Electro POP Susie In The House

After a long wait, the popular Asian doll, Susie, has made her comeback. She is now being produced by Integrity Toys and sold exclusively by her original creator R & D Fashion Dolls.
If you are not familiar with the character Susie, visit the website and see photographs of Susie from the beginning. I find it interesting every time I browse. Fashions and dolls from earlier versions are also still available.
Susie has joined Integrity Toys' Dynamite Girls line of ElectroPop dolls. She comes with several cute fashion accessories and retails for $45.

Rudi Teruel has provided these photos for us to see. She is really adorable!

Tonner Convention Banquet Doll - All That Glitters Antoinette

Often the highlight of a convention is the doll one receives at the Saturday night banquet. In looking over the dolls from this Tonner Convention, I'm guessing that Antoinette is having lots of competition for that top spot.
But this is a new sculpt and she is just gorgeous. See for yourself!

The hair and the makeup are perfection. I would love to own this doll. As far as the gown, well, I would remove the bottom tier and the fringes from the center tier.

When I saw this gown I immediately thought of the scene from Gone With the Wind in which Scarlett rips the draperies from the window in order to create a new gown. Antoinette's gown is an odd mix of elements that do not work together. The ruched fabric creates enough interest and detail for the whole gown. What were they thinking? I'm picturing the gown without any fringe at all and no bow. It would have been stunningly simple, glamorous and enough!

There aren't too many for sale (yet.) The current average rate is just under $300.

Picture of the Week Award ~ June 14, 2009

Going along with the theme this week on several doll boards, Vin Trapani, aka VARPTS, posted several pictures of this lovely Mackie sculpt Barbie doll wearing Maria Therese's gown. I like the appearance of depth created by the out of focus bouquet. Perhaps she's getting ready to toss the flowers over her shoulder.
Vin sent me the information that the head is the 2009 Scotland Barbie on a Jazz Baby Pivotal body. The 'diamond' engagement ring is by Linda of LVNVdolls.com and the rest of her jewelry is by Mattel.
Congratulations, Vin, on creating a memorable wedding photo!

2009 Tonner Convention in Lombard, Illinois

The Lombard, Illinois Tonner Convention is well underway. Those of us not in attendance can sort of follow along by logging in to the "Virtual Convention" blog at: http://tonner2009convention.blogspot.com/
There you will be able to see pictures of the goodies, hand-outs, people in attendance, table centerpieces and events. There are brief videos being posted. Check it out!

Life Ball Gets Better!

Today on the W Club, Baris Genc posted images of his re-rooted, eyelash-applied Life Ball doll. After seeing his images, I have decided to keep mine. Wouldn't you?

Just look at this!

And the good news is.....Life Ball's hands are removable!

A brave collector tugged and a hand came out. They are the Poppit-Bead hands I wished for. YAY.

If only Integrity would issue replacement shoes to quiet the masses of infuriated collectors who are pissed at the squishy-heeled, plastic, cheap shoes with which Life Ball came. That might encourage me to actually keep mine.

More Pictures of Cameo Antoinette

Can you tell that I'm enjoying this doll?

This is a fashion from a Tonner Sydney doll. It is way too large for Antoinette so I have it pinned tightly. It works for me. I have taken the band out of her hair and I like it much better this way.

In this photo, Cameo is wearing an Avantguard dress. It fits except at the hips where I could not close the snaps.
I am pleasantly surprised with this doll's ability to fit into my existing doll wardrobe to a good degree. The shoes came with her.

Robert Tonner's Cameo Antoinette Arrived

Today I received my first Antoinette, Cameo. She is the new line of 16" dolls from the Tonner Doll Company. Cameo is one of the four basic dolls dressed only in lingerie but accessorized with fabulous shoes. With a quick pull of two ribbons, she was freed from her box. She feels good and looks even better. In my opinion her proportions are perfect. Her hands are graceful. In fact they're downright beautiful doll hands!

