This photograph shows the gorgeous Traveler by Nature Veronique, a Fashion Royalty doll. The color rendition is perfect. For me, that is one of the most important aspects of a great doll picture.
Congratulations, Susan!
10/19/2009
Picture of the Week Award ~ October 18, 2009
This week the award goes to the hairdresser of the minions - Susan Korba. With all the amazing re-rooting this collector has done it's a wonder that she has time for her own dolls and her own family for that matter!
This photograph shows the gorgeous Traveler by Nature Veronique, a Fashion Royalty doll. The color rendition is perfect. For me, that is one of the most important aspects of a great doll picture.
Congratulations, Susan!
This photograph shows the gorgeous Traveler by Nature Veronique, a Fashion Royalty doll. The color rendition is perfect. For me, that is one of the most important aspects of a great doll picture.
Congratulations, Susan!
Update on Hobby Link Japan Issue
I sent Mr. Kennard a link to my blog post and another request that he send me the refund for my return shipping. Apparently the blog post caused him to have time to respond with more blame and excuses.
He alternately states:
1. I should have waited (for no specified amount of time) for their refund.
2. I was trying to get two refunds
3. I should have known that they were processing my refund
4. They are a very small company
5. They were too busy
6. They "punish" people who do chargebacks by delaying as long as possible
7. I must be dishonest
8. They don't really have to refund my return expenses but will (eventually) because they promised to do so
9. They don't know how long it will take now
Somehow Mr. Kennard has lost sight of the following:
1. I paid in advance for a product.
2. The product arrived damaged.
3. I followed his instructions for the return of the merchandise.
4. I went without merchandise and without a refund of my payment for merchandise for several weeks.
5. My requests for information went unanswered for several weeks after Mr. Kennard agreed that they had indeed received the return.
6. I thanked Mr. Kennard for the refund the day after I was granted the refund from Visa believing he knew about it. I was sure he must have been informed of the action as I was. That was when he accused me of being "dishonest at best."
7. Mr. Kenard challenged the chargeback and I had to submit more paperwork to Visa. I was in the right so I won.
8. This has been going on for more than 3 months.
9. Mr. Kennard and his small company has never offered an apology in any form regarding the damaged merchandise. In fact, I am being virtually tortured for their error intentional or not.
10. I believe Mr. Kennard intends to drag this on as long as he can hoping I will give up and forget about it.
Yes, there are many people who have had successful transactions with HLJ including myself! But look what happens when something goes wrong.
Why would a business, especially in this economy, want to alienate a customer thus? What is the reward for Mr. Kennard to blame a customer for his own lack of performance?
This is not fun.
He alternately states:
1. I should have waited (for no specified amount of time) for their refund.
2. I was trying to get two refunds
3. I should have known that they were processing my refund
4. They are a very small company
5. They were too busy
6. They "punish" people who do chargebacks by delaying as long as possible
7. I must be dishonest
8. They don't really have to refund my return expenses but will (eventually) because they promised to do so
9. They don't know how long it will take now
Somehow Mr. Kennard has lost sight of the following:
1. I paid in advance for a product.
2. The product arrived damaged.
3. I followed his instructions for the return of the merchandise.
4. I went without merchandise and without a refund of my payment for merchandise for several weeks.
5. My requests for information went unanswered for several weeks after Mr. Kennard agreed that they had indeed received the return.
6. I thanked Mr. Kennard for the refund the day after I was granted the refund from Visa believing he knew about it. I was sure he must have been informed of the action as I was. That was when he accused me of being "dishonest at best."
7. Mr. Kenard challenged the chargeback and I had to submit more paperwork to Visa. I was in the right so I won.
8. This has been going on for more than 3 months.
9. Mr. Kennard and his small company has never offered an apology in any form regarding the damaged merchandise. In fact, I am being virtually tortured for their error intentional or not.
10. I believe Mr. Kennard intends to drag this on as long as he can hoping I will give up and forget about it.
Yes, there are many people who have had successful transactions with HLJ including myself! But look what happens when something goes wrong.
Why would a business, especially in this economy, want to alienate a customer thus? What is the reward for Mr. Kennard to blame a customer for his own lack of performance?
This is not fun.
10/16/2009
Hobby Link Japan - Bad Business Practices
I don't like to do this but I have little choice. I ordered a set of figurines from Hobby Link Japan in July, 2009. When they arrived I inspected each of the 12 figurines and 3 were broken. I notified HLJ and was instructed to return the entire set, insured, and that I would get a refund and return shipping. I got a notice from the US Post Office that my package was delivered on July 28. By August 12, I still had not gotten the refund even after I contacted Mr. Scott Kennard twice.
