basic bathing beauties of the past. It's funny but I still have all that jewelry!

 I tried to pull one leg off and it finally came off after much careful tugging. Then I plugged in my heating pad and warmed the legs for about 10 minutes which made removal and replacement much easier.

I hope that many will have used that method or hot water instead of forcing the parts apart which would likely loosen or break the tabs.
Notice the placement of the connecting tab which is quite different from hand replacements we're used to.
I'm not a big fan of the flat feet as most people's feet aren't literally flat and totally flat feet look strange. They need an arch for a bit of realism.

This "beta" leg changing version doll was priced at $140. plus postage. That's pretty pricey for a bathing suit basic doll.We are paying for the new feature. They should have done this with Poppy Parker years ago.

Now I must decide what she'll be wearing and how to style her hair.

The Final 2017 W Club Exclusive: "Fame & Fortune" Vanessa Perrin Gift Set

My word...someone finally woke up and realized that this is the WClub, not the Poppy Parker Club. It feels as if they've pulled out the BIG guns for the last couple of dolls. The final club exclusive doll is actually a Vanessa with her original sculpt.

The gift set consists of a lovely doll, two complete fashions, luggage, lingerie, specially made full glove/hands that are interchangeable with her own hands, jewelry, a purse, sunglasses and hair sticks.
The retail price is $250. plus postage and will arrive some time during the summer of 2018. A deposit of $35. is required no later than January 19, 2018.

Head Sculpt:	Vanessa Perrin 1.0
Body:	FR 6.0
Foot Sculpt:	High-heeled
Skin Tone:	FR White
Hair Color:	Soft Ebony
Eyelashes:	Yes, Hand-applied

Still "the" face of W Cosmetics after all these years, the eternally youthful Vanessa Perrin has brought much "Fame and Fortune" to her old sister and has always been there through thick or thin. Now more than ever, everyone's fashionista brings her own brand of gorgeousness to the table and shows everyone how it's done!
Vanessa Perrin is a 12.5-inch fully articulated fashion doll with luscious rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes. In this exquisite gift set, Vanessa Perrin redefines what it means to be a fashionista by including three complete looks that will take her from day-to-night faster than a roll of the dice! First, she starts her day in a lovely Asian inspired lingerie set that includes a custom printed kimono with high-contrast details, then she sets the tone as she runs to catch a train in a high-fashion two-piece ensemble composed of a sheer blouse, black pants and custom embroidered gloves that are sure to become an instant conversation starter as she travels to her next appearance. Then, she quickly switches to a soft, bright pink asymmetrical evening gown with delicate embroidery and beading details to attend one of the most highly-anticipated galas of the year! Vanessa comes complete with two pairs of shoes, a set of regular hands and a set of gloved hands, two jewelry sets, two fully functional (i.e. you can put her favorite accessories inside) monogrammed pieces of luggage, a clutch purse and sunglasses. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. This doll cannot stand alone; a doll stand is included. A W Club members-only exclusive.

I was a little surprised by the pink dress as there was another pink Vanessa issued at Fashion Fairytale this past summer. 

I love pink gowns. I would love to have the one shown above but it's not going to happen. I do have this one.

 In fact, I have more than one shelf in one of my cabinets devoted to Vanessa dressed in some sort of pink fashion.

Regarding the black slacks, blouse and glove ensemble...the gloves are TDF and that was a no-brainer; however, now that we see how it's done, it shouldn't be difficult to reproduce in any color.
I like the tailored, fitted semi-sheer blouse. I'm not a fan of the way the hems look on the pants. They probably need to be ironed. We have seen the shoes previously. Meh.
Hopefully the luggage will be the same quality as it was in the past. I'm not a fan of the pink stripe down the front.

2017 W Club Second Doll is Announced

METAMORPHOSIS

The second W Club doll this season is Nu Face Erin. Erin has come a long way from her early looks. I was a big fan.

The modern Erin appears older and more sophisticated. One wouldn't know it was the same character as the sculpt has changed to an open mouth and the nose was narrowed. She looks stunning, below with her dark hair pulled back. Her rich vinyl "Hungarian" tone is perfect for this incarnation.

The gown is lovely but not something we haven't seen over and over again in different colors. The white top and shorts are admittedly edgy but I must admit that I don't get the train thing with the jeans shorts. It looks pretty in the photo; however, if I were to purchase this doll, I'd be looking for something other than shorts or maybe not. Hmmmm.... 

She could run out to the grocery store and sweep the aisles looking edgy as hell.  She could go clubbing and trip everyone on the dance floor—a good way to meet people. What gala event could she attend in this fashion? How about the Met Gala? Maybe if the shorts were sheer...


I want the shoes.

