Integrity Toys Unveils "East 59th" Collection

I'm going to post most of the description directly from the announcement and add my commentary at the end.

Featuring elaborate vintage-inspired looks created by Integrity Toys designer Chris Stoeckel and a storyline he collaborated on with Alain Tremblay, the EAST 59th collection promises to take us back in time to chic and swanky 1950's New York, where the bold personalities of the talented individuals involved in the modeling, advertising and PR scene clash for a bigger share of the marketing pie! Everyone from newcomers seeking to be discovered and chasing the American Dream to socialites wanting a bigger presence in the high-society pages of top fashion magazines will stop at nothing to be noticed! This is where we come in... and where Victoire Roux will enter later...

The story goes like this:

Picture a woman, a man, a big city and a chance meeting that would launch the career of a lifetime.

As we furtively glanced at each other in the luscious decor of the Hawthorn Room, I immediately knew that a truly exciting path was ahead. My name is Evelyn Weaverton and my life completely changed the day he discovered me. 

That is until she arrived on the scene, the mane of all my troubles, the one everyone in the industry loved to hate, Constance Madssen.

I found fame, drama and love on East 59th, wrapped in the arms of glamour. This Spring, follow our adventures and together we will shine like no one ever has 

Luxurious Leisure

Constance Madssen™ Dressed Doll

Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide

Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 US

Head Sculpt: Constance Madssen (New Sculpt!)

Hair Color: Raven

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied

Body Type: EAST 59th 1.0

Foot Sculpt: Traditional High-Heeled Feet

Skin Tone: Cream

Classic Glamour

Evelyn Weaverton™ Dressed Doll

Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide

Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 US

Head Sculpt: Evelyn Weaverton™  (New Sculpt!)

Hair Color: Flame Red

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied

Body Type: EAST 59th 1.0

Foot Sculpt: Traditional High-Heeled Feet

Skin Tone: FR White

Captivating Cocktails

Constance Madssen™ Dressed Doll

Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide

Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 US

Head Sculpt: Constance Madssen™  (New Sculpt!)

Hair Color: Luxe Blond

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied

Body Type: EAST 59th 1.0

Foot Sculpt: Traditional High-Heeled Feet

Skin Tone: Cream

Glittering Gala

Evelyn Weaverton™ Dressed Doll

Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide

Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 US

Head Sculpt: Evelyn Weaverton™ (New Sculpt!)

Hair Color: Brunette

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied

Body Type: EAST 59th 1.0

Foot Sculpt: Traditional High-Heeled Feet

Skin Tone: FR White

 _____________________________

Constance Madsen's sculpt is rather insipid (like so many of the CI dolls.)

When I saw that they had a new body type, I immediately eliminated them from consideration. That was the issue that doomed the Katy Keene line as well. The suits designed for Katy's companion were stunning but the body just did not work for me with it's giant hands and enormous feet. 

Collectors like me want variety but we also like dolls to be able to share clothes and shoes. 

IMO the great majority of collectors currently populating the W Club are not, for the most part, vintage oriented. They like young, edgy fashion so I am surprised that the dolls are sold out on pre-order. 

Chris is a very popular and talented designer. This would make an excellent line of 50's fashions to purchase separately if they were the proper size for Fashion Royalty dolls.  

Why are their shoes plastic? That's a new backward step.

April Purse of the Month Collection

Here is the latest release from Diana and Janet.

Denim is a timeless favorite, especially when it's been re-created with Uptown Style!   It's our theme for April and there's a fun, fashionable look for every doll.

