Integrity Toys' Response to Questions Regarding the Use of Decals

W Club members received a carefully worded statement about the use of decals in an email yesterday. It is more notable for the information that has been left out than for what has been included. 
All I had to do was Google "water slide decal" and the information was right there. The following is from Wikipedia:

 Water slide decals (or slip decals) are water-mounted decals generally printed face up and rely on the dextrose corn sugar residue from the decal paper to bond the decal transfer to a surface. A water-based adhesive layer can be added to the decal to create a stronger bond or may be placed between layers of lacquer to create a durable decal transfer. The paper also has a layer of glucose film added prior to the dextrose layer which give it the adhesion properties, the Dextrose layer give the decal (lubricity) the ability to slide off the paper and onto the substrate.

Water slide decals are thinner than many other decorative techniques (such as vinyl stickers) and as they are printed, they can be produced to a very high level of detail. As such, they are popular in craft areas such as scale modeling, as well as for labeling DIY electronics devices, such as guitar pedals.
Until recently, water slide decals were professionally printed and only available in supplied designs, but with the advent of printable decal paper for colour inkjet and laser printers, custom decals can now be produced by the hobbyist or small business.

 Source: Wikipedia Water slide Decal.

There are plenty of instructional videos on Youtube for making and applying your own.
 
I also found out that I can print my own water slide decals on paper readily available for home printers. So all this language  "the test was sent to a new partner we have overseas who recreated the shapes for us in vector format and from that, tiny waterslide decals are generated. " just means it's made in China.

Here is the text from the IT email. 

Many of our astute fans have commented online that there was something different about the eyes of two of IT's recent dolls; Anika Luxottica and the W Club Upgrade Vanessa Perrin.  We can confirm that those observations are correct; we are using a new technique to improve eye consistency.

Based on the ongoing feedback that the team has received expressing concerns about sometimes subtle or pronounced balance issues with the screening on various dolls, IT is currently testing a new water slide application method for their doll eyes that will eventually eradicate this issue completely.

This relatively new method has been around for a little while now and is being used by more and more companies in the industry. The W Club Liaisons sat down with Alain Tremblay to ask about this new, promising method to address some of the concerns that we read online... read on!

W Club Liaisons: Alain, thank you for taking the time to get back to us. The Anika Luxottica doll that was unveiled at IFDC is a huge hit with fans and everyone was impressed with her, especially her edgy facial screening. Can you please elaborate a little more about the technique that was used to create this screening?

Alain T.: Thank you, I'm glad everyone loved this girl; I had a blast designing her! The new technique is actually really interesting! We decided to test it out on her first and then, Vanessa since Anika's eyes are so detailed and different than the other dolls that we've done in the last few years. To achieve this new look, Jessy Ayala and I collaborated to create her initial makeup look, then the test was sent to a new partner we have overseas who recreated the shapes for us in vector format and from that, tiny waterslide decals are generated.

WCL: Is the entire makeup on Anika and Vanessa applied using this technique?

AT: The technique we are developing could basically be called a "hybrid application method" if you'd like. Only the eyes (outline, white, iris, pupils and "catch light" dots") themselves are applied this way, since those are the most complicated/multi layered segments that are on any doll's face. The rest, i.e., the lips, eyebrows and eye-shadow layers are sprayed using the traditional mask and airbrush technique first, before the eyes and eyelashes are applied on top. This way, the eyes will be balanced, since generating these shapes in vector art is more precise than spraying the entire screening in multiple-layers the traditional way.

WCL: Is this new method durable? Will the eyes come off easily? Many are concerned about this.

AT: Once applied, the water slides are sealed with a topcoat, so yes, it is perfectly secured and should not be any different from the traditional mask layer doll eyes. Of course, it goes without saying that using alcohol, acetone or heavy scrubbing will damage the paint on any doll. Common sense applies.

...

WCL: What other IT dolls sport this new method?

AT: At the moment, only Anika Luxottica and the Upgrade Vanessa have it, but a few of the upcoming dolls in the 2016 FR Collection will also be created using this new, cutting-edge method.

WCL: Alain, thank you for taking the time to explain this to us and we look forward to what new exciting things the team will be able to create using this method!

Let's be clear, waterslide decals have been around for a very, very long time. It is not a "relatively new method." Decals are used in many other industries and are extremely durable.  I'm fairly certain that the tattoos used on a series of Sybarite Dolls are waterslide decals. (Gothica (not shown), Neurotica and Toxica.)