___________________________

Here is the promo text from the W Club announcement:

Item # 82088 Metamorphosis Erin Salston™ Dressed Doll Gift Set The Heirloom Collection 2017 W Club Exclusive Pricing: $175.00 US + S & H Doll Tech Specs: Head Sculpt: ERIN 2.0 Body: NU. FACE 2.5 Foot Sculpt: HIGH-HEELED Skin Tone: HUNGARIAN Hair Color: MIDNIGHT BROWN Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied Quickswitch: No Erin Salston makes a noted cameo on the runway of designer Jessy Ayala as she models two fresh looks from the 2017 Heirloom collection! Light and breezy, everyone's favorite heiress looks absolutely stunning in these couture creations, designed just for her. By incorporating one of her most cherished family heirlooms, the Salston butterfly crown (handed down amongst the women of her family since Victorian times), our bad girl completely transformed these picturesque works of art and made them truly her own! With her new, delightful, ultra-feminine looks, Erin emerges from her cocoon and soars high like the most beautiful creations of nature! Erin Salston is a 12.5-inch fully articulated fashion doll with simple, yet ultra-sophisticated fully rooted, long braided hair that can be transformed into many hot looks! This sensational gift set includes an intricately layered custom printed chiffon gown and a second outfit composed of a one-sleeved white satin top that features an extravagant floor-length train, coupled with unexpected, ultra-edgy denim micro-shorts. The set also includes Erin's precious golden butterfly crown, jewelry and two pairs of shoes. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. This doll cannot stand alone; a doll stand is included. A W Club members-only exclusive. Note: Please note that the doll, clothes and accessories pictured in the photo are prototypes and as always, final production colors and textures may vary slightly. __________________ Update on source of hi-lo fashion. It looks better on the doll than on Kendall Jenner. Comments? As always, anonymous and or unsigned comments may not be posted.

2017 Fashion Royalty Collection Revealed

Five Fashion Royalty dolls were revealed on Saturday, June 24, via a webinar for the members of the W Club. I tried to watch on my phone from Chicago but had little success in seeing photos. There was a good deal of talking and I was attending a workshop. Just a case of bad timing...
However, every member was emailed a full description with gorgeous photos of the dolls.
Nu Face dolls were also revealed but I'll deal with them in another post.
English translation of doll names is in brackets after each name.

Vivacité [vivacity]

Eugenia Perrin-Frost™ Dressed Doll

La Femme

The 2017 Fashion Royalty® Collection

Edition Size: 1025

Estimated Delivery: Fall/Winter 2017

Retail Price: $145.00 US

Body: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Eugenia channels her inner French girl with this soft and ultra-feminine look that just is just too adorable and sophisticated for words! Dressed in a pair of perfectly fitted capri pants and a sensuous off-the-shoulder blouse (with an extra-long bow detail on the back), Eugenia is ready for an afternoon stroll amongst the stalls of her favorite florists, where she picked up a most delicate bouquet of fresh roses.

Coquette [flirt]

Jordan Duval™ Dressed Doll

La Femme

The 2017 Fashion Royalty® Collection

Edition Size: 725

Estimated Delivery: September 2017

Retail Price: $145.00 US

Body: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

For her "recon" mission on the Riviera, Jordan opted for a re-invented version of the classic hostess outfit with a floor length, detachable turquoise satin skirt over delicately striped satin capri pants, topped by a faux-leather bustier that gives this sunny look an ultra-modern, yet soft and sophisticated edge. Jordan also opted to complete the look with colorful accessories that truly make her perfect cocoa skin tone stand out and shine!

Sophistiquée [sophisticated]

Vanessa Perrin™ Dressed Doll

Head Sculpt: Vanessa Perrin 3.0

La Femme

The 2017 Fashion Royalty® Collection

Edition Size: 825

Estimated Delivery: Fall/Winter 2017

Retail Price: $145.00 US

Body: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Dressed to accompany Adèle Makéda and her cousin Eugenia on a trip to the French Riviera, Vanessa wears an ultra-modern look, composed of an intricately detailed blouse with long criss-cross ties on the sleeves and a sheer black lace skirt. Since it can get chilly at night, she took along her favorite faux-fur shoulder wrap, which incidentally happens to be one of her favorite fashion pieces!

Séduisante [seductive]

Elyse Jolie™ Close-Up Doll

La Femme

The 2017 Fashion Royalty® Collection

Edition Size: 825

Estimated Delivery: Fall/Winter 2017

Retail Price: $120.00 US

Body: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled and Flat Feet (One Pair of Each Included)

Seen here for the first time in the Light Honey skin tone, this wonderful addition to the Fashion Royalty collection marks the debut of the new interchangeable lower leg feature and includes two sets of lower legs, one with the traditional high-heeled feet and another with flat, removable feet, as well as corresponding shoes to fit each. Elyse also comes with her own faux-leather beach bag, jewelry and glamorous wide-frame sunglasses.

