Collecting Fashion Dolls by Terri Gold

5/26/2010

Integrity Toys' Freeze Frame Avantguard Doll

The new W Club exclusive Avantguard doll, Freeze Frame, has shipped with a surprise in store for collectors. I am pleased to report that the knee joint has been redesigned. A little detail like the blushing is continued onto the joint as well. It it much more attractive and stable than the original. This was an important issue to address as the 'floppiness' of the AG body detracts from it's fun. This particular doll has a modest amount of play under her bust and in the hips but seems to be improved overall.

FF has the closed mouth sculpt with a soft palette. The eyeshadow crease was another surprise; it is glittered! I absolutely didn't expect that.

The wig has the GaGa hair bow but needs trimming. I plan to shorten it considerably. It fits perfectly and goes on easily.

The outfit - while it's not my taste for a doll like this it is made very well. The fabric on the white mini dress is lovely. The wide plastic belt has a criss cross corset-laced closure in the back. The boots are well constructed and LEVEL!!! In the photo above, she is actually standing on her own with no support at all. The faux fur on the boots is a little mangy but in the photo they are OK. Under the dress is a lovely lacy bodysuit. I adore this item. It's so pretty and I like pretty.

Is she supposed to be a Lady GaGa character type? If so, the outfit doesn't go far enough; she should have rhinestones pasted on her eyelids and crazier boots, perhaps made from metal. That's what I would like to see.

The jewelry is a darkened pewter cuff bracelet and rhinestone stud earrings. And of course she comes with additional hands and feet.
The quality is excellent and if you like the doll, I recommend her.

5/24/2010

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.

5/23/2010

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.