Tonner's Zombie Boy  - this had to be mostly applied decals. In this Tonner photo below, left, one can see the edge of the applied decal on the forehead.

Water slide decals are different from ordinary decals and stickers:

Different variations of decals include: water-slide or water-dip; and vinyl peel-and-stick. A water-slide (or water-dip) decal is screen-printed on a layer of water-soluble adhesive on a water-resistant paper, that must first be dipped in water prior to its application.
Upon contact with water, the glue is loosened and the decal can be removed from its backing; overlong exposure, however, dissolves the glue completely causing the decal to fail to adhere. A peel-and-stick decal is actually not a decal as described above, but a vinyl sticker with adhesive backing, that can be transferred by peeling off its base. The sign industry calls these peel-and-stick vinyl stickers vinyl-cut-decals.

Source: Wikipedia "Decal"

Source: eBay Auction

  ______________________________

IMO (as always) the bottom line is that decals, used appropriately and according to need on dolls, can result in excellent effects.  If used just to make it easier for a factory to get things right...well, that's another story.
Those of us who were Fashion Royalty collectors from the beginning know the difference. 
Here are a few early Adeles and Veroniques. No decals, no lashes, just nicely painted faces. Everything changes. Most of us hope that things will get better along the way. This is an expensive hobby. It's a luxury and the dolls must match up to the high standards collectors are paying for.

Click to enlarge.

Review: Dasha as Anika Luxoticca

In spite of all the hoopla over the use of decal eyes instead of paint, I like this doll.  As I said previously, I never would have known about the decals if another collector hadn't told me. It's not a pleasing thought but if they continue using the decals, I certainly would expect to know in advance so I can make an informed decision about whether to buy or not.

My doll has a few issues. The arrow is pointing to a line on her hair that was created during the styling in the factory. I'm definitely not asking for a replacement because from what I've seen, I might get something worse. In her hair is a very nice silver clasp. I love the profile look.

I could not remove one of her legs but I'm sure that if I warm it up, it will come off. In the photo below, she is wearing her cyborg limbs. They are very cool. I would have liked Cyborg hands as well.

Anika's hair bump is uneven. That bothers me more than anything. I hate hair bumps.

Her dress is very slim-fitting and the fabric is strangely stiff. Enclosed with the doll was a packet of extra silver embellishments.

Her jewelry is silver-toned with stones that resemble opals. She came with earrings, a bracelet and a ring.  Her heels have a techno pattern which fits right in with the theme.

Decals For Eyes - The Big Fix?

Here's some news from Integrity Toys:
A person at the top responded to the query about the decal eyes from a collector. He said that the "new technique will ensure that the eye alignment is always correct."
Someone said, "What if the decals are misaligned?"  Hmmmm.

Yes, boys and girls, that was the answer.

Going forward, what do you think?
Will you spend more than $100 for a doll whose eyes are decals even if they are sealed?

I understand that velcro is in use as well.

I don't think I would have known that Dasha's eyes were decals unless I read about it.

It sounds like a decision that was made to cut production costs. I can understand that. They are in business to make money after all.

Did you know that you can buy a sheet of doll eye decals (there are hundreds of styles and sizes to choose from) for about $5.?

DALSTON GenX.2 Sybarite Doll

Here is the newest addition to the GenX lineup from Superdoll.

This is directly from the website offering:


DALSTON DD_108

'I think I'll wear 'lipstick'.
Taking in the neighbourhood sights while strutting her stuff in Trendiest East London.

Venus knows her way around this part of town... it's home!

NEW! GENX.2 body!
NEW! Cosmetique skintone!

Her ash blonde blend double knot wig is a wonderfully styled for that summers day freshness while serving 'edge'! Eyes of sky and bluebelle surrounded by shadow of sunny yellow, sky blue and grey. Icy white liner on her lids. Brows of charcoal accentuated with fine strokes of taupe. Lips the colour of red summer roses.
Her sunshine yellow satin bra top and matching panties are, firstly to show off her waist and secondly no need to worry about just how short her skirt is! To keep her floaty, she wears lipstick print, on electric blue damask mini baloon skirt with waist pleats and concealed waistband, , just short enough to show off her long legs but classy enough to keep her cool!.
Pale sky blue hose, a pair of gorgeous metalic foiled silver lazer cut sandals with gilt platform soles , bearing red rose detail. This worn along with a cute red metalic neverfull bag, dripping in silver accessories emblazoned with gorgeous 'diamante' and metal contelation, and of course a red cutout matching buckle up waist cincher are her accessories of choice.
Just when you thought that was enough she picked up her chain and green bead with metal slats necklace and popped on her divine metal bathchain trimmed, bright red hair sticks; placed in her hair, 'just so'..
Good to go, she then added multiple hippy bracelets... just because she should!

