Nu.Face Eden in HJ Couture

He goes by the name HJ Couture. Huckleberry Jackson is a great name for a great designer. HJ also creates fashion for human women. I missed out on most of his collection as it sold out quickly but I was in time to nab this beauty.
The fabric is a silky feeling semi-sheer delight. Huckleberry is incredibly skilled with a sewing machine as evidenced by the well applied leather strips and the folded fabric which is symmetrical and perfect.
There is a leather 'train' down the back with ruffles on either side. I will have to photograph that detail. The dress slips on either from the bottom up or vice versa. The arm openings are large. HJ shows the dress worn with and without a belt. I like it this way.
Click on the photo to see it full-sized.

Background setting is Bella! RWV floor, walls and windows. The prop is a black velvet ring display item.

Miss Piggy Brings Down the House ~ Tonner Convention

This morning the Sunday Breakfast starring Miss Piggy and Kermit also saw a successful charity auction raise more than $11,000 to benefit A Friend's House.
The centerpiece dolls were Miss Piggy as "Swined & Dined" - LE 100 and Kermit the Frog as "A Fly in His Soup" - LE 100.Kermit is a new character and will be available later on in the line. He was done specially for the event. Adorable.
The centerpiece was also a totally new creation - a 10" Miss Piggy! Robert is thinking along smaller lines these days. I like it.
I don't know if the centerpiece had a name but I will find out and make the entry here when I do.Congratulations to the Tonner Doll Co. on what appears to have been a successful convention filled with unique, beautiful dolls and creatures.

Picture of the Week Award ~ May 23, 2010 ~ Parisuthi Wasanasomsithi

This photo was posted recently on the W Club board and attracted a great amount of attention and praise. You can see why.Pictured is the beautiful new doll, "Great Pretender" Lillith, dressed as a joker on a playing card. The photographer is Parisuthi Wasanasomsithi aka Paris W. The original doll has not been altered in any way. Paris is a digital master! He created the background as well using his artistic computer skills.
Lillith's own tulle skirt has been used as the neck ruffle above Regal Estate Agnes' dress.

Paris used a Canon Ixus to capture the original image.

When asked if he had any suggestions for other doll photographers he replied, "Keep on doing whatever makes you happy." I like that suggestion.

Congratulations, Paris, on the Picture of the Week Award!

Convention Souvenir Doll and Centerpiece

The souvenir doll was a one-time sculpt for this event, scaled to the Antoinette body, "Celestial" (Lana Lang Sculpt in white organza and auburn hair - LE300).

Centerpiece: "Lumina" (Antoinette sculpt in silver lurex/chiffon and platinum hair - LE100).
Just wanted to post these final banquet images quickly. Will log in tomorrow with a summary if available.

Both images in this post are the property of Tonner Doll Co.

More from the Tonner Convention

Steampunk Goes Wilde

Ellowyne Wilde - Letting Off Steam (LE300)

Amber Stanhope - Steamrolled (LE150)

Rufus Rutter - Steam Punked (LE125)

Effanbee's 100th Birthday Party

Attendees received "Centennial Patsyette" who is a hard plastic doll with blink eyes. (LE 150)

FIREFLY
The Browncoats Breakfast

Souvenir doll, Morena Baccarin as Inara Sera (Sihnon - LE200) Malcolm Reynolds Centerpiece (Captain Malcolm Reynolds - Browncoat - LE50)

See this link for more information about this former TV series.

-----------

->>>Watch Robert Tonner do Mr. Rogers and Beyonce - not exactly at the same time but watch anyway.

Thr images in this post are the property of Tonner Doll Co.

"Unforgettable" The Tonner Revlon Event

Yay! I pre-paid for this souvenir doll a few months ago and I'm thrilled! This is the new 13" Revlon doll. She is called "Glamorous Red" and is a new sculpt on a new 13" fashion body. She is just a little taller than my Fashion Royalty! This is going to be FUN.She is midway between Tiny Kitty at 10" and Tyler at 16" and I'm looking forward to seeing the fashions Robert will create for her. Knowing him, there will be an extensive (and expensive) line of clothing. Miss Revlon dolls were all the rage when I was a child and I'm sure I had a Little Miss Revlon amongst the Ginny dolls. She certainly didn't look like that.

