More about the event will be posted. Stay tuned!
11/08/2009
A Perfect Ten ~ Tyler Commemorative Doll
This is the event doll we received at the anniversary celebration on Saturday, November 7 at the Wiltwyck Country Club in Kingston, NY. My jaw dropped and I sat in awe when I opened the box. Her face, hairstyle and magnificent dress are so fitting on this occasion of her tenth anniversary. Here are some of my preliminary photographs of her.
More about the event will be posted. Stay tuned!
More about the event will be posted. Stay tuned!
Picture of the Week Award ~ November 8, 2009
Carol is the proprietor of Dreamcastle Dolls. She, along with assistance of other collectors, is compiling a detailed and sweeping reference for Tonner and Effanbee dolls that will go back as far as 1999.
11/06/2009
An Open Letter From Percy Newsum to Mel Odom
Hello Everyone;
I wanted to take the opportunity to thank Mel Odom and all of the Gene collectors for the opportunity to "take care" of your favorite star over the past few years. It has truly been a privilege to be able to work with someone as talented as Mel and to service such a dynamic and caring group of collectors. We hope that you have enjoyed the creations we have come up with and that they are an important part of your Gene collection and the Gene legacy.
The entire Integrity team wants to ensure that Gene and her 15 years on the fashion doll scene is celebrated appropriately and hope you will join us in Philadelphia this June to celebrate all the wonderful things about Gene and her friends.
Once again, thank you for this wonderful opportunity. Gene will always be an important part of our history.
Best Regards,
Percy Newsum
President, Integrity Toys
Other Clarification Concerning the Gene Marshall Doll Line:
Per Mel’s announcement, we are confirming to you that as of June 2010, the Gene Marshall line will be officially retired. Based on Mel Odom's wishes, Integrity Toys Inc. will host a final official convention to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Gene Marshall, which will feature every character of the line as a final farewell to everyone's favorite girl star. As Mr. Odom put it, it is better to go out on top while your fans still love you and we could not agree more. Our experience dealing with Mel and the exquisite Gene Marshall has been a great one and we wish to thank everyone for their support these past four wonderful years. More information about the Gene Marshall farewell celebration convention will be posted on this site in the next few weeks.
Please come back to visit for registration information. This website will not go off line, but will be incorporated into the www.integritytoys.com site sometime next year.
Also for clarification, other than a special Gene early next year, the only Gene products produced for 2010 will be the final convention collection. The Hollywood Royalty Gene dolls (mini-Genes) will also be retired.
I wanted to take the opportunity to thank Mel Odom and all of the Gene collectors for the opportunity to "take care" of your favorite star over the past few years. It has truly been a privilege to be able to work with someone as talented as Mel and to service such a dynamic and caring group of collectors. We hope that you have enjoyed the creations we have come up with and that they are an important part of your Gene collection and the Gene legacy.
The entire Integrity team wants to ensure that Gene and her 15 years on the fashion doll scene is celebrated appropriately and hope you will join us in Philadelphia this June to celebrate all the wonderful things about Gene and her friends.
Once again, thank you for this wonderful opportunity. Gene will always be an important part of our history.
Best Regards,
Percy Newsum
President, Integrity Toys
Other Clarification Concerning the Gene Marshall Doll Line:
Per Mel’s announcement, we are confirming to you that as of June 2010, the Gene Marshall line will be officially retired. Based on Mel Odom's wishes, Integrity Toys Inc. will host a final official convention to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Gene Marshall, which will feature every character of the line as a final farewell to everyone's favorite girl star. As Mr. Odom put it, it is better to go out on top while your fans still love you and we could not agree more. Our experience dealing with Mel and the exquisite Gene Marshall has been a great one and we wish to thank everyone for their support these past four wonderful years. More information about the Gene Marshall farewell celebration convention will be posted on this site in the next few weeks.
Please come back to visit for registration information. This website will not go off line, but will be incorporated into the www.integritytoys.com site sometime next year.
Also for clarification, other than a special Gene early next year, the only Gene products produced for 2010 will be the final convention collection. The Hollywood Royalty Gene dolls (mini-Genes) will also be retired.
Gene Marshall line to be Retired!