The sun is shining outside Darlings!
Clone: 1000 Venus d'Royce

Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand

In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £252.00 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

What convinced me is her fashion: the belt on bare skin, the great neckpiece, the cute hair sticks!  I love it!  I like her wig, too. She looks like a keeper.

252.00 GBP

=

$332.94

Decal Eyes or Halftone Printing? What is going on with FR dolls?

One of the topics of concern on with W Club members is the appearance of the eyes on Anika Luxottica and on one of the upgrade dolls, Vanessa Take Me On.

See JennFL2's close-up photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jennfl/28314491605/in/photostream/

This collector actually found an 'extra' decal stuck in Anika's hair!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/barbie_my_scene_fashion_royalty/28441023882/in/photostream/

Integrity has been sent inquiries and their response is????

Breathe New Life into Your Dolls with New Bodies!

When Integrity Toys recently offered AA FR3 bodies for sale, I purchased two although I didn't have an AA doll who needed a new body. Since then I've been hunting. Yesterday I received one of Jason Wu's first Adeles. She is Perfect Skin Adele from the 2004 Fashion Royalty line.
She came in a gift set with 5 (!) pieces of beautiful luggage, dressed in a faux leather outfit.
I had her back then, sold her and now I have her again with the latest body. It's just like having a brand new doll!
She is modeling Veronique's "Full Spectrum" dress, a La Boutique bag and jewelry by Joy Jarred.

The original body had arms that did not bend, a large bust, tiny waist, little feet and lots of problems with longevity. Silkstone clothes are perfect for the old body, BTW. And if you have fashions from the early FR days, you can conversely use them for your Silkstone dolls. Very useful.

Below image of the original gift set was found on a database with no attribution. Thank you to whomever took the photo.

2016 IFDC Dolls

In addition to the sequined spy with a gun, there are two more dolls. 
The convention souvenir is a unique combination of fashion doll and transformer toy. Dasha is the sculpt with an edition size of 500. Retail $175.
Here's her description directly from the promotional:

When Dasha™ was offered the role of super villain Anika Luxoticca in the latest Agent 355 movie, she just couldn't resist. How can anyone pass up the chance to become a half-woman, half-machine cyborg looking for a potion that will allow her to feel love again? With her exotic accent, Dasha immediately became a hit with fans of the spy genre!

Anika Luxottica is ready to fight for her right to love and has captured Professor Young, a hip and happening scientist who has invented a love potion so potent that no human on Earth, both male and female, can resist once it's been ingested! Transformed into a cyborg following a freak lab accident that left her "transformed" for life (as she sees it), Luxottica can hide her mechanical limbs by switching them for solid colored ones at will. Dressed in a futuristic lab gown and techno heels, Anika comes complete with two full sets of limbs that can be switched at will and her half of the mysterious love potion. Will she be able to pry the other half out of Professor Young's grasp? What will she do to get it and feel again? You decide!

 She is intriguing and sexy in her long, slim "lab gown." The cyborg arms and legs are pretty funny. I don't know why they remind me of Monster High dolls. Did they also have dolls with clear limbs?  In any case, if I were collecting FR, I'd probably want this one because she's so different. 
IT hasn't used the Dasha sculpt much and it's never been received warmly but it remains to be seen if this oddity will be liked.

The companion doll is "Marius Lancaster" as Professor  Young. He is a new sculpt.

When Hollywood pretty boy Marius Lancaster's agent called to tell him that he had landed a major role in Agent 355, he thought to himself: "Sweet, I've got it made, I'm a spy!"

He wasn't as thrilled though, when he found out that he would essentially be "the damsel in distress" and not the spy of this new epic adventure- he wasn't too sure what that would do for his macho "ladies' man" image. To his surprise, the experience on set was one of the best that he ever had and the chemistry with the movie's two lead actresses was pretty hot on film to say the least, especially in that famous scene when Agent 355 comes down from the ceiling to rescue him from Anika's laser cutting table at the last possible second, before the laser cuts him in half! His performance as a fashionably geeky professor in desperate need of rescuing did not go unnoticed by the movie-going public and since his appearance in Mission Lovejoy, the casting offers have been pouring in left and right! So, being a "mister in distress" is not that bad after all it seems, especially when you have two of the most beautiful leading ladies fighting over you... We'll definitely be seeing this guy again in the near future!

