Showing posts with label Silkstone. Show all posts

12/31/2013

Collection: 2013 in Retrospect

I usually do a "Best-Worst" themed post at year end. This year I'm going to do more of a "Best of My 2013 Collection" post. Going through my 2013 purchase database, I made a list of my favorites. The list revealed that I concentrated, number-wise, on wigs and fashions more than anything else. And, for the first time in a few years, Integrity Toys' dolls scored multiple bests.

Below, left: Lukas Maverick as "Beauty." He was paired with a female doll entitled "Beast," not shown. Right: "Interlude," the last Monogram doll in the line, (supposedly) was a welcome bag doll at the 2013 convention. She is dressed in a fashion called "Completist" which was also a gift to attendees.

The two Integrity dolls below from their last convention are both Elise Jolie. On the left is the convention souvenir, Midnight Star, and on the right is a workshop doll dressed in the Beast's outfit. These dolls are gorgeous and I love the Elise sculpt as much as I loved the original Vanessa sculpt!

A fashion designed by Chris Stoeckel for the W Club Luncheon for Victoire Roux made my favorites. Chris had previously done this dress for a 15.5" Gene doll (right) in a different colorway. It translates very well to the 12" "Out Sass."
IMO Chris is the most talented designer IT has (if Jason isn't around.)

Mel Odom's beloved Gene Marshall doll made a surprise comeback in 2013 as a resin BJD produced by JamieShow Dolls. It's great fun to have new Gene dolls and it has brought renewed life to so many long-time Gene collections. On the left is J'Adore Gene wearing a Sybarite fashion and a Cheryl Wood wig. On the right is Phoenix Gene wearing her own gown and a wig by Cheryl Wood.

Speaking of wigs, I added at least one dozen to my collection this past year. My favorites are those made by Ilaria, Patta, Cheryl and Chewin. My dolls have varying sized heads so they need lots of wigs. Below are two from Ilaria aka "Time of Doll."
On the left is Miss G White, a Ficon doll I traded for. Although she debuted in 2012, she is new to my collection. On the right is Inro. She is the first in the Inamorata line produced as a limited edition as opposed to a OOAK by Emilia Nieminen.

For the first time in ages, I'm paying attention to male dolls again. While the Jamieshow Alejandro below, left and the Tonner Neo Tokyo are not from 2013, their fashions are. These fabulous garments are by the uber-talented Chewin. I also commissioned him to do Alejandro's wig.

Another Chewin outfit modeled by Tonner's Yoshio, a 2013 16" favorite.

Yian (modsdoll) repainted this Dionysis Sybarite. She's wearing a 2012 Cheryl Wood wig, a gorgeous dress from the 2013 Metrodoll's luncheon entitled "Eventail," and a stunning neckpiece by Asher of New England. I'm sure you can see why she made my favorites list.

Of course I have too many dolls so I buy outfits for them. Early fashions that I couldn't get previously and newly released ones arrived regularly.
Many of the amazing fashions from Sandra Stillwell's Kansas City Every Day's A Holiday event can be seen elsewhere on this blog. Here is one called "Delicate Bloom." The floral motifs are all ribbon embroidery!

V John offers a monthly fashion for either 12" or 16" dolls.

There are always Tonner dressed dolls or fashions that need to come to mama. Some fashions are offered separately and some are from dressed dolls. Tiny Kitty is older (2005) doll called "Flirtation." Sometimes it's good to wait because many collectors sell Tonner products for much less than they paid.

Antoinette is wearing a 2012 gown from "Sweeping Antoinette."

This Antoinette fashion is called "Fanciful." It's so Barbie-ish and reminds me of Silkstone Provencale. "Hypnotic" Antoinette, whom I chose to model the Tonner gown, has the same hairstyle the Silkie (on the right.) Provencale is not a new acquisition.

I was more careful with my purchases but I definitely made a few mistakes. I am happy with my dolls. When I'm not, they go. Some stick around until I'm sure.

My doll collecting resolution is to continue to be careful and focused with what I purchase. I resolve to re-photograph many of my dolls and photograph all new dolls as they join the tribe.