On August 16th I filed with my credit card company for the original cost and was granted a credit.
Mr. Kennard was furious and accused me of trying to get two payments. He claims that my refund was in process. He called me "dishonest at best" and claims that he was trying to work with me. This was on August 19th. He said they were busy. This is the last paragraph of his last email to me on that day. I have not heard from him since and that was 2 months ago.
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On August 16th I filed with my credit card company for the original cost and was granted a credit.
Mr. Kennard was furious and accused me of trying to get two payments. He claims that my refund was in process. He called me "dishonest at best" and claims that he was trying to work with me. This was on August 19th. He said they were busy. This is the last paragraph of his last email to me on that day. I have not heard from him since and that was 2 months ago.
_________________________________________________
"Unfortunately, the chargeback changes things a lot. Our policy on these is quite severe. We now have to wait for the chargeback claim to arrive here from the credit card company. I don't know how long that will take. Once that arrives, we will honor our side and refund the return shipping. However, we must now ask that you look elsewhere for your hobby supplies." M. Scott Kennard
HLJ Customer Service
www.hlj.com
I will send Mr. Kennard a link to this post and to any others I may decide to put on the internet. If he had any honest intentions, hopefully this will get him to refund my money and make good on his promise.
Be very careful when dealing with this company. It is sad that this had to happen. If a company is too small to have an important thing called customer service, then they are too small to be in business.
HLJ Customer Service
www.hlj.com
____________________________________________
Well they have not honored their side and have not refunded the return shipping. My account has been deleted and my emails are going unanswered. I have contacted everyone I know that does business either in Japan or with Japanese companies for help. It's not the amount of money it's the principle.I will send Mr. Kennard a link to this post and to any others I may decide to put on the internet. If he had any honest intentions, hopefully this will get him to refund my money and make good on his promise.
Be very careful when dealing with this company. It is sad that this had to happen. If a company is too small to have an important thing called customer service, then they are too small to be in business.
10/15/2009
Modern Doll Collectors Convention® 2009 - Taking Place Right Now!
Update:
Check the MDC store for remaining convention souvenirs:
http://www.moderndollcollectors.com/shopping.html
Check the MDC store for remaining convention souvenirs:
http://www.moderndollcollectors.com/shopping.html
10/13/2009
Review ~ Wu Iconic Convention ~ Part III
This is Part III of my review. See below for Parts I and II.
To the dismay of many, Adele did not make an appearance. Where is Adele? If only Dominique could talk. Hopefully Dominique is at the orthodontist's office getting her teeth and over bite fixed because she is not an attractive doll. Integrity used Josephine Baker's head mold for Dominique who is supposed to be Adele's sister. I tried to like her but it didn't work.
Giselle was the other similarly clad doll in the collection.
'POESIE ENCHANTEE' AGNES
Of all the Agnes dolls that have been released I have kept only one. This gal is too severe for my taste. The gown is beautiful in it's light gray satin with an Obama shoulder but this doll doesn't even come close to Poesie Sans Coleur.
NATALIA FATALE 'POWER GAME' (AKA WHITE NATALIA)
This was the surprise giftset attendees got. At registration they found an empty Fashion Royalty box in their bags. At each event they were given another part of the set. The blue dress is cute but not fine. The suit is unattractive IMO. I love the blue and black shoes which are partially hidden behind the card in the lower left. Natalia as a white girl...well...let's say that she's not Natalia anymore.
AVANTGUARD 12" CLONE "LIVE WIRE"
This doll has the same skin tone as the full sized AG. She sports Natalia's sculpt, however. The screening and the dress are the same as Live Wire's and her wig is similar.
POPPY PARKER 'ENDLESS SUMMER'
This doll was one of the event souvenirs. She came packaged in a window box secured with a nice pink ribbon.
There were three other dolls which I did not have the pleasure of photographing. All three were centerpiece dolls. One was a Monogram Doll, Curiosity, one an Agnes, Silver Zinger and the last was the Avantguard from the W Club luncheon called Vanishing Point. Pictures of those dolls can be found in other posts on this blog.
MFD provided wigs for every attendee in the registration bags. Azone gave a pair of shoes as a gift to all. Dolls Magazine provided a special Iconic Convention coverage issue. Other paper goods were a set of prints of early Jason Wu Fashion Royalty doll sketches and a set of paper dolls.
To the dismay of many, Adele did not make an appearance. Where is Adele? If only Dominique could talk. Hopefully Dominique is at the orthodontist's office getting her teeth and over bite fixed because she is not an attractive doll. Integrity used Josephine Baker's head mold for Dominique who is supposed to be Adele's sister. I tried to like her but it didn't work.