This doll will be sold via a W Club right-to-buy lottery later this year. It is not available through dealers. 

Exquise  [exquisite]

Adèle Makéda® Dressed Doll - Head Sculpt: Adèle Makéda 2.0

La Femme

The 2017 Fashion Royalty® Collection

Edition Size: 725

Estimated Delivery: Fall/Winter 2017

Suggested Retail Price: $145.00 US

Body: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

For her trek down to the South of France, Adèle opted for an impeccably tailored, red-hot pant suit that features a sophisticated removable cape that transforms the jacket into a vest and allows her to wear this look in multiple ways. She then added a custom-printed head scarf (to protect her finger wave hairstyle), faux-leather gloves and a fashionable hat to complete her look. This lady definitely knows how to travel in style!

______________________________

To me the obvious winner of this quintet is Adele. Adele 2.0 is the collector favorite of all the sculpts used for her. This fashion is stunning. Everything works beautifully with this doll. I pre-ordered her immediately upon seeing the photos. I hope she looks exactly as pictured above. 

Sadly, Vanessa is the least attractive of all the dolls. Her fashion is a hot mess with the only saving grace being the shoes and handbag. The skirt is nice on it's own but the 'oxford' blue blouse and the faux fur are just mistakes.

Now let's talk about Elise. We are back to spelling her name Elyse. I adore this sculpt and thought she was excellent even with the color change about which I have heard complaints. I wonder what other dolls have 'light honey' skin tone.  I will be entering the lottery and I hope to be able to purchase her. I don't care about the flat feet. It raises the price a bit and I have no flat shoes for my 12" dolls anyway.  The bathing suit will look better on a less articulated doll.  Let's hope that those who run the lottery don't decide to pick only their favorite people.
__________________________________________

UPDATES: Elise is not going to be a lottery. They've discovered there is enough fabric to make as many as people order. Clever.
__________________________________________

As one collector pointed out, Agnes was included in this collection as the event doll. Any collector who wanted one could order one per membership.

Merveilleuse Agnes Von Weiss $150.

Beautiful Fashions and Accessories by Pure Icon Paris

I recently had the opportunity to photograph a few of my 12" Fashion Royalty dolls wearing Pure Icon Paris fashions and accessories. 

The clean lines of the fashions are extremely versatile and can make a perfect wardrobe foundation for a doll. Doll collectors can add scarves, jackets, shawls and furs to create multiple looks. 

Links are at the bottom of this page. I recommend you visit Pure Icon to see what they have to offer your beautiful dolls!

Adele is wearing a red gown, carrying a matching clutch and on her wrist is a chunky black bangle.

Elise models a perfect little black dress.
She's added a black and gold metal belt, dramatic red neckpiece, earrings, bracelet and ring.

Elise wears this long sleeved red dress to work and out for dinner.
It's accessorized bit a red and gold metal belt and bright gold jewelry.

Detail of gold jewelry.

Elise is dressed for date night in a sleek, strapless LBD. For jewelry she's chosen silver and ruby red accented earrings and neckpiece. Red bangles and ring complete her look.
Look closely at her hands. Her acrylic nails are gorgeous!

Kyori is on her way to a fashion show in a stylish print sheath circled by a red and silver belt.
She's wearing silver jewelry and carrying a roomy black handbag.

My Mini LiveWire doll is wearing a dark red gown with a deep V neckline.
Her accessories are all sparkly silver.

Jewelry detail.

Pure Icon Paris is a handmade, luxury fashion brand for 12” Fashion Royalty dolls. The business was founded in Paris in 2014 by a skilled designer. Previously, the artist was developing technologies with which to work extraordinary quality fabrics including custom-made materials. In each collection, Pure Icon Paris presents a sleek and luxurious Parisian style with lifelike, refined cut fashions, perfect details, high quality, unique jewelry and handbags. The designs are made for FR2 and CI bodies, presented on self-made OOAK dolls to create a complete Pure Icon Universe. The designer’s goal is to create outstanding perfection with care in design.
The creations are available in the Pure Icon Paris Boutique on Ebay. Earlier collections can be viewed on the brand’s Facebook page. Inquire about ordering personalized items. Pure Icon’s other speciality is permanent acrylic nails applied to doll hands in several sizes, shapes and styles.
Each Pure Icon Paris design is created to satisfy the needs of a demanding customer with refined taste.
Everything made in Paris.

Pure Icon Paris on Ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/usr/pure-icon-paris

Pure Icon Paris on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pureiconparis/