Mel Odom just sent out the news. The Gene Marshall line will retire! This is the letter from Mel:
Hey Kids,
This is a letter I've been writing in my head for quite some time, but have not been able to actually put down on paper. It's a tough letter to write and I've been pretty emotional about it. (Big breath) I've been feeling lately like it's a perfect time for Gene and her friends to retire. I've been working on Gene since 1991. That's when the first drawings of her are dated and I'd probably had her in my head for some time before that. The point is, she's been a consuming interest of mine for close to 20 years. It's been the most detail intensive project of my life and certainly the most fun. I've been given much because of Gene; acclaim, financial security and the best bunch of friends and collectors anyone could ever expect from their profession. It's been an amazing journey for me- completely different than what I had imagined.
This year, we've had a really wonderful collection, with awards and popular triumphs and a great sense of energy among you guys. I've really enjoyed it. It's been amazing. And the Hollywood Royalty minis being a hit was just the sprinkles on the cupcake for me. I just think it's always better going out a winner, while you are on top.
This is the thing...I want to do something else. I'll be (gulp) 60 next year and feel like there are other things I can accomplish if I can devote my full attention to them, like I have done with Gene. I've practically ignored my first loves, drawing and painting, for far too long. For twenty years before Gene, I was known as an illustrator and graphic artist. I don't think I can go back to being an illustrator; that's over for me. But I'd like to be known as a painter and I'd like to maybe teach art. As some of you know, I've been knocking on the doors of art galleries with my paintings for the past few years and am not about to give up on that particular dream of mine. I feel like I have enough time for one more great phase in my career, even though I'm not positive what it is.
Gene is in my head and heart and nothing I can ever do will change that. She's always been with me in some form and will stay with me and very probably morph into another phase of whatever it is I do, paintings maybe. But I've always had to change every so often, like when I stopped focusing on illustrating and created a fashion doll. This is one of those times. So Gene and I are pulling a Garbo, and retiring, but not without a fabulous sendoff.
I have gone over my plans with Integrity and we all want to make sure that we have a proper celebration for Gene and her friends (both plastic and human). I have really enjoyed working with Integrity and making these past few years some of Gene's best ever. The Integrity team and I are planning one last, big blowout for all of us- a 15th Anniversary convention to celebrate Gene and all her friends, to be held in early June in Philadelphia. And for this special party we're creating one more collection, "The Stardust Collection", a curtain call of sorts for all of our characters, and get this... including Trent. Ashton Drake is graciously allowing us to use the original molds to create one more classic Trent for the party. So, Trent will be there and Oona and Ivy and Violet and Madra. I'll be there and hopefully everyone will be there, to celebrate 15 years of the coolest thing to happen to fashion dolls since high heel feet.
Facts and forms will be forthcoming, but I wanted to tell you all this personally. There will also be a special Gene happening in early 2010; you'll be privy to the information later on. It'll be fine, you'll see. Gene will be a perfect 15-year long phenomenon in the doll world, a story with a humble start and surprise ending- a beautiful arc of stories, characters and costumes that changed the doll world. And as long as Cher and Barbra Streisand are in this world, there's always a chance of a comeback somewhere down the road.
I'll still be blogging; the W Club has happily agreed to continue to send all of you my "Mel Mail updates", right through the big party in June. Later on, I'll be blogging from my own website
www.melodomart.com, which should be completed and up soon. Any of you who are interested can come along with me for the rest of the journey as well. You're all invited. Thank you for everything and remember to always....
Play nice Kids,
Mel
Hey Kids,
This is a letter I've been writing in my head for quite some time, but have not been able to actually put down on paper. It's a tough letter to write and I've been pretty emotional about it. (Big breath) I've been feeling lately like it's a perfect time for Gene and her friends to retire. I've been working on Gene since 1991. That's when the first drawings of her are dated and I'd probably had her in my head for some time before that. The point is, she's been a consuming interest of mine for close to 20 years. It's been the most detail intensive project of my life and certainly the most fun. I've been given much because of Gene; acclaim, financial security and the best bunch of friends and collectors anyone could ever expect from their profession. It's been an amazing journey for me- completely different than what I had imagined.
This year, we've had a really wonderful collection, with awards and popular triumphs and a great sense of energy among you guys. I've really enjoyed it. It's been amazing. And the Hollywood Royalty minis being a hit was just the sprinkles on the cupcake for me. I just think it's always better going out a winner, while you are on top.