Giselle was the other similarly clad doll in the collection.
'POESIE ENCHANTEE' AGNESOf all the Agnes dolls that have been released I have kept only one. This gal is too severe for my taste. The gown is beautiful in it's light gray satin with an Obama shoulder but this doll doesn't even come close to Poesie Sans Coleur.
NATALIA FATALE 'POWER GAME' (AKA WHITE NATALIA)This was the surprise giftset attendees got. At registration they found an empty Fashion Royalty box in their bags. At each event they were given another part of the set. The blue dress is cute but not fine. The suit is unattractive IMO. I love the blue and black shoes which are partially hidden behind the card in the lower left. Natalia as a white girl...well...let's say that she's not Natalia anymore.
AVANTGUARD 12" CLONE "LIVE WIRE"This doll has the same skin tone as the full sized AG. She sports Natalia's sculpt, however. The screening and the dress are the same as Live Wire's and her wig is similar.
POPPY PARKER 'ENDLESS SUMMER'This doll was one of the event souvenirs. She came packaged in a window box secured with a nice pink ribbon.
There were three other dolls which I did not have the pleasure of photographing. All three were centerpiece dolls. One was a Monogram Doll, Curiosity, one an Agnes, Silver Zinger and the last was the Avantguard from the W Club luncheon called Vanishing Point. Pictures of those dolls can be found in other posts on this blog.MFD provided wigs for every attendee in the registration bags. Azone gave a pair of shoes as a gift to all. Dolls Magazine provided a special Iconic Convention coverage issue. Other paper goods were a set of prints of early Jason Wu Fashion Royalty doll sketches and a set of paper dolls.
Review ~ Wu Iconic Convention ~ Part II
This post is Part II of my review. See below for Part I.
SUCCESSFUL ASCENSION - CONVENTION FASHION
At first I thought the fabric was reminiscent of Tatyana's giftset or the handbag from the 2008 2nd Club Doll Accessory Pack. So it's a red sheath with black side panels over which black lace is applied. There is beading over the black panels. Accessorized by black stud earrings and the train case I mentioned in Part I. I don't see where this fits in with the collection but I like it.
I'm not a fan of short boots and cocktail dresses and I will change them to pumps. The dress is very well made. My model is Buena Sera Kyori who was rerooted by Uriah.
The pin and bracelet were added by me.
DANIA ZARR "OPTIC CLASH"
Apparently Dania is the "it" girl of the convention. The prices that some are paying on eBay are unbelievable. She is definitely "torch-song-piano-bar" in appearance. Dania exudes old Hollywood glamour with her wavy platinum blonde hair, full red lips and form-fitting black strapless gown. (I removed the bow after this photo shoot.) Her jewelry is clear and pink rhinestones. Her shoes are black and pink and they do fit!
An explanation of how centerpieces are acquired: Everyone at the table of ten gets a number from 1 to 10. The host or hostess is number 1. At each meal event 2 or 3 numbers are randomly chosen. Those chosen have the right to purchase the centerpiece at that meal. By the end of the convention, everyone's number has been called including that of the table host. In addition, the table host is gifted with a particular centerpiece. This is the way it's been done for the past two years.
SUCCESSFUL ASCENSION - CONVENTION FASHION
At first I thought the fabric was reminiscent of Tatyana's giftset or the handbag from the 2008 2nd Club Doll Accessory Pack. So it's a red sheath with black side panels over which black lace is applied. There is beading over the black panels. Accessorized by black stud earrings and the train case I mentioned in Part I. I don't see where this fits in with the collection but I like it.
I'm not a fan of short boots and cocktail dresses and I will change them to pumps. The dress is very well made. My model is Buena Sera Kyori who was rerooted by Uriah.
The pin and bracelet were added by me.
DANIA ZARR "OPTIC CLASH"
An explanation of how centerpieces are acquired: Everyone at the table of ten gets a number from 1 to 10. The host or hostess is number 1. At each meal event 2 or 3 numbers are randomly chosen. Those chosen have the right to purchase the centerpiece at that meal. By the end of the convention, everyone's number has been called including that of the table host. In addition, the table host is gifted with a particular centerpiece. This is the way it's been done for the past two years.
Review ~ Wu Iconic Convention ~ Part I
I was lucky enough to have had a surrogate attend the convention in my place and also purchase the entire collection for me. In addition, one of the the centerpiece dolls, Dania, now resides in my home. My review will cover only the Fashion Royalty dolls. I will not be reviewing the Poppy Parker, the Mini AG or the ITBE doll.
