Zombie Boy NOW AVAILABLE

Zombie Boy is now available on the Tonner Direct website. Ships worldwide. $159.99

Click on image to go to order page.

Toy maker sues Lady Gaga

NEW YORK (AP) — A toy company is suing Lady Gaga for more than $10 million, claiming the pop star sabotaged a deal to make a doll in her likeness that would play snippets of her music.

In a suit filed in New York City on Tuesday, MGA Entertainment, the maker of the popular Bratz doll line, said it paid a $1 million advance to the company that handles Gaga's merchandizing and spent a mint racing to meet deadlines to ship the dolls this summer.

The dolls were to feature some of the singer's outlandish costumes, as well as a "voice chip" with samples of her songs.

But the toy maker said the plan was derailed in the spring when the merchandizer, Bravado International, abruptly tried to back out of the part of the deal allowing the dolls to use the singer's music. MGA said Bravado then tried to delay sales of the doll until next year, when her new album is expected to be released.

The toy company claimed the singer's representatives ultimately stopped cooperating with the project while she went on a world tour. MGA said her refusal to sign off on the final doll designs is jeopardizing $28 million in expected revenue from the fall shopping season and holding up orders from 10 countries.

A representative for Lady Gaga called the lawsuit "ill-conceived" and said there was "no legitimate reason" to drag the singer into a dispute primarily between MGA and Bravado, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group.

Bravado issued a statement through a spokesman calling the lawsuit "meritless."

In the lawsuit, MGA's lawyers claimed that Lady Gaga's representatives were initially thrilled with the doll prototypes, although they had asked for a few tweaks. In one email cited in the lawsuit, Bobby Campbell, the vice president of Gaga's management company, the Atom Factory, asked if the doll could be "more supermodel-like" with "more of a cat-eye and sexier, poutier lips." He also discussed a doll with a removable head that would pop off to reveal a bloody stump.

"We would like to see options with and without a bloody stump for comparison," he wrote.

This Model's Face

Look at the face on this model and tell me what doll she looks like.

Christian Dior 2011 Fall Paris Fashion Week

 

 

Other doll related blogs on the internet.

There are many doll related blogs on the internet and the number grows every day. Lots of people start a blog and abandon it as they don't realize the commitment involved to keep it going.
At one time I had my blog listed on a blog list that was a type of contest. The competition distracted me from my goals here - to provide interesting information, great images and honest reviews.
I'm not one for this competing "vote for me" type of activity. I think the best way to attract readers is by providing interesting content on a regular basis and making your blog posts easy to find.
 But, if you like, you can check my blog and any others you like on this list. I voted for each one. A friend of a friend designed list.ly the 'engine' that supports this type of list.

Best Doll Blogs - Fashion, Collecting & Photos

Hot Toys: Batman The Dark Knight Rises Sixth Scale Figure

Hot Toys continues with it's tradition of excellence in this figure of Batman in The Dark Knight Rises.

Batman - Bruce Wayne - DX Series

This figure looks so real it's unbelievable.

I love this list of what is included with the figure:

The Batman - Bruce Wayne - DX Series Sixth Scale Figure features:

• Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness of Batman - Bruce Wayne in The Dark Knight Rises movie
• Two (2) interchangeable heads including:
• One (1) Batman head with patented Parallel Eyeball Rolling System (PERS) and three (3) interchangeable lower faces capturing his classic facial expressions
• One (1) newly developed head sculpt of Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne in the movie with accurate facial expression, detailed wrinkles and skin texture
• Approximately 32 cm tall
• Batman body with 32 points of articulation
• Three (3) pairs of interchangeable gloved palms including:
• One (1) pair of fists
• One (1) pair of relaxed palms
• One (1) left open palm
• One (1) right palm for holding batarang
• One (1) newly developed complex Batsuit featuring fabric costume covered with armor
• One (1) cape
• Two (2) interchangeable belts including:
• One (1) detailed utility belt with cell phone and accessories
• One (1) magnetic utility belt for attaching the sticky bomb gun
• One (1) pair of forearm gauntlets
• One (1) pair of black boots
• One (1) grapnel gun
• One (1) transformable sticky bomb gun
• One (1) light-up electronic gun
• Two (2) batarangs
• Two (2) miniature mines
• One (1) adaptor for connecting Batman and Batpod (Sold Seperately)
• One (1) deluxe stone-like light-up figure stand with steps, Batman/ Bruce Wayne nameplate and the movie logo
• Light Up Electric Gun requires Three (3) Button Cell Batteries, Included
• Figure Stand requires Three (3) AAA Batteries, Not Included 

Retail price is $259.99

Get more information; see more pictures and pre-order here:  

Convention Costs

What will it cost you to attend a doll convention? Going to a convention is very expensive.  Here a general outline using this year's Fashion Royalty costs for you to estimate. Not every convention is the same so just use this as a guideline. The following list does not include transportation to the city as the range of costs will vary widely. Many of the expenses are optional.
Some people will be able to sell items to offset the costs and/or to make some money. Room sales are permitted but you have to register with the convention organizers.  Some people who attend with a non-collecting partner, sell the partner's dolls. You can also use those duplicate dolls to trade for other dolls you want.

