Queen of the Night, Venetian Muse Barbie! $100.

At the stroke of midnight, she arrives in all her dark glory to an opulent palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal, where guests at a masquerade ball revel in gothic grandeur. Her entrance stuns the spirited crowd—they gaze at her in silence. Venetian Muse^™ Barbie^®!
Only the trancelike melody of a flute accompanies the mysterious beauty as she makes her way through the gilded ballroom. Her presence conjures worlds of luxury and elegance, for she is an enchantress—a queen summoned from magical realms.
Venetian Muse^™ Barbie^® Doll, the inspiration for myriad wondrous dreams, wears a resplendent ebony satin gown featuring a magnificent front panel embossed with ornamental gold filigree and silver sparkles.
She captivates her audience—a regal vision, illuminated by a glorious crown embellished with glittering beads and an extravagant fan of black tulle.
Her intricate headdress reflects the brilliant golden sunburst jewelry on her fitted bodice, casting rays of light upon her transfixed admirers. Enthralled, they await the hour of revelation.
She raises her hand, veiled in seductive shadowy net, as an indication she will now reveal her alabaster visage. In a show of respect, a haunting aria dramatizes the heralded moment.
Time stands still as she draws back the graceful wand of her ornate gold and polished ivory mask.
Her subjects are mesmerized by the hypnotic power of her azure-hued eyes, defined by arched brows and vibrant vermillion lips. She is a true goddess, reminiscent of the divine muses of Roman mythos.

The ladies in waiting and their men bow in appreciation, gratified for the gift she has bestowed upon them. Her glow has awakened their senses and ignited their artistry. Enlightened, they’re ready to take flight, blessed by the exquisite Venetian Muse^™—their secret Queen of the Night.

Model Muse Body, Louboutin Sculpt, Fashion is NOT sewn on.

Her eyelids are covered in glitter.

"Karl Likes Barbie Lagerfeld"

Lagerfeld's title for this photo is "Karl Likes Barbie Lagerfeld." It strikes me as very funny.

Get ready! Barbie Lagerfeld is arriving at the end of the month!
Taking inspiration from the designer’s signature style, Barbie Lagerfeld is dressed in the designer’s likeness with accents taken from the real KARL LAGERFELD line. Borrowing from Karl’s iconic silhouette, the doll wears a tailored black jacket, white high-collared men’s shirt with French cuffs and black satin cravat finished off with fitted black jeans featuring the iconic all-over head print.  The exclusive doll is adorned in accessories that include black fingerless gloves, sunglasses, black ankle boots and a black leather purse with silver metallic accents.
The Platinum-label Barbie Lagerfeld doll will be available in limited quantities (only 999 dolls will be produced) for approximately $200 USD or €200 Euro through exclusive retail channels including:  select KARL LAGERFELD retail stores, TheBarbieCollection.com, NET-A-PORTER.COM and Colette in Paris.
The worldwide retail launch is set for Monday, September 29, 2014.

Do you think the glasses will be removable? The outfit?
She looks very cute and I am definitely going to try to get one. I don't see a tiny swastika on the jacket. SCNR

Do you think the glasses will be removable?

Je veux les lunettes de Karl!

This Is Wrong on So Many Levels

I like many anthropomorphic figures but this HUJOO 60CM AMIE creature is just downright weird in my opinion. Could it be the huge breasts or the stance of the figure in the photos?

The wig doesn't help.

And it has a tail.

There's no accounting for differences in taste but if you are so inclined, here's the link for more delightful photos and ordering information.

http://www.junkyspot.com/obindex.html

Junkyspot is also offering another, 2CM smaller, figure. She's a beautiful female with a body that is similar to that of Amie. Her name is Cleopatra.

With faceup, she's $195. 60cm is just under 24"

She's no dog.

Both made of ABS plastic with rubberized joints.

It Pays to Read Reviews!

I'll admit it; I adore the silly pet play sets that Mattel puts out. I don't buy them; I imagine the fun of playing with them.

Today I received a notice from the Mattel Shop of their 20% off Labor Day sitewide sale. I've purchased lots of Monster High items from that shop when they're on sale after comparing prices elsewhere.

So I go to the website and look up the Flippin' Pup Pool and read the one review. The buyer says:

"Disappointed because the ducky floating device and squirting dolphin are molded to doll's body. So doll is useful only for pool play, not for redressing or for other types of Barbie themes."

I'm not convinced I'd have purchased it in the first place but it sure is adorable.  The diving board launches the puppies! OMG 

I'm really 4 years old at heart.

#BarbieInspired

Follow Barbie on her new Instagram channel @BarbieStyle and tell us what makes you #BarbieInspired!
Plus visit Barbie at the Fashion Lounge in NY during Fashion Week!

 

Toast of Manhattan Wrap-Up

To pick up where I left off...I loved the Winterthur trip and the Broadway show but, seriously, I could have made those optional excursions at any time because of where I live. That decision was on me. Luncheon at the DuPont hotel is probably something I'd never have experienced. It was a nice touch that could have been enhanced by a little background info or tour of the public rooms. The dining room was magnificent.

The Metropolitan Museum's Charles James exhibit was insanely wonderful. I learned so much about the artist and his work.

I was so looking forward to was George Sarofeen's presentation. Something went wrong and it was rescheduled to the next day at a time when I couldn't be there. :-(
His talks have been highlights of prior events for me.

My table mates were the best! (Go Table 6!) Luckily I was able to use credit card miles to pay for the hotel stay which was pretty pricey for a less than nice facility. Maybe I just got a crummy room. I know some people thought the hotel was fine. 

I thought I'd come home with some amazing stuff other than what I purchased and two of the convention gifts, (Tree Ball Gown and Coney Island Cutie.) The other fashions just did not do it for me.  The optional purchases were, for the most part, droolworthy. I purchased four extra fashions and wanted several more.  I have pre-ordered three additional items. During the event, as the cost went up and up, I erased my name from a few pre-order lists.

I am very fond of Sandra. She knows how to put an event together. If you have read any of my past experiences with her conventions, you will know how much I loved them. There is an incredible amount of work and planning that goes into a convention; however, I would like to see less attention focused on the optional sales and more care given to the "gifts" attendees go home with. In my opinion, the stuff given to attendees should be at least equal to the best of the lot.

I am very happy with these Charles James inspired fashions. The first three were optional purchases. 

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More in FDQ's next issue.