The New Barbie Doll Bodies

While I think it's a good thing that Mattel recognizes the fact that women come in different shapes and sizes, I still think they have a long way to go if their intention is to represent a cross section of the population. These new dolls offer 4 body types, 7 skin tones, 18 eye colors and 18 hairstyles. The body types are the new additions. There will also be clothes that come in specific sizes to fit each doll.  Good luck with keeping that organized.

Mattel wants their Barbies to reflect "real-life girls and women." Does anyone who plays with these dolls wonder why they don't have vaginas? There's not the slightest indication that there might be something down there.

She looks pregnant.

Individual dressed dolls are $9.99 which is very reasonable IMO. Dressed dolls with two additional fashions will cost $19.99. Not all the variations are available; some are pre-order at

http://shop.mattel.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=45063936&utm_source=barbie-brand-site&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=dawn-launch


This is a step in the right direction...a very tiny step.

More good photos: http://www.barbie.com/en-us

Tonner Doll Company...Gradually Slipping Away?

The well-known and admired Doll Dr. from the Tonner Doll Company, Noreen Morris, let me know today that she was let go due to company consolidation.

Many businesses cut back in hard times but when a very popular representative is let go, it affects customers' feelings towards the company.

No one can replace her cheerful demeanor and swift attention to detail.

I feel a personal loss as I met Noreen at the beginning of my collecting. I've written about it previously. The event was at an outdoor Tonner trunk sale. I only had Tiny Kitty dolls at that time. When I saw Tyler, I fell in love with her and bought several. Noreen predicted that it was "over" for me. If you don't get what "over" means...she meant the beginning of a joyous collecting adventure, which it was.
I still have many beloved Tonner dolls in my collection. I really wonder if I'll ever add more. Is Tonner done?

Waiting to see.

You can send Noreen a message on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nightdobes

http://www.the-doll-hospital.com/

Dr. Noreen's Doll Hospital

I know that she would love to hear from all the collectors she's met over the years.

Brunel: A Most Versatile Kingdom Doll

Brunel is the most photographed Kingdom Doll in my collection. The first photo presents her as she was originally dressed.
Photos show her dressed in fashions by Ficon, Integrity Toys, Tonner, Superdoll and, of course, Kingdom Doll. There is one dress in there by a collector. Wigs by Cheryl Wood and Ilaria.

You can click on individual photos to enlarge them. 
 

Gen X Forest Review

I was one of the lucky collectors who logged on to the Superdoll website early enough to buy Forest.  I didn't expect to see her posted at that time, but there she was.
Forest cost $387.63 with a $58.94 charge for postage. Asking price for her on eBay, almost immediately after she sold out, went well above $1000.

She is exquisite.

Forest is, most assuredly, inspired by Galadriel from The Lord of the Rings.

Cate Blanchett as Galadriel

 She brings her own light to the darkness with her staff whose branches support three candles. In order for her to hold it upright, one changes out her default hand for the clutching hand. Warming the arm in a heating pad for a while makes that process very easy.

Everything about this doll sparkles.

From the empire waistline down there are two embroidered layers of tulle-like fabric. The swirling pattern is traced with metallic silver thread accented by silvery sequins.
The under layer of the skirt is all over sequins in a random pattern.

Both the neckline and the waist are circled with rhinestones. The closure at the back of the dress is enhanced with rosettes as are the tops of the puff sleeves.

 Her boots took a good deal of patience and care to put on. 

Regarding the overlapping leg joint issue many have had with Gen X dolls, Forest still has it but it's less pronounced.

Her crowning glory is the diadem of rhinestones worn over her knee-length platinum hair.

Tonner's Galadriel was quite true to the actress' appearance and costume but I like sparkly, shiny things.

And of course, the Barbie version is a happy girl.

Forest wins.

Introducing Mel Odom's "Heart of Gold" Ivy Jordan

The much awaited appearance of Ivy Jordan was announced today by Jamieshow Dolls. For those not familiar with the name, Ivy Jordan is a character in the Gene Marshall line-up. The back story is that she was Gene's best friend and ally in Hollywood and was first produced in 2008 by Integrity Toys as part of their "Colour Deal" collection.
"Heart of Gold" is a 16" resin BJD and the first Ivy produced by Jamieshow Dolls.

Ivy is a limited edition of 125 and will be available for pre-order on January 15, 2016 at 6PM Central Time.  The price is $450.  payable in full or with FuturePay. Shipping will be the first week in February.



Here is the link to the full announcement which also contains a link that will go live at the stated time.
http://us3.campaign-archive2.com/?u=723f87002a100e3e930eb1312&id=0b1bdc67b3&e=fdfffcdaf2

All images on this page are copyrighted by and the property of Jamieshow Dolls.

Tonner's Deja Vu Line Expands

Four male characters have joined the Deja Vu line.  http://www.tonnerdoll.com/tonner/fashion-dolls/deja-vu on the site. Unfortunately one has to click through a few layers to get there. Main page/Fashion Dolls/Deja Vu.
I don't know when this new addition was announced because I received no notice.

The guys have the Matt O'Neill body and to my eye, the Matt sculpt as well.

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Black Tie Matt O'Neill 2004

Does his head look enormous?  I do love the tails.

Absolute Elegance $189.

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I'll let your people go...

A lot more Yul as Ramses would have appealed to me.

Ani $179.99

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Blech

 
Great costume but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Halvar $249.99

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The 18th Century was a dandy era but does he have enough snuff?

Gerard $194.99

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There's no end to the variety that Tonner & Co. produce. Hopefully, for them, collectors will like these enough to add them to their collections. I predict they will want the fashions more than the dolls.