—Convention Attendance $400.00 (if you are staying at the Hyatt Grand Cypress Resort)
This includes three sit-down meals, the convention doll (not a centerpiece), swag/gifts, entertainment and dance party.

—Hotel $169/night per room.
Can be shared by up to 4 people. Add tax and tips.

—2012 Convention Collection $850 or $825 if pre-ordered and shipped to your home.
I don’t know if that includes shipping to your home. If you buy the collection at the event you will pay local tax on each doll but you get to take it home with you. If it gets shipped because you pre-ordered, it should arrive in a week. You do not have to purchase the entire collection or any part of it.

—Centerpieces $100-$150.
 Each attendee usually gets the opportunity to purchase one centerpiece during the weekend at meal functions. You do not have to purchase a centerpiece.

—Souvenir Shop Purchases Optional $100. More or less.

—Room Sale Purchases Optional $100. More or less.

—Color Infusion Style Lab Optional $65 per doll.

—The "16 at 1600 High-Tea" $45 Optional Break-out Event.
 Centerpiece $150. Optional

—Optional Workshop Kits each :
-Resort Restyle $65
-Tribal Tattoos $85
-Fresh Tropical Look (partially unpainted) $65
-Cabana Couture $125  16” Poppy
-Poppy’s Hairdo $65

—W Club Luncheon $65 Optional
-Possible Centerpiece $150.

—Raffle tickets Optional $20. More or less.

—Food and Beverages $50-$100. More or less.

—Table Gifts Optional $50. More or less. Most every seasoned convention attendee brings doll related gifts for every person that will be sitting at the table with them. I've received some lovely gifts and some trash. It's best to give one small useful item than a bag of something that will be trashed.

—Transportation/ Taxi to and from hotel $15-$20 each way. More or less.

—Air Transportation to Orlando - varies on where you’re coming from.

Do the math and post what your total would be.

And From Superdoll....

There is a new basic doll, an accessory and a wig pack now available from Superfrock.
The doll is Dionysis:
Venus clone: 0779 regular skintone
Price: £323.50 LE 80

The Accessory Pack, Champ_Paq, comes with a list of useful and other items a "champ" like Dionysis might have such as a magnum of champagne, a winner's laurel wreath, no-sweat space blanket, go-go shorts, boob tube tops, hypercolor wigs, opera length gloves and stiletto sandals. I am mainly interested in the sets of hands which is also included.
Price: £139.50 LE80

Lastly, "Sour Grapes" is a set of two neon-colored Godiva wigs.
LE 100 Price: £37.75

As of this writing, all items are still available for purchase although I think that the accessory pack will be gone shortly.

Click here to go to the Special Summer 2012 Items

"Latte" New BJD from Ficon Doll

Ficon introduced their new dressed doll, Latte, for sale today. She is a limited edition of 30 and sells for $735. They have released one new doll a month since May. I haven't really followed Ficon's sales in the past so I don't know if this is normal for them.

 

Along with Latte, one new outfit and a swimsuit ensemble is also available. Go to www.ficondoll.com for more images and information.

There seems to be a larger than usual amount of dolls hitting the market at the same time all competing for the same prize - our money.

Photography for Ficondoll by Alexandra Forbes.

Ajuma by Paul Pham

OMG!!

This doll is drop dead gorgeous.

A new Numina doll is on it's way towards the end of this summer. This tease was posted yesterday by Paul. She will fly the minute she goes on sale! Specifics re: price and exact date are not yet available.

Military Figure in 1/6 Scale

Like most of us I am on every doll related mailing list in existence. This morning I got an email from Hobby Search. The figure that caught my eye is called "Crazy Dummy - 1/6 U.S. Army Saw Gunner in Afghanistan." It is classified as a fashion doll! This guy is going for about $203. and is the most detailed, realistic military figure I've seen in a long time - not that I see many - but it's incredible.  It's a pre-order. Hobby Search is based in Japan so added postage raises the price.
Take a look at these pictures. It looks like a real man.

When I see what can be achieved in 1/6 scale at this price, I realize how much I've overpaid for so many dolls. Perhaps I should start my own little army.