By all accounts this was the best convention ever! The reports about the food, the accommodations, the coordination of events, the staff and the dolls were excellent. It's worth mentioning that the only negative remarks are coming from those who did not go.
It would appear that the pretty but unnecessary excesses of past conventions were turned into dolls. The convention had a flat fee of $350 for those staying at the hotel. For that fee attendees got four seated meal events with souvenirs and all the workshops! Compared to last year, that was a fantastic price. This year, besides the predictable playline doll, everyone got a Poppy Parker doll, a Natalia giftset AND a fantastic new character as the convention doll. WOW!
Integrity made some excellent business decisions with this convention. After a year of bad economic news that affected almost everyone this was a great thing for them to do and may bring many "old timers" back into the fold.
The other, and to me more significant aspect of this event was the designing of the dolls. Again, after a year of somewhat disappointing Fashion Royalty dolls, these gals had Jason's inimitable style all over them. Welcome back, Jason. Please don't leave us again.
'BLUE BLOOD' ELISE JOLIE - The Saturday night event souvenir doll.
I absolutely love this doll. Her new sculpt is haughty. Her upper lip curls into a sneer. It makes me laugh. Her hair is in a neat, partially braided updo, which I prefer to long, unmanageable curls.
By all accounts this was the best convention ever! The reports about the food, the accommodations, the coordination of events, the staff and the dolls were excellent. It's worth mentioning that the only negative remarks are coming from those who did not go.
It would appear that the pretty but unnecessary excesses of past conventions were turned into dolls. The convention had a flat fee of $350 for those staying at the hotel. For that fee attendees got four seated meal events with souvenirs and all the workshops! Compared to last year, that was a fantastic price. This year, besides the predictable playline doll, everyone got a Poppy Parker doll, a Natalia giftset AND a fantastic new character as the convention doll. WOW!
Integrity made some excellent business decisions with this convention. After a year of bad economic news that affected almost everyone this was a great thing for them to do and may bring many "old timers" back into the fold.
The other, and to me more significant aspect of this event was the designing of the dolls. Again, after a year of somewhat disappointing Fashion Royalty dolls, these gals had Jason's inimitable style all over them. Welcome back, Jason. Please don't leave us again.
'BLUE BLOOD' ELISE JOLIE - The Saturday night event souvenir doll.
I absolutely love this doll. Her new sculpt is haughty. Her upper lip curls into a sneer. It makes me laugh. Her hair is in a neat, partially braided updo, which I prefer to long, unmanageable curls.
The suit is a perfectly tailored work of miniature art with it's puffed and draped shoulders, stand collar, and peplum detail. The fabric has a woven design that provides more texture and sparkle. The skirt is above the knee. The patterned, beaded stockings make their second appearance this year. Her faux suede shoes required patience and manual dexterity to put on and get buckled but they fit well. They have a peachy beige lining.
Jewelry consists of jet black rhinestone stud earrings and a tie-on necklace of assorted sized, mostly black glass beads.
The luggage is a wonderfully detailed rolling suitcase which matches the small train case that comes with Successful Ascension.
Jewelry consists of jet black rhinestone stud earrings and a tie-on necklace of assorted sized, mostly black glass beads.The luggage is a wonderfully detailed rolling suitcase which matches the small train case that comes with Successful Ascension.
'LUXE LIFE' VANESSA
This is the 19th Vanessa (yes, I keep track) and the first truly beautiful one in a while. Her hair is up in a double chignon. Bangs are tough to pull off on a rooted doll. You really need a wig for bangs to look right. There is enough gel on these bangs to make them archival. Luckily there are no net marks but it's not my favorite look for Vanessa. This is the only Vanessa with bangs. I guess it was time.
Her face is perfection. I love the pastel eyeshadow and the pale lips. The chunky over-scaled pewter-look jewelry makes an appearance again in the form of earrings on this doll and also on Eugenia's dress as embellishments as you will see further on in the review.
I had a problem with the shoes. They are too large. Even after I secured them with elastics, they kept turning to the side - this way or that - and were completely unwearable. I substituted simple pink pumps. It's sad because they are very cute with their faux snakeskin straps. I could have used sticky dots to attach them to her feet but they have a fabric lining and I didn't feel like doing that at this time.
The gown is another wonderful design with it's low cut bodice, skinny belt and flowing pink embellished lace-like skirt. The drape of the skirt is perfection. I switched one of Vanessa's hands to the gnarled version so she could clutch her clutch.