Marius Lancaster as Professor Young is a brand new character making his debut in the family of Integrity Toys male figures and comes dressed in a classical, slightly geeky look, complete with red silk tie, handkerchief, super cute argyle socks and oxford shoes, black reading glasses and a watch. Our leading man comes with his half of the formula of the love potion that he invented and a super fun set of colored test tubes in a rack, a never seen before accessory created just for this set! Marius Lancaster is a fully articulated 12.5-inch fashion figure with fully rooted hair.

Apparently "Anja" as Agent 355 has more tools than just a gun which is a good sign. 

Parisian top model Anja was noticed in some of W Cosmetics' most notorious campaigns and was ready for new challenges, when her agent came up with the idea that she should give acting a shot. Soon after her very first audition, Anja immediately landed the role of Agent 355, a new kind of ultra-glamorous female spy set to save the world in the latest designer garb! Inspired by current runway looks (and OK, a lot of Las Vegas glitz!), Integrity Toys' Alain Tremblay styled Anja for the title role in Mission Lovejoy, a story he invented just for this year's IFDC convention!

Anja™ as Agent 355 is ready to solve the mystery of Professor Young's disappearance, as she travels abroad and uses every tool in her arsenal to rip him and his secret formula away from the clutches of the evil Anika Luxottica, a cyborg incapable of love and kindness.  In her own uniquely glamorous way, Anja jumps into action wearing her designer inspired sequined tuxedo and killer high-heels like every spy should, gun and camera in-hand! "M" and "Q" gave Anja a detailed mission pack that includes a map, a picture of the mysterious Professor Young and a mission brief. Now, it's up to her to prevent the cyborg from unleashing Young's lethal love potion on the world! Anja™ is a fully articulated 12.5-inch doll with fully rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes.

These dolls are being offered via lottery to W Club members. Marius and Anja are $150. each. Anika is $175. 

Bethnal, Liberty and Chaucer

Bethnal is a bit strange. She's got the most difficult to control legs of any Syb I've ever had. She's also got a bad case of the joint flap. So far, every vinyl Syb I've undressed has the problem.
See: http://terrigoldphoto.blogspot.com/2015/12/disappointing-sybarite-gen-x-body.html
I'm not surprised this one has it but I expected a bit more from the legs.
Still, I like her face and I'll probably keep her.

I've redressed her in "Glitter Tit" as I did not care for her original outfit except for the shoes and the bag.
The photo on the right was shot with my iPhone in natural light. The one on the left was shot with a digital SLR in my studio with a mix of natural and strobe.  I did adjust the color balance in the photo on the left using Photoshop.

________________________

Kingdom Doll Liberty ranks near the top of my list of loved dolls. She is beautiful.

In these photos, she is wearing a dress by Nigel Chia. Shoes are KD. Wig by Ilaria. I darkened the background in the photo on the right.

__________________________

I dressed KD Chaucer in "Enclosure Royal" a Sybarite fashion. I had to pin the top to make it smaller. Otherwise, everything fit including the shoes.  Black wig is Chaucers. Brown wig is by Cheryl Wood.

Dolls With Guns

As if things weren't bad enough in the world as far as shootings and other violence, Integrity Toys has put out an IFDC doll shown aiming a gun. She is called "Anja as Agent 355."

I'm shaking my head at the stupidity and inappropriate actions of this with regards to a doll pointing a gun. Maybe the next one will have an AK-47.

Now you can recreate your favorite shooting scenes. Oh the joy.

There's nothing glamorous about a doll with a gun.

Elise Jolie "J'Adore La Fete" Gift Set

This gift set proves that IT can still deliver a beautiful doll with well-made clothing in a gift set. Not that I thought they couldn't but there hasn't been a fabulous Fashion Royalty gift set in a very long time. So much attention has been paid to Poppy Parker, ITBE and Jem, it feels as if FR has fallen along the wayside.  While it's true that most of my dolly dollars go toward my 16" BJD collection, I still belong to the W Club and will not turn away from a gorgeous 12" doll.

Elise is my favorite sculpt which made this gift set even more special. I used three of my Elise dolls to model the fashions.