Our handbag options have both been created in denim-colored leather.  The Michael Kors tribute is to the Ava bag, with its sweet flowers, bold silver logo and chain and leather handle.  32.00  For a bigger, dazzling purse,  choose the Prada Bling bag!  Both front and back are heavily decorated in white studs and rhinestones, and the front sports a large logo.  36.00

The Tote Set is softly elegant.  Stone-washed denim with silver decoration, it also features a white, feminine design that resembles lace.  And it includes a long scarf.  30.00 / set

The separates this month are simple and sweet.  A crisp cotton shirt in raspberry pinstripe also includes a belt.  35.00  Wear it over a pink bodysuit (25.00) and finish the look with a lovely stone-wash skirt, with white floral embroidery.  30.00

To view the handbags, tote and separates, click here:

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/24570917

I love the look that Janet has created for the Elite Ensemble.  Stonewash denim with white floral embroidery makes up the Jacket and skirt, with careful planning to make the most of the design.  Also included are a pink bodysuit, tote set, shoes, earrings, belt and your choice of handbag.  150.00 + shipping

To view the Elite Ensemble, click here:

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/24765152

All items shown in 12" can be upsized to 16" for a modest increase.

Please send all orders to: dianawieler@hotmail.com

_______

I adore that Prada bag but I'm not a big fan of the fashions. That mix of pink and blue doesn't work and the stying of the jacket is kind of boring. 

Barbie Fan Club "We're Sorry For Making You Wait" Reward

Those of you who faithfully send your $25 every year to the Barbie Fan Club are being rewarded for having to wait so long this year. According to those in power "the launch of the 2017 Club is part of a newly optimized website experience...and we want to get everything just right for you." The last time they "optimized" the website, all hell broke loose. It still freezes for me on a regular basis.
Even the link:

included in the email announcement, takes one to a blank page. They need help.

In any event, they're offering a "one-use" discount that will be good all year. Unfortunately, one must spend money in order to 'save.'

One detail to note is that the "free standard shipping offer with $100 minimum purchase" is valid even with this offer.

"BomBom" A New Modsdoll is Revealed

Yian Lee  sent out photos of her new modsdoll "BomBom" this evening. She uses the Miao sculpt and has the same body as "Sasha." 

BomBom will be released on March 27th at 9AM (Korea time).

I love the look of her accessories - the jacket and the purse. That bag is so adorable! The ruffle at the bottom of the dress is a shade of aqua which neatly ties the bag into the outfit. The open-toed boots are darling. It all works well together and lends itself to mix and match. 

I predict this girl will sell out quickly. 

9:00 AM Korea Time = 8:00 PM the previous day EDT (New York)

Here is a good conversion chart: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/south-korea/seoul

There is no DST in Seoul, So. Korea.

There are more photos on Yian's Flickr.

http://themodsdoll.com/

"Eric Raymond's No. 1 Henchman: Zipper!" A new JEM character debuts.

According to Integrity Toys, there are very "few items left before the Jem and the Holograms line is officially retired." That's definitely not an issue for this collector. However, as I've said many times previously, most of the male dolls throughout the years have been exceptional. This new doll is another interesting addition to the "Hommes."
Zipper comes with rooted and flocked blonde and jet black hair. Yes, there are two to choose from. He wears jeans, a white t-shirt and a cute faux leather jacket and also comes with a hoodie and sweatpants which are called a "thief outfit." No weapons this time although there is something that looks like a coil of thin rope.

If I were going to order, I'd get the Jet Black one. IMO the sculpt looks better with the black hair.

Each doll is an LE of 200 with a price of $130. plus shipping.
They will be sold only through IT Direct:
http://www.integritytoys.com/shop20/Jem-And-The-Holograms/

Item # 14094A (Blond) or 14094B (Jet Black)

Zipper™

The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection

Approximate Ship Date: Now In-Stock (Shipping shortly after payment is received)

Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 + Shipping and Handling Per Figure

Head Sculpt: Zipper (New Sculpt!)

Body Type: Homme 1.0

Skintone: FR White

Hair Color: Blond or Jet Black (Depending on version)

Eyelashes: No

"La Vie en Bleu" Elise Jolie

I was lucky to find a collector who attended the IT convention last year offering this lovely Elise doll. She is wearing a miniature version of one of Jason Wu's designs. The box she came in actually said Jason Wu on it!
I am not a huge fan of the pale face and tiny eyes but the gown is stunning. The fabric is beautiful. The construction is detailed and well executed.