'DIAMOND SOCIETY' EUGENIA
Similar elements in the outfits of Eugenia, Vanessa and Elise Jolie are indicators of a truly well-designed collection. The lining of Eugenia's stole is the same color as Vanessa's skirt. The lining of Elise's shoes are the same fabric as Vanessa's bodice. Vanessa's earrings are the same material as the embellishments on Eugenia's dress. Elise could easily wear the tulle hat. Unfortunately no one can wear Eugenia's gorgeous shoes if they are wearing hosiery. They are too narrow. Another collector told me that he stretched his with pliers. I may try that. In the meanwhile I substituted another pair of pumps.
Eugenia is wearing a very short black silk sheath with wonderful pieces of rhinestone in metal shapes sewn on to the upper bodice at the shoulders. Her tulle hat has a loop that could be used to veil her eyes but I chose to put that at the back. My stole has it's lining sewn in at an off angle leaving excess lining showing and a skewed label. Easy to fix but this is an example of quality control asleep at the wheel.
Earrings are black studs. Her hatbox is covered in a wonderful geometric woven fabric. It's a delightful addition to a beautiful outfit.
This is the 19th Vanessa (yes, I keep track) and the first truly beautiful one in a while. Her hair is up in a double chignon. Bangs are tough to pull off on a rooted doll. You really need a wig for bangs to look right. There is enough gel on these bangs to make them archival. Luckily there are no net marks but it's not my favorite look for Vanessa. This is the only Vanessa with bangs. I guess it was time.
Her face is perfection. I love the pastel eyeshadow and the pale lips. The chunky over-scaled pewter-look jewelry makes an appearance again in the form of earrings on this doll and also on Eugenia's dress as embellishments as you will see further on in the review.
The gown is another wonderful design with it's low cut bodice, skinny belt and flowing pink embellished lace-like skirt. The drape of the skirt is perfection. I switched one of Vanessa's hands to the gnarled version so she could clutch her clutch.
'DIAMOND SOCIETY' EUGENIA
Similar elements in the outfits of Eugenia, Vanessa and Elise Jolie are indicators of a truly well-designed collection. The lining of Eugenia's stole is the same color as Vanessa's skirt. The lining of Elise's shoes are the same fabric as Vanessa's bodice. Vanessa's earrings are the same material as the embellishments on Eugenia's dress. Elise could easily wear the tulle hat. Unfortunately no one can wear Eugenia's gorgeous shoes if they are wearing hosiery. They are too narrow. Another collector told me that he stretched his with pliers. I may try that. In the meanwhile I substituted another pair of pumps.
Eugenia is wearing a very short black silk sheath with wonderful pieces of rhinestone in metal shapes sewn on to the upper bodice at the shoulders. Her tulle hat has a loop that could be used to veil her eyes but I chose to put that at the back. My stole has it's lining sewn in at an off angle leaving excess lining showing and a skewed label. Easy to fix but this is an example of quality control asleep at the wheel.
Earrings are black studs. Her hatbox is covered in a wonderful geometric woven fabric. It's a delightful addition to a beautiful outfit.
10/11/2009
Pictures of the Week ~ October 11, 2009
With so many wonderful images of the new Fashion Royalty dolls being posted this week, it was too difficult to pick just one. Therefore I have chosen two images to feature as Picture of the Week.
From Christina Goodison also known as Shuga Shug, comes this fierce portrait of Elise Jolie the convention souvenir doll. Christina used a Sony Alpha DSLR A200 camera with a Minolta lens in macro mode for this shot. She uses a Mystudio 20 Tabletop Photo Studio Kit. The face is perfectly focused and the body is not. It draws the eye to the steely gaze of Ms. Jolie. You can see more of Christina's fantastic convention coverage at this link.
Next up is this amazing creation from Rob Redden also known as Uriah. Originally Dressing the Part Agnes, Rob created his own vision of the doll by completely rerooting and repainting. The photo was intended to show the jewelry Rob created to give as gifts at the convention. I love the way her hair flows out around her head. This is one of my favorite of Rob's pictures ever!
From Christina Goodison also known as Shuga Shug, comes this fierce portrait of Elise Jolie the convention souvenir doll. Christina used a Sony Alpha DSLR A200 camera with a Minolta lens in macro mode for this shot. She uses a Mystudio 20 Tabletop Photo Studio Kit. The face is perfectly focused and the body is not. It draws the eye to the steely gaze of Ms. Jolie. You can see more of Christina's fantastic convention coverage at this link.Next up is this amazing creation from Rob Redden also known as Uriah. Originally Dressing the Part Agnes, Rob created his own vision of the doll by completely rerooting and repainting. The photo was intended to show the jewelry Rob created to give as gifts at the convention. I love the way her hair flows out around her head. This is one of my favorite of Rob's pictures ever!