Anyway, the description of this character is as follows:

- From [crazy dummy], Sogan'na lineup in the United States Army in Afghanistan!
Accessories - of fulfilling,
MICH 2000 HELMET WITH OCP COVER MICH2000
UNIVERSAL GOGGLE RETENTION STRAPS
ARMY T-SHIRT
OCP ACS SUIT
OCP ACU PANTS
BDU BELT
OCP IOTV GEN2 VEST
MOLLE2 100R POUCH
MOLLE2 200R POUCH
DOUBLE M4 MAG POUCH
RADIO POUCH
MOLLE2 CANTEEN POUCH
1QT CANTEEN
MOLLE2 FIRST-AID POUCH
TRIPLE PISTOL MAG POUCH
SMOKE GRENADE POUCH
HYDRATION POUCH
HYDRATION TUBE
MOLLE2 WAIST PACK BUTT PACK
USGI KNEE PADS One pair
43513X BOOTS One pair
WORK GLOVES (BLACK) One pair
COMBAT APPLICATION TOURNIQUET
IR FLAG
RANK TAB
NAME TAB
ARMY TAB
ISAF PACH
ARMY DIVISION PACH
M249 PARA WITH AR STOCK AND GRIP
100R M249 AMMO BOX
5.56MM METAL CHAIN \u200b\u200bAMMO X10
M4 30R MAG X4
ACOG TA31 SCOPE WITH KILLFLASH
AN/PEQ15 LASER
MCTAR SLING ADAPTOR
MACHINE GUN SLING
M9 PISTOL WITH PISTOL LANYARD
M9 MAGX3
M9 CQC CHEST HOLSTER
USGI NVG MOUNT
AN/PVS-14 NVG
AN/PRC152 RADIO
HANDMIC
SF HELMET LIGHT
G-SHOCK WATCH
2.0 M FRAME BALLISTIC EYEWEAR
FORE TREX 201 GPS
MS2000 STROBE
M18 SMOKE GRENADE

_____________________________________________

If you're not familiar with Hobby Search, they carry Obitsu, Azone, Takara, doll magazines, doll hair and more. The website is fun to look at and, of course, is in Japanese first but other languages are available via built-in translator.

HobbySearch - Fashion Doll Store

Sybarites: New Dolls, Accessory Packs, Convention:

If you have a subscription to Dolls Magazine you will see a picture of a gorgeous new basic Sybarite, Dionysis.

"Dionysis" Photo from Dolls Magazine. Small print refers to Sour Grapes wig pack and something else I can't read.

There is also a brief, entertaining video of this same doll dancing. 

http://youtu.be/yyPuM92HPSM

The new accessory pack called "Champ_Paq" consists of a set of assorted hands (which I MUST have), a space blanket, a wreath, champagne, 5 pairs shorts, 2 tube tops, two wigs, opera gloves and stiletto sandals. How fun is that?

There is a wonderful multi-page spread on the new Abbe Lane dolls with gorgeous photos. One of the dolls, "Wolf Whistles," is a Marl & B exclusive.

This was posted on Facebook:

The dates: October 19, 2012-October 21, 2012.

JAMIEshow Haute Doll Exclusive "FLYING DRAGON" Now Available to order at Haute Doll

FLYING DRAGON, LING LAN DRESSED DOLL

This dressed doll is a brand new Haute Doll exclusive by JAMIEshow and renowned haute-couture designer Guo Pei. The lovely 50-piece limited edition showcases exquisite design and hand-beading, new detachable hands, a new sculpt, and a new-generation body. “Flying Dragon, Ling Lan” has 19 points of articulation and is made out of fine opalescent J-Resin. “Flying Dragon, Ling Lan” is a doll-sized replica of a design from designer Guo Pei’s “Legend of the Dragon” fashion collection, featuring layers and layers of silk tulle, intricate crystal dragon shoes, an elaborate bejeweled tiara, dragon hand jewelry, and glass-drop earrings. Entwined in laser-cut dragons, “Flying Dragon, Ling Lan” makes a stunning entrance into the fashion doll arena! Dolls will ship early September.

 http://shop.dollsmagazine.com/flying-dragon-ling-lan-dressed-doll.html $475.

l

http://shop.dollsmagazine.com/flying-dragon-ling-lan-dressed-doll.html

Sybarite Neurotica

Inti on Prego posted a load of pictures of the new Hells Belles doll, Neurotica, from Marl & B.
Here are a few of them:

If you would like to see more of Inti's pictures, click HERE. 

Moving Update

All of my dolls except Domina and Neurotica are now in storage. Everything including props, clothing, wigs...my photo studio...YIKES.
What a strange feeling. I was going to photograph the mountain of boxes before locking up the room but I forgot and was so tired that I didn't care.

Thanks to all my readers for waiting until we're up and running once more. That should be sometime in August if I survive.

A few words of advice...get rid of all your extra stuff NOW. It's a nightmare. 

There's a fine line between collecting and amassing.

I Cannot Believe the Price of These Dolls on Sale

Cherished Friends New Jersey Store has put a few dolls on sale that are irresistible at these prices. I've been saved only because I'm packed and ready to move in a few days. I probably would get Lust to go with my Vice Cissy.