Antoinette's ethnic-looking sculpt may not be for everyone but I'm predicting that this doll will be on the top of every re-painters list. They are being sold as blank faced mannequins as well as these basics and deluxe dressed dolls. There's also a large selection of separate fashions and shoe packs.
I've got her sitting on a little shelf over my computer and her knees don't splay out. She sits up straight without trouble or support. I'm thrilled with her. In fact I went and ordered two of the dressed dolls this morning!

Life Ball or the Doll With No Name

I received my Life Ball doll today, a week after most other collectors in this country got theirs. That's weird as I live only one day away via the USPS. The delay gave me a chance to digest the mixed reviews of others. Some are raves and some are rants. Here are excerpts from a few on the W Club Board.
*"Thanks to all who have pointed out the cheap body features. I will not expect a great deal or be upset — well, perhaps not. The eyes, the cheap store dolly hands, plastic shoes.
The doll with no name of her own cost well over $300 with shipping here.... I feel sad. Jason may have designed the gown for the doll but did he know about the eyelid ridge, the Candi doll hands and more plastic cheap shoes? I do not believe he could have. Are any photos showing the gloves on the doll? Perhaps to cover up the horrible hands?"
*"Still don't get why they went back to pre-applied eyelashes era I love applied lashes, I went and applied lashes to all my earlier FR that don't come with lashes. So I can fix her too, but I feel like I shouldn't have to fix a $275 doll."
*"I have to say that I love her hair for me its totally in proportion; it's just perfect. ... I spent some time redressing mine this evening, she fits in Silkie fashions really well and the earlier FR fashions that were made for the smaller busted gals."
*"The hands are not a pleasant surprise but they are also not awful as I feared. The dress is great and I work with the fashion industry and pockets in a gown are really quite in, very modern. The hands aren't awful; I was worried. I wish she had the hand speak system or even the FR hands but they are pretty, they aren't the duck paddles that Valia was given. Her face is flawless and her hair is perfectly to scale. Wonderful."
*She's a breathtaking doll and the packaging is top-knotch. Integrity did an amazing job with this one.
*"Didn't mind the hands too much, but the thing that bugs me the most is the stand. Wish they had stuck with the original FR stand...as this one grips her from behind under her arms. By doing so, the train of the dress cannot flare out from behind....and it's a pity cause the black base with the Life Ball Logo is terrific. I'll try switching with another telescoping rod. Aside from that minor issue...this doll is one of the most exciting, well-done dolls that I've seen since FAO Eugenia."

_________________________

The doll box is luxurious with it's black flocked exterior and shiny silver lining. There is a lovely red satin ribbon tied in a bow over the paper that opens to reveal the doll. The inside cover of the box explains the doll, talks about Jason and has pictures of the original dress and of Jason himself.

The doll's facial screening is very accurate and she is very beautiful. There's neither a hair out of place nor a sign of dried gel or hairnet marks. The gown is pretty and conservative-looking but not quite cutting-edge haute couture. The fabric feels good. I can't tell about the drape as I am not taking her out. The contents of the two drawers are red plastic shoes with ribbon ties and black pleather long gloves.

One of my favorite things about the doll is her earrings. They are rhinestone clusters with a bluish cast. They come pre-inserted which is a first for Fashion Royalty. Curious.

I am a huge eyelash freak and they left the lashes off this gal. There aren't even any painted on. What happened? Did they run out of time? That was really the deal breaker for me. It's funny how important those lashes have become to me as a sign of a higher quality doll to which extra attention has been paid. Rubbery shoes are replaceable (but not appropriate with a $270. doll), hair can be restyled but the eyelashes are difficult for me to apply and I've been happy that all the dolls in the last 2 years have had eyelashes.
All I can say about the hands is that it's too bad they're not the poppit-bead type of hands which have recently appeared on FR dolls. Then they could be replaced by more graceful-looking ones.
Now - as far as the charitable thing....I wonder if Integrity would answer a query regarding the amount of money US citizens can claim as a charitable donation on their income tax from the purchase of this doll. Do we want to find out?