The doll herself is almost perfect. IT used a new finish on the vinyl that feels wonderful and looks great. There is something strange going on with her hip and knee joints. As I moved the legs, I could swear they clicked into place. Uh oh. I might have to take her to my orthopedist.

Whatever it is, it's better than loose hips.

Her shoes are too small. Sigh. The last time I warmed up shoes, the glue wound up melting and the entire shoe came apart. Obviously I left it in the heating pad for too much time. So with these pretty shoes, I got her foot in but I couldn't get her heel to meet the sole. I hate tight shoes.

Here is one of Jason's gowns in the same style using different colors.

Here is the original dress on a flat-chested, sick-looking model. I do not see the beauty of this model in any way.  The gown looks better on the doll.

I wish they would have painted more open eyes.

Elise is my favorite sculpt and although I have most of them, I did not pursue the ones that have slitty eyes. But this one's fashion outweighed her looks. I had to have it.

Integrity Toys New Collection Announcement: The Industry

Members of the W Club received notification of the new Industry product release on Thursday.  The collection consists of three female and two male dolls. Each is an edition of 600 dolls and retails for $125. All were available for pre-order at authorized IT dealers at the time of the announcement.

________________________

Come Thru!

Head Sculpt: Tulabelle

Hair Color: Light-Auburn

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied

Body Type: The Industry 1.0

Foot Sculpt: Traditional High-Heeled Feet

Skin Tone: Japan

_______________________________

Style Savior

Head Sculpt: Liu Liu Ling (New Sculpt!)

Hair Color: Pale Pink

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied

Body Type: The Industry 1.0

Foot Sculpt: Flat (Articulated at the Ankles)

Skin Tone: FR White

                                            _______________________________

 

Zine Queen

Head Sculpt: Binx Barone (New Sculpt!)

Hair Color: Brunette

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied

Body Type: The Industry 1.0

Foot Sculpt: Traditional High-Heeled Feet

Skin Tone: New Hispanic

                                        _______________________________

Believe the Hype

Head Sculpt: Tate Tanaka (New Sculpt!)

Hair Color: Raven

Eyelashes: No

Body Type: Homme 1.5

Foot Sculpt: Homme

Skin Tone: Japan

__________________________________

Beauty Boss

Head Sculpt: Cabot Clark (New Sculpt!)

Hair Color: Platinum

Eyelashes: No

Body Type: Homme 1.5

Foot Sculpt: Homme

Skin Tone: FR White

__________________________________

The back-story behind this line of dolls is the world of the fashion industry. 

Bloggers, designers, fashion stylists, hair and makeup artists, as well as photographers and many other creative artists meet to set the trends and dictate what the next big looks will be. Tulabelle True and her friends know how to navigate The Industry like no other and you are invited to follow their adventures!

That's a wide open field for the designers at Integrity. My first impression of this collection is that the male dolls are fabulous. Their hair, clothes and accessories are very attractive. 

Thinking of the history of male dolls that IT has released, they have all been pretty great except for Chip, Poppy's boyfriend, and Perry the Vampire in all his incarnations. 

The female dolls are just average. I'm not quite sure about Style Savior's huge fur coat.  It  would need to be worn by a doll with a sleeker hairstyle. 

What I really love are the accessories. Tate Tanaka's bag with the footprints is adorable. His entire fashion is really great. The iPads and iPhones are essential. Tulabelle's neckpiece and clutch bag are very cute. If I were adding 12" dolls to my collection, I'd definitely get the two male dolls. 

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/

March 2017 Purse of the Month Club

This month Diana and Janet are offering two adorable Swan Bags ala Kate Spade and a Kate Spade Tote set. Handbags can be made to suit either 12" or 16" dolls.

