Sybarite GenX Dalston

I'm pleased to report that Dalston does not have the serious knee joint overlap issue that several other of my GenX dolls have had.  I am awaiting a replacement for Bethnal who arrived back in London the other day.

It looks like one has to get lucky when it comes to getting a properly made doll.

Dalston's outfit is adorable. The mix of colors is very pleasing to me. In order to get her bra to stay up, I put a few stitches across the two straps in the back. I urge extreme caution putting her shoes on as they are not the easiest fit and I did, in spite of being very careful, pull the end of one strap off. Happily, it just sets there without being noticeable.

DALSTON GenX.2 Sybarite Doll

Here is the newest addition to the GenX lineup from Superdoll.

This is directly from the website offering:


DALSTON DD_108

'I think I'll wear 'lipstick'.
Taking in the neighbourhood sights while strutting her stuff in Trendiest East London.

Venus knows her way around this part of town... it's home!

NEW! GENX.2 body!
NEW! Cosmetique skintone!

Her ash blonde blend double knot wig is a wonderfully styled for that summers day freshness while serving 'edge'! Eyes of sky and bluebelle surrounded by shadow of sunny yellow, sky blue and grey. Icy white liner on her lids. Brows of charcoal accentuated with fine strokes of taupe. Lips the colour of red summer roses.
Her sunshine yellow satin bra top and matching panties are, firstly to show off her waist and secondly no need to worry about just how short her skirt is! To keep her floaty, she wears lipstick print, on electric blue damask mini baloon skirt with waist pleats and concealed waistband, , just short enough to show off her long legs but classy enough to keep her cool!.
Pale sky blue hose, a pair of gorgeous metalic foiled silver lazer cut sandals with gilt platform soles , bearing red rose detail. This worn along with a cute red metalic neverfull bag, dripping in silver accessories emblazoned with gorgeous 'diamante' and metal contelation, and of course a red cutout matching buckle up waist cincher are her accessories of choice.
Just when you thought that was enough she picked up her chain and green bead with metal slats necklace and popped on her divine metal bathchain trimmed, bright red hair sticks; placed in her hair, 'just so'..
Good to go, she then added multiple hippy bracelets... just because she should!

The sun is shining outside Darlings!
Clone: 1000 Venus d'Royce

Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand

In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £252.00 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

What convinced me is her fashion: the belt on bare skin, the great neckpiece, the cute hair sticks!  I love it!  I like her wig, too. She looks like a keeper.

252.00 GBP

=

$332.94

Bethnal, Liberty and Chaucer

Bethnal is a bit strange. She's got the most difficult to control legs of any Syb I've ever had. She's also got a bad case of the joint flap. So far, every vinyl Syb I've undressed has the problem.
See: http://terrigoldphoto.blogspot.com/2015/12/disappointing-sybarite-gen-x-body.html
I'm not surprised this one has it but I expected a bit more from the legs.
Still, I like her face and I'll probably keep her.

I've redressed her in "Glitter Tit" as I did not care for her original outfit except for the shoes and the bag.
The photo on the right was shot with my iPhone in natural light. The one on the left was shot with a digital SLR in my studio with a mix of natural and strobe.  I did adjust the color balance in the photo on the left using Photoshop.

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Kingdom Doll Liberty ranks near the top of my list of loved dolls. She is beautiful.

In these photos, she is wearing a dress by Nigel Chia. Shoes are KD. Wig by Ilaria. I darkened the background in the photo on the right.

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I dressed KD Chaucer in "Enclosure Royal" a Sybarite fashion. I had to pin the top to make it smaller. Otherwise, everything fit including the shoes.  Black wig is Chaucers. Brown wig is by Cheryl Wood.

Superdoll Collectibles HACKNEY

The latest Bow Belle from Superdoll Collectables is Hackney. Here is her description from the website:

'I think I'll wear stars'.Taking in the neighbourhood sights while strutting her stuff in Trendiest East London.
Venus knows her way around this part of town... it's home. 

NEW! GENX.2 body!NEW! Cosmetique skintone! 

Her shoulder blade length mullet wig is a delicate blend of gingers with side swept fringe, serving 'edge'! Eyes of sky and bluebelle surrounded by shadow in rose, hot pink and grey. Heavy navy liner on her lids. Brows of mocha accentuated with fine strokes of rust. Lips the colour of summer roses at dusk. 