Picture of the Week Award ~ June 7, 2009

My featured photo this week comes from a well known doll dressmaker who goes by the board name of Gin-O.
I chose this photo not only for the beautiful gown it presents but also for the composition. Ginny puts the doll right up in the frame and doesn't hesitate to run into the borders. The contrast between the feminine and delicate looking dressed doll and the bricks and straw is very textural and quite appealing.

Modeling the gown is a Shanghai Veronique Fashion Royalty doll.
Ginny's gowns can be found in the stash of most collectors of fashion dolls. If you would like to contact Ginny, let me know or post a query on the Pink Parlor.

Play With Your Savior or iDoll Worship

What was I looking for when I stumbled upon a Moses Rubber Duck complete with the Ten Commandments?
The multitudes of Moses dolls astounded me. I found talking Jesus action figures, (deluxe complete with loaves, fishes and a wine jar!), Pope dolls,
a John the Baptist Puppet, a Talking Noah Messenger of Faith Doll,
several styles of Jesus Nodders and a Large Holy Folks Talking Mary With Jesus in Disp Box. What is a 'Disp' box?
Listen to this list of dolls and figurines with Moses:
Tales of Glory Bible Figurine Moses Holding Ten Commandments Includes Story of Moses;
Moses 16 inch Plush with Ten Commandments Plush Stone Tablets by Holy Folks;
Moses in the Bulrushes Giant Floor Puzzle;
BibleQuest - Action Figure - Moses (That one comes with a Holy Ark, a staff for Moses to throw at Pharoh's feet, a snake and something that looks like a giant bowl filled with fire or maybe it's a burning bush.)
Wait, there's more!
There's the Moses Action Figure;
Talking Moses Messenger of Faith;
Almighty Heroes Action Figure - Moses;
Moses Doll Basket with Bedding and Stand;
Moses Little Thinker Plush Stuffed Doll Toy.

Yes, believers, there is even more. You can spend 40 years wandering through Amazon.com and never finish discovering dolls representing religious figures. So what if they're not fashion dolls? Someone must be buying them.

These dolls will go well with my Holy Toast Stamper, my Last Supper Longbox and my Jesus Pencil Toppers Set.

But between you and me...shouldn't Noah have been the rubber duck?

All of the photographs in this post are the individual manufacturers' promotional pictures found on Amazon.com's website.

Robert Tonner's Antoinette "Idyllic" Available Now

The first dressed doll from Tonner's brand new line of dolls called "Antoinette" has arrived at dealers.

The description of this new collection of dolls from the Tonner site is as follows:
Antoinette™, is a 16" fashion doll with a brand new face and body sculpt. She takes on many different looks depending on her skin tone, hair color and face paint.
I have been working on the design and engineering of Antoinette™ to achieve a high fashion mannequin whose body and jointing become the perfect foil for my passion-designing clothing. I think this is one of the most outstanding clothing collections that the Tonner Doll Company has ever produced. "Robert Tonner"

I love this gown to bits! It appears to be constructed entirely of white tulle.

The shoes are fabulous as well.

The images posted here are of the actual doll and were taken by George of Angelic Dreamz, Inc.
She is available at his shop for $199. Shipping is free for purchases above $100. You can get there by clicking on the name of the store.

Michelle Obama Inaugural Doll

Is this a picture of the doll or a picture of the real Mrs. Obama? I'm guessing it's mostly a touched up photograph. If this is what the real doll looks like, I'm getting one. She looks like she will start moving at any minute in this picture. The doll is 16" including the stand.

She is from the Danbury Mint and here is the description from the website:

An exquisite, all-porcelain collector doll capturing the very essence of our nation's First Lady.
Our skilled artisans have perfectly replicated Michelle Obama's Inaugural Ball attire down to the very last detail. Her white, one-shouldered chiffon evening dress has been hand-tailored and features all of the touches that made the original gown so spellbinding.
We've also expertly re-created her stunning diamond bangles, drop earrings, and sparkling cocktail ring. The result is an elegant porcelain sculpture that radiates with the First Lady's uncommon strength and beauty.

No mention of the gown's designer, Jason Wu? How do they get away with that?

