'Cacao Noir' A Devereaux Sister's Outfit

I was informed that the Devereaux dolls have a smaller bust size than the standard Tyler doll. Since I was not going to keep the dolls but I loved the look of the clothes, I decided to debox and try to fit them on one of my 16" dolls anyway. I was thrilled that the Cacao Noir fit very nicely. The model is Ghost of Christmas past whose hair has been restyled. I think this is a very beautiful doll. She has the same smoky eyes as the sisters do.
The gloves were fairly easy to put on which was a big plus. I did take Ghost's hands off in order to insert them more easily into the sleeves of the dress. It was snug but fit like a dream. The hat is perfect for the period and the outfit. And I guess the shoes are, too, but I don't like them and switched them to black pumps for display.
I recommend this ensemble to all. The big problem is the hefty price tag of $89.99.
Cacao Noir is a limited edition of 250 and is available from the Tonner Store directly.

Back to Black Natalia's Outfit

The outfit from the IFDC convention doll, Natalia Back to Black, arrived the other day. I was so excited to get it but not very excited about the results. The fabric does not have a drape so the bottom has to be arranged and it's difficult to get it to appear natural. I actually thought it was a sequined fabric - not. The complicated belt took me more than 30 minutes using fine jewelry tools to get it on properly. I added the earrings and the black ring. The cuff bracelet falls off. Bracelets for FR dolls are so useless. There is a strange hook on the right shoulder onto which a flap of fabric attaches. There is something really odd about that appendage. However, the shoes are very nice.

Tonner Doll Company Event 8/9/08

The preview of the Devereaux Sisters Doll line also saw the presentation of many other new dolls. This was eye candy! Clicking on the link will take you to a collection of images taken by me at the Tonner Store today. A review of the two available outfits, La Vie en Rose and Cacao Noir will follow later this week.
LINK: Tonner Event Images

Fashion Royalty W Club Exclusive Moods Collection

To our surprise we have been offered a choice of not one but two dolls and several fashions and accessories! The dolls will have the last of the original Veronique face mold. That's sad because I don't think she can be improved upon. These re-do's should be named as new dolls and just let the retired gals rest in peace.
Anyhoo....here are official Integrity pictures of the options. (Used with permission from IT.)

"Body Double" - (Tan Brunette Veronique)
She is gorgeous.

"Blond Ambition" Veronique Perrin (Platinum Blonde)
Reminds me of Flirtatious Vero.

"Starry Night" Moods Wardrobe Fashion


"French Dressing" Deluxe Accessory Pack

Luxe Finish Accessory Set

I will be ordering everything except the platinum Veronique. I don't care for her hair. The prices are reasonable and it seems that everyone in the club is happy. That's a first!

OT
Right now I have 10 Veros in my collection and all of them are older issues. I have them all on tall bodies but originally most of them were on straight arm bodies. My goal with them is to get them all eye-lashed! I love eyelashes. I will have to do a post honoring the soon to be retired Veronique. For many, she was the first Fashion Royalty doll they ever saw and the one that got them started with these dolls.

Natalia Back to Black - IFDC Convention Fashion Royalty Doll

It's Natalia appropriately named Back to Black. The convention theme was Woodstock '69, rock 'n roll, hippies, etc. So here we have Natalia with a huge Afro-styled 'do fronted by a brass Wonder Woman headband. She is wearing a Wonder Woman cuff bracelet as well. Her eyemakeup is reminiscent of La Liz' in Cleopatra. Actually, I like it but not the hair. The gown is a revealing, snug-fitting, sparkly thing. I love the beaded chain belt. From other photos, it looks like the shoes are gold. There is also a wrap or something that appears to be a wrap. Can't tell cuz it's wrapped.
Official Integrity image posted here with permission.

There are a great deal of mixed reviews and reactions about Back to Black. Much of it is negative and/or neutral. Mixed in is a lot of relief at not liking the doll because it saves money. LOL
I find it odd that 800 of these dolls were produced when usually a convention doll is limited to 400 or less. The higher number makes her less valuable in the eyes of many. Convention dolls usually sell for $375 & up right after a convention. This doll is available for as low as $220 and it's only 2 days old. (Added on August 14: Price of doll has dropped to $5. above retail.)

Because there was no companion doll produced for IFDC this year, attendees were able to purchase several of these dolls for $150 each. I'm hoping to get the fashion only - but I'll wait because there will be a glut of these dolls and as seen recently, there are big price drops happening with recently issued FR dolls.

It's my opinion that Integrity should withdraw Fashion Royalty dolls altogether from any convention other than those they put on themselves. It's hard to accept that Jason didn't have time to produce a companion doll. The IFDC organizer said, "You roll with the punches." I'd like to know what he really thought.

I wish them all well.

Secrets Abound in the Fashion Royalty World!

We just found out whose face mold is being retired but I can't tell until tomorrow. LOL. The W Club police would surely find out and I'd be in lots of trouble. Soooo...tune in on July 31 after 12 noon for the BIG announcement.

On the other hand, the Wu Convention packet that is coming in 2 months has finally been put on-line. They did the same thing last year and when the printed packet arrived, I never even opened it. There was no point. I think that the Toronto convention packet, perhaps because it was my first, was the nicest. I have already faxed in my class choices and my registration for the Avant Garde event. I have to sign up Bob as well for the AG event.
These are the opportunities at that event:

"Those who purchased the deluxe upgrade registration package will receive an Integrity convention store credit for the Royal Kitchen lunch included in that package The opportunity to win each centerpiece doll will be drawn at random during the event. The designation of the rights for the LiveWire and Eclectic dolls will be drawn at random during the event; all attendees will be granted, by random selection, rights for only one of either the LiveWire or Eclectic dolls as described above. Rights are not transferable and are only available to the paid attendee. Centerpieces will be paid for and taken home directly after the luncheon; the LiveWire and Eclectic dolls will be purchased from Integrity Toys later this fall."

The convention collection will consist of five individual dolls and one two-doll giftset.
There will be a new male, Takeo Mizutani. I am assuming he is the Asian male many have wanted.
Adele Makeda as The Muse, Luchia as Hopelessly Captivating, Giselle as Masterpiece Theatre and Agnes as Drama Behind the Drama. The giftset called Elements of Surprise will consist of two new Nu.Face characters named Lillith and Eden. I am excited about that set and the Giselle.

My guess for the convention doll is Eugenia. Perhaps I am hoping.