Her chequered weave 'boyfriend' shirt is unbuttoned and tied underbust, firstly to show off her waist and secondly to catch a bit of a breeze! To keep her cool, she wears floral print denim and AB stone trimmed half and half cut off denim shorts with functioning pockets, waistbanded in monogram petersham, just short enough to show off her long legs.  

Milky tea-coloured footless fishnet hose, a pair of gorgeous navy socks with banded tops and scarlet platform, pointed red courts bearing pom pom detail. These along with a cute denim and monogram banded 'speedy' bag dripping in silver accessories emblazoned with an enamel union jackbutton are her accessories of choice. 

Just when you thought that was enough she picked up her chain and orange crystal necklace and popped on her divine pheasant feather trimmed, star weave denim, Austrian flip back hat and placed it on her head, 'just so'..Good to go, she then added multiple hippy bracelets...just because she should!
The sun is shining outside, Darlings! 

Clone: 1000 Venus d'Royce

Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)-booklet-standIn stock and ready to be deliveredPrice: £247.00 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

For ease of viewing, I have brightened up the photos.

£247 British Pounds = $354.47 US Dollar

I was going to order one until I saw her wig. I'll wait for the next one. :-(

Walking the Runway with Kingdom Doll Star and Jamieshow Zita

Every year at this time, collectors get a doll or two ready for the Oscars. This year I have chosen Kingdom Doll Star and Jamieshow Zita as my two representatives to the event.

Star is wearing a gorgeous Tonner fashion, "Venus Rising," a wig by Ilaria (that I wish I had in multiple colors) and silver Sybarite shoes.
The flowing chiffon cape-sleeves of this outfit are separate pieces and have floral embellishments at the shoulder. Unfortunately, Tonner designers thought it would be a good idea to sprinkle glitter (YES, GLITTER) on these flowers, thereby taking the classy level down to 0. In spite of that, it looks beautiful in pictures.
I had to do some temporary stitching to take in the bust and torso area for Star. It takes a little longer than pinning but it's neater and I don't stick myself every time I hold the doll. 
Part of the popular "Gowns by Anne Harper" line, the outfit included rhinestone earrings, bracelet and dark green pumps, retailed for $114.99 and was a limited edition of 100 pieces.

Original Tonner promo photo:

Whoever designed this line and the Hollywood Legends/Glamour Collection through 2009-2011, needs to come back. Overall the fashions were beautifully designed and executed.

See for yourself: http://www.tonnercollectibles.com/aharper.htm

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Jamieshow Zita greets her fans. She is wearing Ashton Drake's "Love in Bloom," designed for Gene Marshall by Regina Ganem in 2001 as a dressed doll.  The retail price was $195.
Opera length gloves and matching clutch purse were included but not shown in my photo.
I adore the ribbon embroidery on the sheath and on the removable train. 
The jewelry is Franklin Mint, shoes are IT Gene and wig is Jamieshow.

 Original Ashton Drake promo photo:

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Waiting to be interviewed:

Gen X Forest Review

I was one of the lucky collectors who logged on to the Superdoll website early enough to buy Forest.  I didn't expect to see her posted at that time, but there she was.
Forest cost $387.63 with a $58.94 charge for postage. Asking price for her on eBay, almost immediately after she sold out, went well above $1000.

She is exquisite.

Forest is, most assuredly, inspired by Galadriel from The Lord of the Rings.

Cate Blanchett as Galadriel

 She brings her own light to the darkness with her staff whose branches support three candles. In order for her to hold it upright, one changes out her default hand for the clutching hand. Warming the arm in a heating pad for a while makes that process very easy.

Everything about this doll sparkles.

From the empire waistline down there are two embroidered layers of tulle-like fabric. The swirling pattern is traced with metallic silver thread accented by silvery sequins.
The under layer of the skirt is all over sequins in a random pattern.

Both the neckline and the waist are circled with rhinestones. The closure at the back of the dress is enhanced with rosettes as are the tops of the puff sleeves.

 Her boots took a good deal of patience and care to put on. 

Regarding the overlapping leg joint issue many have had with Gen X dolls, Forest still has it but it's less pronounced.

Her crowning glory is the diadem of rhinestones worn over her knee-length platinum hair.

Tonner's Galadriel was quite true to the actress' appearance and costume but I like sparkly, shiny things.

And of course, the Barbie version is a happy girl.

Forest wins.