The doll retails for $149 plus $9 for shipping and handling. The website says the doll is on back order until October 2009. (Are they coming from the same factory as Valia?) That's odd. How did it get on back order if it was just released? I don't think it's even been produced and my guess is that it won't look like the picture at all.


Link to the Danbury Mint

Picture of the Week Award ~ May 31, 2009

Check out this re-styled Cruise Control Vanessa! Jenn in Florida did a great job on her hair. The gown is a dyed version In Full Regalia - Eugenia. Fantastic in every way!

EBay Seller Steals My Signed Photograph!

I'm a little shocked and a lot angry right now. A collector friend just informed me that eBay seller betlasvegas has blatantly stolen a signed and copyrighted image of mine for use in their auctions! What kind of gall (brazen boldness coupled with impudent assurance and insolence) is that?
This person is not new to eBay and knows exactly what he is doing.
As long as this person feels he has the right to broadcast a stolen image, I am going to broadcast that this seller should be boycotted. He is unscrupulous and a thief. I wouldn't buy anything from a seller that went around stealing signed images.

The eBay seller to avoid is betlasvegas.

I have contacted the seller and reported both auctions to eBay.

Rant over.

This is the image.

Valia Pivoine Haute Doll Exclusive Finally Ships

After a wait of more than 6 months from the expected delivery date, the third Valia has shipped. Valia Pivoine graced the December 2008 cover of Haute Doll magazine as their exclusive retailing for a price of $375 to non-subscribers and $350 for subscribers. Upon the announcement of the delay, another discount was granted in the amount of $50 (to allay the anger).

Touted as having a new, lighter weight, cutting edge resin body with 15 points of articulation and a meticulously crafted outfit, the original promo text said the fashion would come with jewelry; the current text says coordinating accessories.

I have scanned the boards for posts of those who have purchased Pivoine and have found very few. It's quite possible that those who purchased her are not de-boxers. Three or four on the W Club board posted their dissatisfaction with the stringing, weight and feel of the doll. George of Angelic Dreamz posted some photographs of her. I have not seen her redressed and I look forward to that.
There's not enough information to do a valid review but I have had a little fun with her picture and that of the Innoquii™ doll by Superfrock. I see a resemblance between the dolls and have combined their features and created my own exclusive!
First is the actual cover of HD with their exclusive Innoquii.

Here's my spoof. I call my exclusive doll Valia Innoquous. Do you like her?

Picture of the Week Award ~ May 24, 2009

Kevin aka KatwalKev posted this image among others today on the W Club board. It's so much fun that it needed to be awarded the Picture of the Week Award. In the picture, Eugenia is standing victoriously over Pierre with his underwear held aloft. Kevin named the picture "Easy, breezy, cover boy!"

Basique Blak, a Gift Set from Superfrock

Yes, I've gone and done it. I've crossed over the pond to the dark side with one big toe and a few other little piggies by purchasing a Superfrock Ltd. fashion collection called Basique Blak. Picture me calculating with my currency converter the average price of each of the many pieces in this set and then throwing all caution to the wind by clicking BUY NOW.

Following is the market description of the set:

BASIQUE BLAK at it's basic FABULOUSNESS!
Set consists full length 'petticoat' evening gown in sequin with braided 'leather' straps,
black tafetta bolero jacket with braided 'leather' belt, black silk satin evening skirt and the ever so cute, wide neck pelvic length silk satin blouse. Lurex fishnet hose as well as a pair of sheer black, a pair of black silk sandals and the ultimate black mesch [sic] and patent over knee boots.
Final pieces being a hot and sexy red satin and lace underwear set!

No, I do not own a Sybarite doll nor do I intend to own one, but I counted on the fashions fitting my AvantGuard dolls and I was correct. I have not tried the hose, lingerie or boots yet.

I added the rhinestone pin to the top in the first pictured ensemble. The fabrics are silk and feel wonderful. The shoes, which I must photograph, fit beautifully. I am pleased. The red wig is from one of my Cissette Shadow dolls.