Do you have any doll-related resolutions for 2013?

11/21/2013

Tonner's Shipboard Wedding Fashion and Herve Leger Fashion

I don't do bride dolls but when I saw this pretty bridal dress in the LE50 version, I jumped on it. It also comes in a dressed doll version called Shipboard Wedding. Sadly, I just realized that it does not come with the cool faux diamond ring or necklace.

Marilyn

I didn't like the stiffness of Tyler in my first pictures of her. They reminded me of old fashioned wedding photos where the couple would stand perfectly still (like dolls.)

So I colorized the full length image to go with that vintage feel. Still doesn't really work - but that's the way it goes.
The background is annoying.
I'm lazy.

More modern fashion awaits with the Herve Leger bandaid dress on Lingerie 3 Silkstone.
The clutch is too large for a 12" doll. I like large bags but they have to have straps. This one would work with a 16" doll so I'm keeping it - for now. I love the dress.
Speaking of stiff and rigid, Silkstone dolls are the epitome of mannequin stiff in my collection and yet I like them.
I like too many things.

I know. I have to get rid of that freaky backdrop. Ignore it.

9/29/2013

Madrid Fashion Doll Show Convention: Charity Auctions Begin

There are twenty items being auctioned by the MFDS.

The Convention " Madrid Fashion Dolls Show" hosted by official Barbie club in Spain" Coleccionistas de Fashion dolls en Madrid" has joined Artist all over the world to create a very important charity program for current time. For this important project we are working close with " Red cross" and funds got with this initiative will be use for toy campaign "No child without a toy at Christmas". We thank all artist involve in this project and all people bidding on these fabulous creations. Your bid means a child smile. Pink Power!!!

Here is the list of items as reported by the "My Dolls" blog.

It looks like the price for a few will go sky high. For example:

OOAK PEONY by Artist Creations aka Alessandro Gatti & Guiseppe De Bellis

The dress, made in pure pale pink silk and chiffon fabric is composed of a sophisticated evening gown completely hand embroidered with soft laces, sequins and many other different kinds of precious decorations. The elegant train, in a shape of one articulated origami, makes the image even more precious. Hairstyle and accessories are all hand made by Artist Creations as is the total facial makeover which was hand painted with high quality water based acrylic colours. Complete: one soft pair of long gloves, parure of necklace, earrings and bracelet in tiny Swarovski crystals, stockings and matching shoes. Doll size: 12 inches. [Edited for clarity by blogger]

OOAK Magia Showgirl in Madrid by Magia 2000

Please click on this link to see all the auctions. MFDS AUCTIONS

8/09/2013

Mattel's New Barbie Releases

Five more (yes, five!) new dolls were revealed yesterday.
Captions and photos of the five dolls are all from the Barbie Collector site.


This first-ever Silkstone^® Audrey Hepburn^™ as Sabrina portrait doll is beautifully sculpted in the actress’ likeness. She wears a re-creation of the famed black and white embroidered long gown Sabrina wears upon her entrance into Long Island society. White opera gloves, faux pearl drop earrings and black stiletto pumps complete the elegant ensemble. $100.

Inspired by Barbie^®, imagined by The Blonds, the Blond Gold^™ Barbie^® doll glows in fashion riches. Incredible chain detail adorns her golden corset and metallic-woven cape and inspires her long earrings and golden armbands. Her unique doll stand is inspired by bars of bullion and creates the perfect pedestal for this golden diva. $150.

This lovely Audrey Hepburn^™ in Roman Holiday portrait doll is exquisitely sculpted in the actress’ likeness. She is dressed in a re-creation of Princess Ann’s costume: a beige A-line skirt worn with a crisp white blouse and finished with a wide buckled belt. A pretty printed scarf and brown laced sandals are her stylish accessories. $34.95

The Wizard of Oz^™ Fantasy Glamour Dorothy doll wears a strapless gown reinterpreted from her classic blue-and-white gingham dress. The frothy tulle overskirt is trimmed in satin ribbon and sparkly sequins. The bows from her braids are now drop earrings, while the famed ruby slippers are reimagined as striking red stilettos. Also included is a silvery clutch and bracelet. $100.