10/10/2009
What's with all the zombies? By David Sirota
I've heard many people wonder what the attraction is about vampires. Tonner's Zombie-like dolls have appeared on the scene in the last few days. Have we become a culture that worships the dead, the almost dead and the somewhat dead?
Today this piece appeared in salon.com. It's not about dolls but it's interesting.
Image from: http://www.netfreestuff.co.uk/
In a recently published study:
four Canadian mathematicians/graduate students did a mathematical analysis of a hypothetical zombie outbreak to determine the likelihood of human eradication, should such an attack ever occur. According to their model, “a zombie outbreak is likely to lead to the collapse of civilization, unless it is dealt with quickly. While aggressive quarantine may contain the epidemic, or a cure may lead to coexistence of humans and zombies, the most effective way to contain the rise of the undead is to hit hard and hit often.”
Today this piece appeared in salon.com. It's not about dolls but it's interesting.
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Image from: http://www.netfreestuff.co.uk/four Canadian mathematicians/graduate students did a mathematical analysis of a hypothetical zombie outbreak to determine the likelihood of human eradication, should such an attack ever occur. According to their model, “a zombie outbreak is likely to lead to the collapse of civilization, unless it is dealt with quickly. While aggressive quarantine may contain the epidemic, or a cure may lead to coexistence of humans and zombies, the most effective way to contain the rise of the undead is to hit hard and hit often.”
10/09/2009
Stunning in the Spotlight Barbie Doll
"Stunning in the Spotlight" is the last Barbie Silkstone of 2009. Here is what the BC.Com site says about this doll:
The "Since 1959" Collection commemorates famed vintage fashions, re-invented for a new era! Barbie® doll is always the dramatic, superlative star! Stunning in the Spotlight™ Barbie® Doll is ready for her close up in a re-creation of the 1960's Solo in the Spotlight® fashion with a modern twist.
I was going to buy every Silkstone that was issued in 2009 because of the anniversary but I'm passing on this one. Not because she's not pretty, she is very pretty, but because of the price...$161.96!
She will not be mine.
The "Since 1959" Collection commemorates famed vintage fashions, re-invented for a new era! Barbie® doll is always the dramatic, superlative star! Stunning in the Spotlight™ Barbie® Doll is ready for her close up in a re-creation of the 1960's Solo in the Spotlight® fashion with a modern twist.
She will not be mine.
New Hard Rock Cafe Barbie Doll - Available 11/12/09
The 2009 Gold Label Hard Rock Cafe doll has been revealed. She's different. I've learned not to judge Barbie dolls by their promotional photos which are almost always much better than the real thing.
I can say that the price is too high. They're all going up and that's not good.
Here's the description from Mattel:
"Edgy glam meets sleek style in one decadent doll courtesy of Hard Rock Cafe. Berbie doll rocks the rockabilly look in a pink bustier with golden and black trim, black pencil skirt, fishnets and sky high Mary Janes. Cute tattoos decorate the doll arms and adorable accessories include more than just the usual bling. A rockin' bass guitar to jam with the band accompanies this rock star!"Retail Price is $79.96
10/08/2009
Tonner Doll — Fashion Zombies™ from Re-Imagination
Just when you thought it was safe to sleep in your doll room TDC releases Fashion Zombies™! These two creatures are part of Tonner's Re-Imagination line and are truly knockouts.
Both dolls are on small bust bodies with regular fashion feet.
For information call Cary Green at 706-695-8242 or email diang@collectorsunited.com.
An Angelic Dreamz exclusive Antoinette. LE 200
Her name is "Heavenly." She has cameo skin tone and hazel eyes.
Retail Price $249.99. Angelic Dreamz offers free shipping on this item in the continental US.
My favorite is "Death Becomes Her." I love the promotional photo with it's grey tones and misty mood. The doll has the Magnolia sculpt, brown eyes and cameo skin tone. According to the description on the Tonner site, her hair has been 'heavily styled' for these prototype photos. It kind of looks like what happens when you try to comb out Barbie hair but on this doll it works and it's very sexy.
"This damsel of decay arrives in an ethereal chiffon gown with meticulous shirring over multipatterned mesh tights. Askew chain earrings, matching necklace and criss-cross faux leather high-heeled shoes also included."
The other doll is called "Death By Fashion," a title that sounds vaguely like "Fashion Victim." She has the Lana Lang sculpt, grey eyes and the cameo skin tone. Her eye are verrrry strange and look as if there is no iris or pupil.
"The ghastly undead is swathed in a chartreuse and grey chiffon dress over black multi-patterned mesh tights and lace-up high-heeled shoes. Mesh armbands, gold chain earrings, and intricate chain necklace also included."