Lust by Jason Wu Cissy 21" Doll is now $99.99.

OMG

I feel for those who paid the full SRP of $349.95 although it probably wasn't that many people. 

"L'Enfant Terrible" Neo Cissy and "Blu Belle" Neo Cissy are both on sale for $39.99.

This only serves to reinforce the fact that Cissy Doll lovers will not be swayed to go freaky when it comes to their dolls. 

The shop has a nice selection of dolls at decent prices so if you are one of the few that has any money at this time...go on over there and buy, buy, buy!
_____________________

In other news on the homefront: Domina arrived on Friday and I haven't even looked in the box yet. I feel like what's the point?  I won't be able to take her out and play because I don't have time.  I want to savor the experience of a new Sybarite as fully as possible and under these circumstances that's impossible. I'm just dying to open the box, though.

NDR MOVING SALE FRI SAT Woodstock NY

BIG MOVING AND GARAGE SALE (WOODSTOCK, NY)

Friday, July 6 and Saturday,  July 7, 2012

9 AM to 3 PM

No early birds or calls, please.

Clothes, vintage items, gardening tools, general tools, books, shoes.
Exercise equipment, antiques, craft supplies and machines, kitchen, crystal, miniature chairs, decorative items, pig collection. Tupperware, deck furniture.  No baby stuff.
Custom dog house for a large dog.
Concrete Bird Bath.
Old sled.
Silverplate.
Porch Swing.
Vintage farm tools.
Old horseshoes.
Lots of country and a little bit of Brooklyn.

Good stuff with a little junk thrown in for ambiance.

Come prepared with lots of small bills and your own packing materials.

1748 Glasco Turnpike
Woodstock, NY 12498


Will also show up as Saugerties on a GPS


Take a trip upstate New York. Enjoy the Mid-Hudson Valley.

Spend money!

Recycle!

Nigel Chia's Gioiello Twins

 I asked Nigel to send me some information on two of his gorgeous dolls whose pictures I saw yesterday.

See more of Nigel Chia's creations at his website:  www.nigelchiabridalcouture.blogspot.com/

The Gioiello Twins, as its name “jewel” in Italian are inspired by Ruby and Sapphire, thus I named them Ruby and Sapphy. They are one of a kind Deva Dolls specially designed by NiGel.ChiA which is limited to only ONE for each doll in worldwide. Both of them, Ruby and Sapphy have a reshaped face with higher cheek bone, more refined nose and jaw line; with different makeup by NiGel.ChiA, they transformed into twins that have totally different personality. They even come with private part detail drawing, full body blushing and French nails which giving them a more realistic look than normal fashion dolls! The red and blue couture gowns are specially design by NiGel.ChiA for both of them. Ruby is the symbolic of fire and passion while Sapphy is the symbolic of water and calmness. They also come with removable hard wig cap with Tibiet mohair (Sapphy) and high temperature hair (Ruby), with a special hairdo and hair cut, they are non-other than high fashion sweet heart!

Did you know that Nigel designs human fashion? Some of the photographs of his dolls on his website are so realistic it's hard to tell the difference. Here he is with one of his living models.

Tonner Doll 2012 Fall Sneak Peek

Today Tonner Doll revealed the images of four dolls which will be part of the Fall/Holiday Line Release.

WONDER WOMAN, Steampunk#1

$174.99

Does that mean there will be a Steampunk #2? She's cute and I think it's interesting to rev up her costume which is beyond boring by now.

 

Both priced at $174.99  Holy Batman!

On the left is Sam Flynn and on the right is Quorra. I am not familiar with these characters except from the one Tron movie is saw. I liked the story more than the movie but not enough to want the characters.  The movie characters are way hotter than the dolls. Flynn's wig is excellent. It's pretty difficult to do great male hair on a doll unless it's a wig.

 

 

Gem $174.99

 I had to look up who Gem is:

Gem is a program known as a Siren. She works in the armory underneath the Game Arena along with three other Sirens, outfitting programs and digitized users with armor for the games.

Gem first encountered Sam Flynn when he was captured and sentenced to fight in the arena. She and the other Sirens equipped him with his attire and Identity Disc, before offering limited advice that he simply had to survive in the games.
She later helped Sam find Zuse in the End of Line Club, also telling him that she wished she could have met him under different circumstances. A short while after, she was revealed to be in league with Castor as an accomplice in his bid for power over the Grid. This is where Jarvis attempts to hit on her
Gem was presumably derezzed when Clu 2 destroyed the End of Line Club.

These three character figures are definitely for fans of Tron although I'm sure that some other collectors will like the sculpts and see possibilities further than the fantasy.  I think they are pretty expensive for dolls that seem to be in simple fashions. I may be missing something.