I have been very tempted to purchase a vintage LMR but not knowing anything about vintage dolls, I decided that it wasn't a good idea. I know mine had dark hair, high heels, earrings, lipstick and that's all I remember.

Lest I forget in my excitement...at this event there was a 16" version centerpiece called Glamorous Red who has the Breathless sculpt and sports an Antoinette body. LE 100.

Tonner Doll Company's 2010 Annual Convention in Lombard, IL

The theme of this Tonner convention is "The Sun, The Moon and The Stars." It will celebrate the fashion and pop culture influences in Robert Tonner's doll designs. Sounds fabulous, doesn't it? I am not at the convention, unfortunately, but I am following it on the Tonner convention blog and through friends.
On opening night an event called "Let Them Eat Cake" was held.  Attendees received a souvenir doll called "Takes the Cake." She is a new sculpt referred to as "Duchess." Here is a shot made by my friend Natasha Powers:

Duchess has a lovely sculpt with big eyes and well defined lips. I think that she will be a favorite for repainters.

There were three centerpieces on each table and congratulations to those who won because they are gorgeous. Here are the photos from the Tonner site of those three dolls:

Madame et le Citron - Sydney sculpt - LE100

Madame a la Menthe - Daphne sculpt - LE100

Madame a la Framboise - Kit sculpt - LE100

These are completely adorable! I adore the Sydney sculpt and I love the pink outfit.

More to follow. Stay tuned.

Integrity Announces a BIC Exclusive: Two New Nu.Fantasy Dolls

Yuri and Kumi have returned (in name only.) Kumi "Snow White" and Yuri "Rose Red" are now dressed in almost identical frilly dresses adorned with tulle, lace, bows, ribbons and embroidered crosses. Their makeup is simplified. Their hair is also identical in style to eachother. One holds a poison apple and the other a magical hand mirror.

The image above is the property of Integrity Toys.

Pre-ordering began on May 17th. Price for each doll is 21,000 yen which translates to about $235. at today's exchange rates. Kazue at BIC is providing free shipping!

The first Kumi, "Wild Wolf," came with several fabulous pieces of clothing. I paid $300 plus $22. shipping for that giftset from Savadoll in Canada at the end of October 2008. That was an outrageous price two years ago and still is, but unfortunately I've been conditioned to expect rising prices.I never did get a NRFB Yuri but I did manage to get her outfit very cheaply at the 2008 convention and I picked up a nude doll for $187. in November. Her actual retail price was $213. No wonder I didn't buy her at first.

In the last two images above, the girls have been redressed in Soom dresses, lingerie and handbags. Black shoes are Nu.Face, dog is a OOAK felted poodle (one of the Rudettes.) Jewelry is from different sources. Yuri was given a haircut and a few freckles by me.
I think the new dolls are not as interesting as the original Yuri and Kumi. They lack the character, individuality and design finesse of the originals. The dresses and dolls are pretty but not remarkable or unique. The pictures of them are excellent and that's a good thing.

Gettiing back to the new dolls, I searched the interned with the terms "Gothic Lolita" and "Japanese Goth" and came up with many interesting images. I don't know if the designer of the new dolls had any particular style in mind. I don't care when designers copy runway couture for dolls. I like it. They all do it. Here are three I would have loved for dolls:

They are very sophisticated and remind me of what Jason would offer. Well, maybe not the first one. LOL.

Here are several "Japanese Goth" images featuring real girls:
The frilly, lacy dolls and these girls are perfectly suited to each other.