Both dolls are on small bust bodies with regular fashion feet.
Suggested retail price is $209.99.
Selling for $178.00 at most Tonner dealers.
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More Tonner News:Collectors' United "Glistening"For information call Cary Green at 706-695-8242 or email diang@collectorsunited.com.
An Angelic Dreamz exclusive Antoinette. LE 200
Her name is "Heavenly." She has cameo skin tone and hazel eyes.
Retail Price $249.99. Angelic Dreamz offers free shipping on this item in the continental US.
Two Daydreamers' Exclusive Character Doll "Scintillating Ashleigh" LE 100
The beautiful and popular Ashleigh sculpt is exclusive to Two Daydreamers. In this version, Ashleigh is on the Antoinette body which makes for a perfect combination of beauty and articulation.
"She is wearing a magnificent evening gown with meticulous shirring, extravagant ruffled collar, and elegant fabric flowers across the back of the skirt. Matching hat with floral and feathered accents create a look right off the Dior runway. Beaded earrings and bracelets, pantyhose, and faux leather strappy high-heeled shoes complete her outfit. Includes display stand."Suggested Retail Price $274.99 Sells for $249.99
The beautiful and popular Ashleigh sculpt is exclusive to Two Daydreamers. In this version, Ashleigh is on the Antoinette body which makes for a perfect combination of beauty and articulation.
All photos in this post are the property of Tonner Doll Co., Inc.
10/04/2009
WU Iconic Convention ~ Super Saturday
The centerpiece at the W Club luncheon was called Vanishing Point.
The giftset doll was finally revealed to be a light skinned version of Natalia.The name of the set is Power Game.
All of the images in this post are the property of Integrity Toys.
Picture of the Week Award ~ October 4, 2009
Our picture of the week was made by Stephan Drouin aka DollDude on the boards. I asked Stephan to describe the doll, the photograph and to offer us any other relevant information. This doll is what some call a hybrid. She uses the Best Models Monte Carlo Barbie head on an articulated Day to Night Teresa Barbie body which proved to be a 100% color match. She's wearing pieces from the DC Comics’ Black Canary Barbie. Her face paint is all original and I curled her long, straight, center-parted hair into a sexy flip and gave it the illusion of a side-part at the front. As you can see, I like to put my own spin on every doll I get my hands on, and that usually involves what I call a hair-over. To me, hair is one of the most important things on a fashion doll; a doll can have the most beautiful face and the most stylish outfit, but if her hair is a mess, that can ruin the whole look. As for clothes and accessories, I usually love to mix and match pieces from different doll makers to achieve the look I've envisioned for each "model,” and that can mean mixing expensive items with cheap ones. I used natural light for this picture which is a recent thing for me as I would only use artificial lighting before. I rarely ever use any props in my pics as I like the focus to be on the doll and styling.
Stephan has said it all. Hair and styling make the doll. I agree.Looking at this beautiful Mattel doll has offered a delightful break from the intense Fashion Royalty days that have just passed.
Congratulations, Doll Dude, on the Picture of the Week Award!
10/03/2009
Update: Friday Night at the Iconic Event
The centerpiece was a Monogram doll called Curiosity.
The convention fashion is called "Successful Ascension."
10/02/2009
Friday Luncheon Update From The 2009 Convention
Poppy Parker "The Center of Attention" was the centerpiece at lunch on Friday.
Everyone got a Poppy Parker "Endless Summer" at the end of the meal.
Iconic Convention Report for Thursday Night
The table doll was Agnes dressed in a version of Red Zinger's suit but in shades of gray. This Agnes has dark hair in a long, low pony tail. She has side glancing eyes and a fierce gaze.
As table gifts, attendees received the first part of their surprise giftset - a blue dress with accessories and one of the new playline dolls - ITBE Chic.
Mel Odom was the speaker at dinner. He showed images of a new mini-Gene. There is no official photo yet. She is based on Hello Hollywood, Hello. My photo below is the original 16 inch HHH.
As table gifts, attendees received the first part of their surprise giftset - a blue dress with accessories and one of the new playline dolls - ITBE Chic.
Photos above are from Integrity Toys.
Mel Odom was the speaker at dinner. He showed images of a new mini-Gene. There is no official photo yet. She is based on Hello Hollywood, Hello. My photo below is the original 16 inch HHH.
10/01/2009
Fashion Royalty 2009 Convention Collection Here, Now!
LiveWire Clone, AvantGuards 1:6 Scale 12" Dressed Doll
Morning Dew, Giselle Diefendorf
Evening Glow, Dominique Makéda
Poésie Enchantée, Agnes Von Weiss
These dolls comprise the six-doll set available to attendees this year. For those who did not pre-order, purchasing them on-site with the whopping 10% Illinois sales tax came to $715.
