Private Goddess Natalia vs. Pale Fire Vanessa

I previously commented on the fashion that PG Natalia is shown dressed in and how poorly the draping appears. While it is certainly possible that the photographer could have rearranged the folds to look better, I have the feeling that it just doesn't work as a high fashion gown anyway.
I looked back to see other ballgowns in the Fashion Royalty line and came up with the Pale Fire Vanessa doll.
On several levels the PG Natalia pales in comparison - no pun intended. Pale Fire was part of the 2007 Cult Couture line available from FR dealers. She was an edition of 1000 and was the most expensive doll of the five issued at $159.00. The bodice of the gown had a corset-like construction and the skirt was crafted from a high quality, moderate sheen fabric. There are actually two skirts with the top layer lined in the same color as the full bottom skirt. The drapes and folds were voluminous and did not need to be arranged to look right. Her jewelry is still sought after by collectors. It was an intricate collection of woven beads with hair ornaments, neckpiece, earrings and bracelet. Collectors had been clamoring for more jewelry and this was the answer. The entire line that year had excellent jewelry, beautifully crafted fashions with terrific handbags and shoes. There was no fried, frizzy hair either. It was to be the last superbly dressed and coiffed Vanessa - not counting the convention dolls which were to follow. There have been eleven Vanessas since then and not one regular line issue has been anywhere near Pale Fire.__________________
In Bloom - W Club Doll - 2007
Going Places* - The Royal Life Convention Souvenir Doll - 2007
High Tide - Style Du Jour Basic - 2007
Color Therapy* - The Glamorous Collection Premium Spring - 2008
Metal Maven - The Glamorous Collection Basic Spring - 2008
Stirred Not Shaken* - The Heist Convention Centerpiece - 2008
Cruise Control - W Club Doll - 2008
Night Warrior* - Dolly Style Convention Souvenir Doll - 2009
Aerodynamic - Future Perfect Collection Spring - 2009
Luxe Life* - Iconic Convention Collection - 2009
Temptation - The Dazzle Collection - Basic Doll - 2010
________________

I put stars next to the dolls that appear to have been designed and constructed on a higher fashion level. Metal Maven and the other basics are just that - basics. One doesn't expect that much in terms of fashion.
I focus so much on Vanessa because she has been my muse. Once I couldn't wait to see the next Vanessa. Now I tremble in fearful anticipation. But I have gone off the subject of this post.
I'm not pleased with the direction of the premium dolls. I do not think that the Monogram dolls can ever take the place of Fashion Royalty although that is apparently where they are going. All the talent (Jason's ?) goes into designing their clothes. But then what about the Monogram Brilliance outfit? I think that if the construction error on the front of the jacket hadn't happened.....

I can understand that Jason's interests lie elsewhere and I applaud his success. But he was the design talent of Integrity and Fashion Royalty. Now what?

DOTY Award Winner - Tonner's Vivacious Antoinette

I really didn't need another Antoinette doll; I just wanted her fashion. But a dealer made me an offer I couldn't refuse and here she is.The description on the Tonner site says, "capacious organza tiered gown with radiant beaded accent and sleek opera gloves. Matching beaded earrings, pantyhose and faux leather high-heeled shoes."

The gown goes on like a coat with interior snaps for closure. It is fairly unstructured and the possibilities for fitting other dolls is excellent. Gloves are well-fitted mittens. They're all like that. I liked Tonner's use of more sheer fabric for other gloves he's designed. These aren't bad but they could be more defined with a lighter material. The earrings are a style-less cluster of mediocre beads sewn together with black thread. Tonner's jewelry is rarely worth a second glance. The shoes are well designed and fit nicely.

Let's talk about her hair, shall we? The promotional picture shows a spritz of bangs in the center of her forehead. For that reason alone I was surprised that she won a DOTY. Using a silicone wig spray I was able to style the bangs in a more pleasing fashion. The bangs get my WWTT award.
Now I have another beautiful doll in another gorgeous gown that will be probably be selling for half the retail price in a few months.

_______________

Cami had a little photo shoot today. She is wearing my reworked convention Antoinette gown and jewelry by Joy.

Picture of the Week Award ~ March 21, 2010

I came across this picture on the W Club board and I thought it was so well done that it deserved to be featured this week. The photographer is Parisuthi Wasanasomsithi aka Paris W. The theme of the photo was the result of a challenge in a Flickr group called "Mad Men's Season Finale Wrap Party."

I sent several questions to Paris. Here are her responses:

Describe the photo.
- It was the final challenge for the "Fashion Royalty International Jetset Diva" contest on that Flickr group. The challenge is "Mad Men's season finale wrap party".

Explain how you did it briefly.