What Are They Thinking? Auction of the Day

Be sure to read the long-winded text to see what your $35,000. will buy for you.

http://cgi.ebay.com/OOAK-SAWYER-LOST-PORTRAIT-REPAINT-DOLL-LUX-GIFST-/250633258812?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a5ae8073c

"...breathing fairy glitter must somehow damage one's ability to think clearly and cause bizarre and duplicitous behavior."

I think so, too.

Picture of the Week Award ~ May 16, 2010 ~ Karine at Fleur de Lys

When I look at Karine's photographs, it's almost impossible to pick a favorite. This one jumped off the monitor and grabbed me! The pose is so unusual and well done. The fact that one cannot see part of the doll is intriguing. The doll is a Sybarite named Tock. She was released at the Paris Fashion Doll Festival earlier this year. Be sure to click on the image to see it full sized. See more of Karine's gorgeous Sybarites and other dolls at this link.

Congratulations, Karine, on the picture of the week!

Not Doll Related - although you can save money to spend on dolls later!

My son originally turned me on to this site and whenever I plan to purchase something on line, I check with Ebates first. This is a legitimate site. They send you a check with your rebate.
Email me if you want more information. Better yet, go there by clicking on this link and see for yourself.
It's free to sign up.
Stores like Macys, Sephora, Staples, Barnes & Noble and hundreds more participate in this program. They send out an email every week with the savings rates and specials of the week.
Please check it out.

http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=FSCZRwGmaGO6DZjZwg6buw%3D%3D

Misleading Auction Statement of the Week

The seller is describing a Tonner doll and after telling the color of her hair and eyes she adds:
"She has a loose lock of hair, a chip on her left shoulder, stains on her left arm (see photos), and small stains on her feet; over all excellent condition, smoke free home."

Deconstruction Site Eugenia & Magnetism Monogram Dolls

I had time yesterday to redress several dolls and photograph a few of them. For me this is the most pleasant way to spend time with my dolls besides gazing at them. For the backdrop I tried out some mylar coated stock. I'm not quite sure about the best way to use it so the results are accidental. I'll have to do some research.
Here is Eugenia wearing LifeBall's gown. The bust was quite tight but I managed to close it and I like it on her. The headwear belongs to Flame Blue Vanessa and the purse is from an early Fashion Royalty doll. Jewelry is by Facets. She looks gorgeous!
I purchased the Monogram doll called Magnetism as a nude so she really needed some wardrobe time.
The Randall Craig fashion, Kelly Girl, looked great on another collector's doll so that's what mine got to wear. Fur is by Dimitha and shoes are her own from her original outfit.
This particular backdrop is an older tri-fold cardboard Ashton-Drake Gene item meant to represent the Biltmore Hotel Ballroom. I added the gold chairs and columns. The columns are Wilton cake decorating accessories which I spray painted gold.
The jewelry was produced by Sandra Stillwell for the 2004 Gene convention. It is a replica of jewelry worn by Susan Hayward in the film Smash Up. The fur was also made to fit a 16" doll however it works well with this scale and is quite glamorous. It is real fur.

Hope you like the pretty pictures. ;-)

Revision note: Information about the jewelry Magnetism Monogram is wearing was provided by Mike Basala. Thanks, Mike!

Vanessa's First Photoshoot

Flame Blue Vanessa is pretty close to perfection. All I have to do is glue down the curls on her hairdo and she will be. She is actually better in person as the construction and fine quality of the gown can be appreciated only when holding her in hand. This is her first photoshoot. There will be more as I'm not really satisfied with these images.

A Collector Reports on her Experience with Superfrock

I get a lot of mail from my readers who identify with what I post and otherwise. I thought this email would be interesting to post as I don't collect Sybarites. The two purchases I've made from Superfrock were not for dolls and went very smoothly.
The writer has given me permission to publish her name along with the content of her letter. In two instances I have substituted XXX for the name of a company.