Redressing: Domina, Fidele and Veroniques

We all have had  the experience of finding the perfect outfit for a doll. When that happens to me, I don't want to redress her. I love looking at my dolls. It gives me joy. When a new fashion arrives it sometimes takes a while to decide who will undergo the change.  Such a problem. :-)

Last week I experienced a redressing frenzy; the ensuing photo shoot resulted.

Domina models"Etoile" which I was able to get at the recent Superdoll sale for half the original price. This fashion comes with a pretty neckpiece which is not shown in my photo.

Fidele is modeling Madra's "Devil May Care" costume. This was produced by Ashton Drake in 2000.
Her shoes are from a Gen X 12-pair shoe pack. They fit the resin dolls very well.

Finally, a 2005 Fashion Royalty Veronique known as "Foreign Affair" who has been switched to an FR2 body models a mini dress by Huckleberry Jackson.

My rerooted, rebodied "Body Double" Veronique models "Perfect Reign" Tatyana's gown in front of the tree. I give a great deal of credit to anyone who was able to put on the elbow length lace gloves. I gave up after about a minute.

Sybarite Forest Dressed Doll 198

This doll is up right now along with the other two, Valkyrie and Midnite.
 http://www.superdollonline.co.uk/acatalog/DRESSED-DOLLS.html

Like the Angel of Havoc......

NEW! GENX.2 body!
NEW! Cosmetique skintone!

Extremely long platinum blend wig of KK upon her head, with eyes of icy blue. Shades of grey and charcoal and pearlised eyeliner surround her peaceful eyes. Lips of pure pearl.
Multi layer empire line full length gown against her skin trimmed with embroidery, applied flowers and heavenly crystal sequin.White hose.
Finishing touches are her neckline and underbust detailing of grosgrain and 'diamond'. Mid calf stiletto boots of crystal sequin with silver foil top band and glistening glitter toecaps..
The perfect accessory, her CANDLESTICK to light the way to her triumph.
She wear4s a 'diamond' headpiece to twinkle thru the Forest by the light of her candlestick.

Good will always triumph over evil.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Clone: 1000 Venus d'Royce

Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand

PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.
DOLLS WILL COMMENCE SHIPPING 06 JANUARY 2016

In stock and ready to be delivered

I hope she's as beautiful as she looks because I ordered one!

Update on GENX body Problem

I was pretty upset with the overlapping vinyl on the left leg's knee joint. Ayal suggested an Xacto knife operation and I wasn't going to do it but I just happened to be near a nice sharp little slicer and I went to work on her. It was easy and I got the vinyl down to the point that it will not protrude from hosiery. It doesn't look exactly like the other leg but no one will know except me and about 3,000 of my readers. :-)

I received a lovely email from Joe Quinlan, Operations Manager at Superdoll. Apparently he tried to call my home but my NoMoRoBo blocks most unknown callers so he couldn't get through. At least that's why I think he couldn't get through. He did offer help via email if I wanted to go that route.
I wrote to him about the metal pin which is sticking out of the (same) leg and asked how to fix it.
He recommended the following:

I would recommend holding the leg down on a solid surface and applying pressure with a blunt metal object like the underside of a spoon, for example. Try and make sure the pressure is directly on top of the protruding pin at a 90 degree angle and the leg is as steady and secure as possible, this should just aid the pin into its intended position.  Warming the area up my also help if you are still struggling.

I have not tried it yet as I wanted to photograph my doll before undressing her again. I hope it works as I do like to put hosiery on my Sybarites. I have bad visions of cracking the leg altogether. Ugh. 

Many colorful comments have been made in my related thread on Prego and here on the blog about Superdoll. Let me just say this. I think their product is fantastic. No one makes dolls and fashions with the styling and daring they do. Is that the reason so many say nothing?

I love my Sybarites but..."if you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything." 

 
What product line is so important that you would keep your mouth shut when it is defective or if you are not offered a fix? This is the Emperor's New Clothes syndrome in action.

I have friendships with many doll manufacturers and I do care about them and their success. I want to see thriving, healthy competition in the doll world among designers and manufacturers. It's better for all of us.

It's only money - mine.

Disappointing Sybarite Gen-X Body

I finally deboxed a Gen-X Sybarite doll and to my dismay, I've discovered a defect in one of the knee joints. I've been informed that all the Gen-X dolls prior to the recently released Guillotine have this issue and that is why "all early dolls are marked SAMPLE on the box."

Because she is a convention doll, I paid a premium for this vinyl doll. She's very unique and I like everything else about her.