Each Swan Bag is made of a leather color combination:  White and champagne, and Black leather and black suede.  Each features the layered design front and back so it looks good from every angle!  36.00 + shipping

The Kate Spade Tote set is so sweet!  The front features a Mother swan and her little ones, with the Kate Spade logo above, and includes a long black and white scarf.  30.00  And, you can add an adorable Swan Mink Pompom keychain for 5.00 extra.  It's detachable, and a tribute to the real thing!  Please be sure to mention if you want the key chain add-on.

They have built this month's entire collection around these bags which you can see at the links below.

The Separates this month include a fitted print top with detached black belt, -- 35.00 -- and a matching skirt -- 30.00.  Both items are fully lined and available in Teal or Tan print.
To view the Handbags, Tote and separates, click here: 

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/24570917

 The Elite Ensembles give you great options this month.  Created in either the Teal or Tan Option, each includes a long knit jacket banded with black, and with a black back-belt.  You can choose the fitted top and skirt underneath, or swap it for a matching turtleneck bodysuit.  Just ask!  Also included are the Tote Set, shoes, earrings and your choice of handbag.

To view the Elite Ensembles, click here:

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/24760636
Your girls will swim into spring, with the Kate Spade tribute collection from La Boutique.

Please send all orders to: dianawieler@hotmail.com.

"Pindot" A Collection of Dresses from Superdoll

I have a feeling that this little collection will not sell out for quite a while. I'll leave it at that.

_______________

PINDOT - SYB/REV01

Gorgeous set of three all in one dresses. Pure cotton collars. Lined organza 3/4 length sleeved tops with front placket button detail and a high waisted pleat front skirt with white 'patent' belt.

Colours are fuschia, sky and black.

Great with coats and jackets!

Perfectly Prim and Proper.

Doll shown for display purposes only.

In stock and ready to be delivered.

Price: £149.00 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

____________________

FYI

149 British Pounds = $186.17 US or 175.87 Euro

Christian Dior's "New Look" Interpreted by Tom Logan from California

On February 12, 1947 Christian Dior had his first show.

The ultimate destination for a late-afternoon drink, the bar of the Hôtel Plaza Athénée inspires Christian Dior to design what would become his first show’s statement suit. Among the ninety looks in this audacious collection, the Bar has been the most adulated and reproduced in the fashion press since 1947. In a duo of sober colors, its architectural silhouette sets itself out as the New Look emblem, perfectly combining all the features of the new Corolle and En Huit lines. The construction of its ivory silk shantung jacket, with its snug collar and rounded peplums, is entrusted to Pierre Cardin, then premier of the atelier tailleur. He cuts with an almost mathematical rigor, with a multitude of darts and cutouts. Because what Christian Dior is seeking is to “slim down the body without losing the waist.” 

But during the first fittings on the model Tania, the peplums lie flat on her narrow hips. Some padding is necessary... The young tailor then has the brilliant idea of going to the local pharmacy to buy surgical cotton wool that he folds like an accordion to create the desired volume. And it works! The black pleated wool skirt requires almost twelve meters of fabric, not counting the tulle petticoats. And to give the design even more refinement Christian Dior revives a forgotten tradition by giving it a lining of three meters of percale and taffeta. After a hundred and fifty hours of work, the Bar is born. 

Having become a House reference, this legendary suit lends itself to endless reinterpretation. In all the other Christian Dior collections, one comes across the subtle curves of its silhouette, which affirms itself as the identifier of the Dior allure. The couturier’s successors have endlessly reinterpreted it, right up to Maria Grazia Chiuri, who revisits it seventy years later with a transparent skirt and a message t-shirt in her ready-to-wear spring-summer 2017 show. 

Bar Suit reproduction by Chris Stoeckel. 

Hat by Don Philipott. 

Enjoy! 

Tom in CA