Dear Ms Gold!
I am a frequent visitor to your blog and just today I read about what your buying experiences with XXX were like.
This might not be a big comfort, but anyway: I bought this ultra-expensive Tock doll from Superfrock. They had put me on a waiting list and then recently e-mailed me that they had one left and if I wanted it. I did. What I received was a doll with indentures, filing marks and bad creases and scratches on her back and shoulders and front upper bosom part.
And it was no fun arriving at being able to return her and receiving a full refund, i. e. one including my shipping cost back to the UK. I am still waiting for my credit card to be refunded with the amount for the doll, I got my shipping cost back via Paypal. Hopefully this credit card refund delay is only due to it being week-end.
Anyway, I would have never expected such an inferior quality on such a highly priced and allegedly high quality doll.
I was told that "oh, this was out of our hands" and that "the quality check in China was bad" etc. Furthermore, the e-mail address given on Superfrock's home page, i. e. "sales@ superfrock.com" leads straight to China. So it's the customer's fault if they write to the wrong address...I wouldn't want to say Superfraud.
What annoyed me even more, however, was the Lady I talked to on the phone hanging up on me three times and thus making me call again and again. On top of it all, she sighed into the phone annoyedly. The connexion was admittedly bad, but only in one direction. In case you're interested I can send you some photographs of the faults described above.
This whole affair reminds me of what you wrote about getting the last Fashion Doll Agency doll from XXX This kind of behaviour really provokes a customer to think that the sellers are trying to get rid of their last dolls which had come back before (for who knows how many times).
...[Shortened for Clarity]...
Thank you very much for taking your time to read all this and for all your endeavours. And for not sweet-talking to the sellers all the time on your blog. Their success has already gone to their heads far too much.

Best regards
Petra

Picture of the Week Award ~ May 9, 2010 ~ Laura Bigger

My featured photograph this week was made by my dear friend Laura Bigger, also known as Laura/LA. Using her Nikon D90 on a tripod in natural ligh, she presents us with an image straight out of a fashion magazine. Everything works together in this photo: the directional lighting, the composition, the limited color palette. The doll is in a very natural pose supported by the angled prop while she is shielding her eyes from the sun. I love it. The doll is Fashion Royalty Dania Zarr "Exclusive Interview." Her hair was restyled by Uriah and the dress is by HJ Couture 2010. Laura's byline on DollyDaily.com is "Professional Enabler." She has certainly earned that title with me. As a result of seeing this fashion and finding out who made it, I purchased one of his creations. (Huckleberry Jackson aka HJ Couture)

I asked Laura if she had any suggestions to offer doll photography beginners and this is what she said:
"Spend lots of time looking at the doll pictures on Flickr, the doll boards and in magazines. After looking at hundreds of doll photos you will start to have a sense of what is possible, what you like and what has already been done. Pros like Terri [Thank you, Darlin'] will show you what a perfectly lit shot should look like as well as how to use a few props or many props to create an interesting composition. My second bit of advice would be to go ahead and experiment. Now that digital cameras have made each picture more or less "free" try every angle you can think of. Experiment, have fun and play with those dolls!"

See more of Laura's photography and collection at: http://www.flickr.com/people/laurala2008/

Congratulations on the Picture of the Week Award.

My Flame Blue Vanessa is Where?

It's nine days since I paid for her and I just couldn't wait any longer so I emailed the liaisons at the W Club.
I received a very kind response from Luanne (who is always very pleasant and helpful). She told me that she would contact the business office of Integrity Toys. I'm assuming someone there actually read her email because about 1 hour later I got a shipping notice.

I know I'm not their favorite customer but really.....

Image Source: http://www.nataliedee.com/archives/2006/Apr/

Misleading eBay Auction Title of the Day

"NEW 14 Pairs Shoes for Fashion Royalty, Lots"

These are all Barbie shoes, many of which would not even fit a Fashion Royalty doll. This auction popped up in the Integrity Fashion Royalty category.

Seller's Feedback:Here's the link to the auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-14-Pairs-Shoes-Fashion-Royalty-Lots-/290425603027?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item439eb703d3