So beautiful and glorious, her name is the Basque word for “miracle.” Stephen Burrows Alazne^™ Barbie^® doll wears a breathtaking floor-length coral gown adorned in countless, shimmering paillettes. The striking collar and fingerless opera gloves create an elegant, yet modern look. A towering headpiece and golden hoop earrings frame her gorgeous face. $100.

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I would like to add the Silkstone Audrey Hepburn to my collection. The sculpt is lovely. Hopefully she looks like the promo - especially the hair. I still think it's overpriced as are all the rest of the dolls except for the vinyl Roman Holiday Audrey which is pretty cute.
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The Blonds Blond Gold Barbie is pretty spectacular. But $150.? This is the type of doll that stays in her box. The only other doll I have that I've wanted to debox but didn't is the Blond's Diamond Barbie. I'm sure I wouldn't like her once she was out of the box. You can't do anything with these dolls except look at them.
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Is it not time for the Wizard of Oz dolls to go away? This ridiculously overpriced vinyl, unarticulated, no eyelash doll is $100. Seriously? She has nice hair but I wonder what it will look like IRL.
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From Wikipedia:
Fashion critic Suzy Menkes of “The International Herald Tribune” praised Burrows as “the Master of matte jersey and colour combinations!” In addition to “Stephen Burrows World”, Burrows expanded his company to include a number of labels drawn from various points of inspiration. “S by Burrows” was created for a venture with Home Shopping Europe (HSN) in Munich, Germany, while “Everyday Girl” was inspired by Anna Cleveland, daughter to muse and model Pat Cleveland, and “SB73,” a cut and sew knit line that was developed based on Burrows’ hallmark, color-blocked creations of the seventies.
First Lady Michelle Obama's choose to wear a Burrows Jersey pantsuit to a Washington DC event. Remarking on the significance, Vogue Magazine wrote, "It was a wonderful acknowledgement of Burrows, one of the great African-American designers and a Harlem resident known for his inventive cuts and bias technique."

The Alazne Barbie was designed by Linda Kyaw but the Facial Sculpt is called Stephen Burrows. I don't know enough about this reference to understand or explain and I'm hoping my Barbie knowledgeable readers will comment. The fashion is not the type of work Burrows is known for which would have made a lot of sense. BTW, Alazne also means "she knows."

I'd like this for a doll:

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3/22/2013

Boater Ensemble Silkstone and In A Dream Marilyn Monroe

Two new dolls arrived today.
First from Barbie Collector is the club exclusive Silkstone called Boater Ensemble. I haven't deboxed yet but I will as she looks next to perfect. I'm pleased. Mattel's updos and pony tails are the styles they do the best.

I like her ensemble, however it looks very much like an airline stewardess outfit. The hat is a boater styled hat and, of course, that is where the name comes from.

Click here for an interesting article about Boater hats on Wikipedia.

Marilyn Monroe "In A Dream" by Tonner

I purchased this doll mainly because I love the fashion. She looks exactly like the prototype. I removed the plastic arm protectors and had a little trouble getting the fashion back to the way it was supposed to look. No biggie.

I can't get the headwrap on the same as in the photo because I'm afraid of ruining her hair which is in a nice updo.

The real problem with this doll is the horrible doll stand. Tonner has been providing this awful stand for the last few years. The doll can't stand with her legs together and in most cases, the saddle that goes between the doll's legs shows through the garment.

Dear Mr. Tonner:
Bring back the old Tyler stands on adjustable poles. These stands SUCK.
Thank you very much.
Terri Gold

3/16/2013

Paris Fashion Doll Festival 2013

Pictures from the Paris Fashion Doll Festival are coming out and I'm in the process of getting permission to repost them on this blog. Keep checking back for more as I add them.

The Sybarite doll, Gateau, from collector Lilianaamigita:

Gateau

She is a winner in every way. Gorgeous face, stunning outfit. There's nothing I don't love about her.

Next from Nina-chan who apologized for the quality. We don't care about quality; just feed us pictures and our imagination will make up for the rest! We appreciate any and all pictures that help us be a little part of the event.