The thing that drew me to her initially is her hairstyle. It's made up of two wigs, one on top of the other. The one closest to her scalp is darker brown and is just brushed back and cut short. The upper wig is a lighter color drawn up into two long pony tails.

Her gown is a white crochet type knit with fluffy tulle at the lower third of the dress. The belt is iridescent purple, a color which is picked up by the ribbons in her hair.

Underneath is a set of sexy, sparkly lingerie.

The bra and panty are glitter encrusted as are the fabulous shoes. I'm not a fan of glitter but in this instance, it works.

This is the joint issue:

What I don't understand is why I never heard of this problem prior to discovering it myself. Are collectors so blindly in love with these dolls that they don't say anything and will just keep buying? Not that I needed to hear complaints, but I'm surprised.

I've been offered the opportunity to return the doll to the UK to have the part replaced without a guarantee of vinyl color match. I'd rather sell her to someone who missed out on purchasing this very small edition doll. I don't know what to do.

Ed. Update:
I never would have posted publicly about it if an appropriate response to a defective $600.+ doll had been offered. 
The other companies I deal with most often: Tonner, Jamieshow, Integrity and Kingdom Doll would have offered to repair or replace the doll at no cost to me.
What's worse is finding out that this was a known problem.
I surely wouldn't have purchased her if I had knowledge of this troublesome and widespread defect.

New Superdoll Fashions

These four new Gen-X fashions took me by surprise. I did not get an announcement email at all and just happened to be looking for something else on the site. There is no information on edition size so maybe they will be around for a while.

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BLUE DUKE SYB/773

Not one for equestrianism, but this one sporting look!
Venus had waited ages for blue mid calf length glossy stiletto boots.

To accompany her boots she decided on a a blue plaid slim cut 'boy' suit trimmed in dark ruby, which she wears over a hip length portrait T, with print of herself sporting Bowie make up! Shirt bears white shirt collar detailing.
To accessorise she wears a cute dark ruby knitted beanie, with large blue bag in blue trimmed with VENUS monogram and huge rock 'n snowflake detail..
Looking glam and ready for whatever... shoe added a pair of glitening mega dangle bracelets, just because she should.

A winning winter combo!

In stock and ready to be delivered

Price: £138.41 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

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HAGGIS TRAP SYB/775

Not one for playing games, but this is one sporting look!
Venus had waited ages for thigh high red glossy stiletto boots.

To accompany her boots she decided on a micro mini lazer cut skirt of georgette and glisten with sheer corselette and red suspemders, which she wears over a creme off the shoulder long sleeve spencer.
To accessorise she wears her wide 'gold' leatherette belt, furrr mittens, red clutch bag with goldenrod and to top it off, her beaver hunter in red and white with SD smiley logo and a divine 'diamond' and black neck choker..
Looking glam and ready for the tournament, she struggled with her mittens to get on her plaid cape trimmed in 'gold' and black!

A winning winter combo!

In stock and ready to be delivered

Price: £135.19 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

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PAINTENT BLACK SYB/774

Not one for sports, but this is one sporting look!
Venus had waited ages for knee length orange glossy stiletto boots.

To accompany her boots she decided on a slim line knee length dress with striped gossamer polo shirt detail, which she wears with her black high gloss tailored jacket.
To accessorise she wears her jewel multi sling detail skinny 'gold' leatherette belt, furrr mittens, mid size orange bag with SD monogram trim, pearl and star detail; and to top it off, her bold handknit orange and black neckscarf.
Looking glam and ready to spectate! Black earmuffs shown not included.

A winning winter combo!

In stock and ready to be delivered

Price: £139.37 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

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FIFTEEN FAB SYB/772

Not one for team spirit, but this is one sporting look!
Venus had waited ages for thigh length black glossy stiletto boots.

To accompany her boots she decided on a micro mini lazer cut dress with attached SUPERDOLL 15 FABULOUS print sleeveless T top.
To accessorise she wears her black fez trimmed in furr, her shocking pink double breasted car coat with huge black ' Yak' trim collar, daytime size black bag trimmed in 'gold' tassle, S logo and black 'enamel' rod detailing. and a divine 'diamond' and black double strand 'floral' style necklace.


A winning winter combo!

In stock and ready to be delivered

Price: £138.08 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

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I still want to get Moon Mood so I won't be ordering any of these...but if money were no object, I'd definitely order Blue Duke.

Click here for the website page:  http://www.superdollonline.co.uk/acatalog/FBR.html