According to collectors they will also be getting an entire FR giftset - little by little at each meal another piece will be added to fill the empty box they received at registration. Very cool!
Morning Dew, Giselle Diefendorf
Evening Glow, Dominique Makéda
Diamond Society, Eugenia Perrin Frost
Luxe Life, Vanessa Perrin
Poésie Enchantée, Agnes Von Weiss
These dolls comprise the six-doll set available to attendees this year. For those who did not pre-order, purchasing them on-site with the whopping 10% Illinois sales tax came to $715.According to collectors they will also be getting an entire FR giftset - little by little at each meal another piece will be added to fill the empty box they received at registration. Very cool!
Deva Dolls' PHARATEE Sold Out
For the past week one could read the desirous posts of collectors - some going so far as to say they would die if they didn't get one.
I was actually prepared with electronic reminders and links and all that to get this doll. It would have been for the sport of it all. I don't even like her. Sanity prevailed and I just went to bed without watching the hunt.
But.....one voice of reason stood out and I am copying her post here. This is from Penny in OZ, the creator of "Avery, with an A."
Pharatees - enabled, enobled or just plain missed out - a bit of practical commonsense...
Posted by PennyandAveryA [User Info] on 10/1/2009, 10:16 am
Can I just feed you a little logic and a little bit of consolation. I see that Deva dolls have issued a new doll I haven't heard of until this minute. Obviously because I missed the hype I'm not overly fussed about not getting her. And I am not innocent of being enabled over certain dolls I just had to have.
Think with your heads and not your hearts for a minute. So you wanted the doll. Of course you did. And you are sick with disappointment because you missed out on her. BUT think for a minute. How much did you want Rosemary, or $no Baby. How much did you crave some other doll that is not readily on the market. That FR doll, or - those readily coming onto the market now that the desire is moving onto another doll.
It's a doll and there will be others coming. These days every other day a new doll is on the market. As others move on to newly enabled dolls they will sell you their unwanted dolls and you will, with patience and with the continued ambition end up with the doll you always wanted. And if not, think that it was meant to be.
The other day in London, I woke up in an ambulance with people asking me who I am. I could barely even remember at first and eventually they managed to call my son and he came in a rush to the hospital, where apparently I had another attack. They worked out I am suffering from malnutrition caused by the stress of a broken 36 year old marriage and, as a result I lost my flight which haad been bought on frequent fliers and currently stranded in London while the insurance works things out. I'm okay, and I can tell you, perspective takes place in the back of an ambulance while people thump you and try to shake your memory loss.
I stayed in Guys and St. Thomas Hospital in a room directly looking onto the Thames and Parliament House, Big Ben and the bridge directly next to it. British democracy will never be the same for me and the British Parliament will always remind me to keep my perspective in presence of it's importance.
I know you are not seeing logic, but remember when everyone wanted Grey? Remember how much those first AG's were hunted down. Remember how much everyone wanted that first Sydney? Remember how much Weekend in Washington outfit was?
We are all quite wanten children, no better than a two year old stretched out on the floor next to the supermarket checkout because we want to buy the chocolate our mothers won't get us. Right now there are people who have lost everything to a tsuname in the Pacific, and people lost and trapped and missing...
I CRIED BECAUSE I HAD NO SHOES UNTIL I SAW A MAN WHO HAD NO FEET.
I know you probably will think that this is holier than thou at this moment of your disappointment but your turn will come. In the meantime share your own thouhts and disappointments under this post and maybe it will make you feel a little better just to have a small beef and move onwards to new horizons, or look at the collection you have and those dolls you love and wanted so much in the past and DID get either on time or belatedly.
I missed out on Rosemary at the time under the same circumstances as you guys from a nasty uploading basket, and I don't really care anymore. My fate was waiting for the acquisition of Summertime Logan from Happily Ever After, a Bishonen HOuse doll large and lovable, and an out of the blue acquisition of his brother - Nori which I have found out was a very rare doll from a person who is lovely and gave me such accidental pleasure. Six months ago I hadn't anticipated either of them and never a sorry day have I had since I had them.
I am sorry and sympathetic you didn't get your desire, but your turn will come. Or your desire will fade as others sell on to gain newer dolls...
logic and commonsense dear fellow Pregoers.
Group hug to you all.
Pennyoz
9/30/2009
Tyler Wentworth Archive is Complete!
I was browsing through the recently completed Tyler Wentworth Archive today. This has been worth the wait. There are scores of dolls I've never seen including many OOAKs.
Go. Look.
Go. Look.
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