The suit jacket is constructed with full length princess seams front and back. There is almost no bulk in the underarm area which is uncommon in 12" doll clothing and a sign of good design. The hem of the jacket is finished with a black fringe which repeats near the skirt's hem. However, the skirt has a nice flounce as a hem. There is a metallic silver thread running through the red and black fabric. One amazing detail is that the collar is covered with a semi-sheer chiffon-like fabric. Really nice!
I added the jewelry and the shoes.
My model for the suit is "Midnight Star."

I rarely dress my dolls in lingerie but I might have if it were the same red as the suit. I did not put her hosiery on.  The shoes came with the set. Jewelry is my addition. My model is the Hair Workshop Elise from the Jason Wu "X" Event.

The gown is not a ground-breaking design but it is well made and fits nicely. The multiple finishes at the hem are repeated with the addition of a lace covered 3rd layer at the bottom. Her jewelry consists of earrings, necklace, bracelet and ring. Matchy, matchy. She is wearing a 2nd pair of shoes which are not visible in this photo...also black.
The model is the doll that came with the set...J'Adore La Fete herself. Her vinyl is what I'd call Caucasian. I believe IT calls it FR White. The above dolls are have a lighter vinyl tone. J'Adore also looks darker because the other dolls were photographed out-of-doors and this one was shot in my living room.

Overall, this is a nicely coordinated, useful gift set. It was $175 plus postage.

Kingdom Doll Savile

Savile is the most recently issued doll from KD. She was a large edition at 60 pieces. Many who had never gotten the opportunity to own a KD, finally scored.

Savile Row is a street in Mayfair, central London. Known principally for its traditional bespoke tailoring for men, the street has had a varied history that had included accommodating the headquarters of the Royal Geographical Society at 1 Savile Row, where significant British explorations to Africa and the South Pole were planned; and more recently, the Apple office of the Beatles at 3 Savile Row, where the band's final live performance was held on the roof of the building.  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savile_Row] 

Here is a photo by Alexandra Forbes that shows Savile in her full outfit and original wig.
She is one put together gal! Her jewelry is of copper metal with turquoise accents. Her shoes are copper colored and her Birkin is turquoise.

Her pin striped suit is the nod to men's tailoring. The construction is superb.

Kingdom Doll Savile by Alexandra Forbes

                                                                      _________

BTW: You can buy the same Birkin in human size for about $15,000. Seriously, who would spend that much just for a leather bag besides a brand name whore? I'll take this black one.

 _________

My doll had a chill so I put a bodysuit on her. It's from an Avantguard doll. Wearing it, she can open her jacket without it all hanging out.

I've seen Savile in many styles and colors of wigs and she looks gorgeous in all of them. The sculpt is fabulous and I'm so happy to have her.

Superdoll Collectibles HACKNEY

The latest Bow Belle from Superdoll Collectables is Hackney. Here is her description from the website:

'I think I'll wear stars'.Taking in the neighbourhood sights while strutting her stuff in Trendiest East London.
Venus knows her way around this part of town... it's home. 

NEW! GENX.2 body!NEW! Cosmetique skintone! 

Her shoulder blade length mullet wig is a delicate blend of gingers with side swept fringe, serving 'edge'! Eyes of sky and bluebelle surrounded by shadow in rose, hot pink and grey. Heavy navy liner on her lids. Brows of mocha accentuated with fine strokes of rust. Lips the colour of summer roses at dusk. 

Her chequered weave 'boyfriend' shirt is unbuttoned and tied underbust, firstly to show off her waist and secondly to catch a bit of a breeze! To keep her cool, she wears floral print denim and AB stone trimmed half and half cut off denim shorts with functioning pockets, waistbanded in monogram petersham, just short enough to show off her long legs.  

Milky tea-coloured footless fishnet hose, a pair of gorgeous navy socks with banded tops and scarlet platform, pointed red courts bearing pom pom detail. These along with a cute denim and monogram banded 'speedy' bag dripping in silver accessories emblazoned with an enamel union jackbutton are her accessories of choice. 

Just when you thought that was enough she picked up her chain and orange crystal necklace and popped on her divine pheasant feather trimmed, star weave denim, Austrian flip back hat and placed it on her head, 'just so'..Good to go, she then added multiple hippy bracelets...just because she should!
The sun is shining outside, Darlings! 

Clone: 1000 Venus d'Royce

Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)-booklet-standIn stock and ready to be deliveredPrice: £247.00 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

For ease of viewing, I have brightened up the photos.

£247 British Pounds = $354.47 US Dollar

I was going to order one until I saw her wig. I'll wait for the next one. :-(