The cost with shipping from Great Britain was $377.18. Think about this...if one were to purchase one newly released premium Tonner fashion doll the cost would be between $150-$175 and more. Considering that nude Tonner dolls resale value is usually half or less after four months, the value is in the clothing. This set was not that expensive when I compare it to the prices I have paid for less. The fashions are timeless and beautifully constructed.

This item sold out very, very fast. People have money and are willing to spend it for quality dolls and related items. If Integrity Toys would wake up and stop trying to be all things to all people, pehaps they could concentrate on quality. Of course there would be rending of garments, vociferous demonstrations of hatred, beating of breasts and uncontrolled wailing if they released a $300 fashion pack. But if there were only 200 of them and the fashions were amazing with a commitment to quality and attention to detail, they'd sell out before hitting the ground.

Lana Turner "Portrait of an Era" Giftset

I was on the fence about this FAO giftset featuring Integrity Toys' Hollywood Royalty Lana Turner until I had it in my hot little hands and started taking pictures. This is the prettiest of all the Lana dolls so far. Her hair flatters her face and is well done. She comes dressed in a tight pink sweater and black A-line skirt. I added the necklace.

At first the suit appears to be a copy of the suit from the Haute Doll exclusive Lana doll in a different color. That suit was somewhat ill fitting. This suit was a surprise. It fits nicely and has distinctive styling like the high waisted skirt. The necklace which is not shown is the same as the previously mentioned set which is a mistake on Integrity's part. Why would a collector want the same necklace twice?
The jewelry isn't really worth mentioning further as it is plain and not memorable. The shoes are too large and are unusable. Those are the only two items that miss the mark. The suit is lined in a similar pink to the sweater. The hat is really more like a headband and goes on easily and stays on! I like the faux fur stole. The entire appearance is very elegant. There is a sleeveless, v-neck mauve shell for the doll to wear under the jacket or she can wear the pink sweater.
The details on the suit are classic Fashion Royalty and that's really good to see.

The third outfit is a hostess fashion which consists of a strapless jumpsuit and a sweeping robe. I couldn't close the robe over the jumpsuit so I just tied it shut. The shoes are cute little silver pumps. The necklace was added by me.

The jewelry should have been more interesting and the ill-fitting shoes are very surprising. The drawbacks are minor but annoying in a set priced at $225. We were given a code to use for free shipping. However, one W Club member found a 20% off offer which was accepted. Those of us living in a state where FAO does business in Macy's, also have to pay tax.

I do recommend this set because of the beauty of the doll and the well-constructed, classic fashions. Of course, each collector will have to weigh the high price against the contents in making the decision to purchase or not.

Integrity Toys' Dynamite Girls New Additions

It was announced yesterday that three new additions to Integrity Toys' Dynamite Girls line were about to be issued.
First, the R&D Exclusive Susie is making a reapparance with updated facial features and an adorable "layered" outfit.

Second, a Canadian exclusive called "Feelin' Fierce Dani" will be available from Maddie's Dolls & More, My Favourite Doll and Vogue Collectibles, Inc.

The third doll, Jett, wearing a hot silver jacket and looking all spy-like behind big sunglasses is also expected to be released at the end of June. She will be available from all Dynamite Girl dealers.

The dolls will retail for approximately $40 US. except Susie whose price is $45.
No information has been released regarding the edition size of the dolls but Maddie's sent out an email that she will have plenty. I ordered one. Any doll that has a little poodle-like dog is worth a shot. Don't you think?

Picture of the Week Award ~ May 17, 2009

Yatabazah! It's a great name for a creative and talented photographer-collector. This photograph is called Arrive´ and it is the Picture of the Week. The doll is an Indo-European porcelain with molded hair called Soraya, edition "Ballade" # 9 of 25.
She is dressed in the Mdvanii Notre Dame sheath, shoes, handbag, gold cuffs and Edie's earrings. The artist made the necklace and wig. He also created the backdrop!
Yatabazah lives in Greece and collects Mdvanii, Blythe, Lilli, Mooqla and various random vintage dolls.
He's been collecting and photographing for 10 years. You can find his photostream on flickr at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yatabazah/.