- Found this portrait of Don Draper that I thought I could work with (he's alone in the pic). - Then took a pic of my Diva (I chose Mini Livewire for this contest). - Then took a pic of Agnes with tissue in her hand. - Combined those three in Photoshop. Made them Duotone mode and added background and other elements (sparkles, wine glass, cigarette smoke, etc.)

Did you make changes to the original doll?

- Adding a running mascara on Agnes in Photoshop only.

What is she/he wearing? Wig?

- Mini Livewire is wearing "Kelly Girl" by Randall Craig, with jewelry from "Mon Cheri" by Dressmaker Details, and wig from Vero's Urban Antoinette. - Agnes is wearing "Together Again" by Randall Craig. Setting?
- I took pics of them with just plain white background and combined them all in a Photoshop.

Camera equipment and set-up used?

- Canon Ixus 80 IS and a table lamp. I don't have a studio/fancy equipments so have to make do with what I got.

Suggestions to other doll photographers?

- Mmmmm I'd say find your strength, work with what you got, and follow your imagination...
____
The images were combined seamlessly into one photo. I'd say that Paris has definitely found her strength!

If you would like to see more of her work, click here for her Flickr photostream.

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

Barbie Collector 1st Quarter $20 Club Reward Reminder

The first quarter reward will expire on March 31st so if you plan to use it, get going.
I was not thinking of purchasing anything except Silkstones this year but when I read about the body issues, I decided to put that on hold. So I was left with a dilemma about my $20 discount opportunity. What does a compulsive doll buyer do when she can save $20? She spends.
I had a pretty hard time deciding what I could make the best use from what's available. I chose the Harley-Davidson Giftset. I like that the Ken is articulated and he looks pretty decent. His pants and top are not dorky. That's a plus for a pink label Ken. The Barbie is pretty but unarticulated and will probably not last long in this house unless I get her a different body. Come on, Mattel. Articulate everyone!

I like Barbie's outfit and I wonder if it will fit any of my other dolls.

The list price is $69.95.
After the $20 reward it was $49.95. I used a free shipping code.
Tax was $4.00.
Total came to $53.95.

I'll let you know if it was worth it after I get the dolls.

Silkstone Palm Beach Line has Production Issues

This information was posted in three separate posts by BCLizG on the Modern Forum:

"Thank you for all of the comments and questions on the Palm Beach line. We take all of our collector feedback very seriously and discuss every issue with a global team from our headquarters in El Segundo to our manufacturing facilities in Asia.
Because we do take every comment so seriously, we like to review thouroughly so we can give a full and accurate update. Sometimes, that means it takes us a few days.
Yes, the Palm Beach Bathing suit doll is slightly larger than some retired dolls in the BFMC line. This is due to normal manufacturing variances. All of the dolls in the Palm Beach line will be of a similiar size.
Secondly, the Palm Beach Breeze legs are further apart than our spec, and we are working withour maufacturing teams to correct.
I want to assure you that our teams hold quality as our highest commitment, and are deeply concerned when we see these types of variances. "

.....

"We do not expect the other 2010 Silkstone dolls to have a size variance. I will put together a special preview with photos of production dolls in advance of the on-sale date.
We will not offer a replacement doll program for the Breeze doll. Mattel does stand behind quality product so if you have individual concerns, please call the number listed on the packaging. "

........

"We will not offer a replacement doll program for the Breeze doll. Mattel does stand behind quality product so if you have individual concerns, please call the number listed on the packaging.
If you have any concerns about your doll, please call customer service, or the number that is listed on your package invoice. Thanks Liz. "

I did not notice a problem with my Palm Beach Honey.

Picture of the Week Award ~ March 14, 2010

Our featured photographer is Denise Jefferson aka DeeinNJ. Dee is well known and admired for her creative dioramas and uncanny ability to use items commonly discarded to create settings for 1/6 scale dolls. This week's photo shows The Soiree Silkstone Barbie doll in a OOAK gown whose creator is unknown. The fur is from Silver Society Veronique and the jewelry is Joe Tai. The tiara is original to the doll.

Dee Jefferson

In this shot Soiree Barbie is making her red carpet entrance. The set was created using Barbie's red carpet runway, red posterboard, red felt, a potted plant and a cityscape backdrop. The steps are packaging inserts from the FR Loft Collection.
Dee used a Nikon Coolpix 880 camera. Lighting is natural daylight. Her suggestion to other doll photographers is to pose the doll the way a person might pose. Use props for realism.
Dee has a feature piece in the quarterly publication Fashion Doll Quarterly (FDQ) magazine. You can also see more of her beautiful work in this album.

Congratulations, Dee, on the Picture of the Week Award. I always look forward to your photos.