This is the thing...I want to do something else. I'll be (gulp) 60 next year and feel like there are other things I can accomplish if I can devote my full attention to them, like I have done with Gene. I've practically ignored my first loves, drawing and painting, for far too long. For twenty years before Gene, I was known as an illustrator and graphic artist. I don't think I can go back to being an illustrator; that's over for me. But I'd like to be known as a painter and I'd like to maybe teach art. As some of you know, I've been knocking on the doors of art galleries with my paintings for the past few years and am not about to give up on that particular dream of mine. I feel like I have enough time for one more great phase in my career, even though I'm not positive what it is.
Gene is in my head and heart and nothing I can ever do will change that. She's always been with me in some form and will stay with me and very probably morph into another phase of whatever it is I do, paintings maybe. But I've always had to change every so often, like when I stopped focusing on illustrating and created a fashion doll. This is one of those times. So Gene and I are pulling a Garbo, and retiring, but not without a fabulous sendoff.
I have gone over my plans with Integrity and we all want to make sure that we have a proper celebration for Gene and her friends (both plastic and human). I have really enjoyed working with Integrity and making these past few years some of Gene's best ever. The Integrity team and I are planning one last, big blowout for all of us- a 15th Anniversary convention to celebrate Gene and all her friends, to be held in early June in Philadelphia. And for this special party we're creating one more collection, "The Stardust Collection", a curtain call of sorts for all of our characters, and get this... including Trent. Ashton Drake is graciously allowing us to use the original molds to create one more classic Trent for the party. So, Trent will be there and Oona and Ivy and Violet and Madra. I'll be there and hopefully everyone will be there, to celebrate 15 years of the coolest thing to happen to fashion dolls since high heel feet.
Facts and forms will be forthcoming, but I wanted to tell you all this personally. There will also be a special Gene happening in early 2010; you'll be privy to the information later on. It'll be fine, you'll see. Gene will be a perfect 15-year long phenomenon in the doll world, a story with a humble start and surprise ending- a beautiful arc of stories, characters and costumes that changed the doll world. And as long as Cher and Barbra Streisand are in this world, there's always a chance of a comeback somewhere down the road.
I'll still be blogging; the W Club has happily agreed to continue to send all of you my "Mel Mail updates", right through the big party in June. Later on, I'll be blogging from my own website
www.melodomart.com, which should be completed and up soon. Any of you who are interested can come along with me for the rest of the journey as well. You're all invited. Thank you for everything and remember to always....
Play nice Kids,
Mel
11/05/2009
Hometown Hollywood Mini Gene
W Club members were surprised to be offered another Club exclusive. This time it's a Mini Gene doll called Hometown Hollywood Mini Gene. She is based upon the original Ashton-Drake manufactured "Hello Hollywood, Hello" who was released in 1998 and designed by Doug James. The price of the original doll was $79.95. The new one is $150.
I have decided not to order this doll partly because of the price and mainly because I have not yet seen the sculpt of the two I already have on pre-order. I won't just keep ordering and ordering without seeing up close what this line holds in store. IMO this offer was badly timed.
If you would like to read the original story card, here is a link to the Gene Database on Facets by Marcia's website. Hello Hollywood Hello
Here are my pictures of the original:
I have decided not to order this doll partly because of the price and mainly because I have not yet seen the sculpt of the two I already have on pre-order. I won't just keep ordering and ordering without seeing up close what this line holds in store. IMO this offer was badly timed.
If you would like to read the original story card, here is a link to the Gene Database on Facets by Marcia's website. Hello Hollywood Hello
Here are my pictures of the original:
New Gene Doll Announced ~ It's A Cinch!
Today a new Gene Marshall doll was announced. She is called It's A Cinch! and will be available from your regular doll dealers during the 1st quarter of 2010. LE 200.
To read the description in full, check out any Gene dealer's website. The retail price is $125.
11/04/2009
There Ought to be a Law Against Smoking Dolls
I'm just sick of getting dolls and doll fashions that smell from cigarette smoke.
Last week it was two NRFB fashions and today it was a doll. The fashions were from an eBay seller with a lot of excellent feedback so I was very surprised. The doll was purchased from a seller I found on Ruby Lane.
Perhaps smokers do not believe that even if their dolls are packed away, cigarette smoke is invasive. It will get on everything and into everything just like it coats your lungs and body, it will deposit itself on your merchandise. The packaging materials stink, too. If they are aware of that and are still selling their polluted stuff to unsuspecting buyers then they are as disgusting as their habit.
I was discussing this with a seller (thankfully before I bought anything). She told me that her son is a smoker and he visits occasionally but her dolls are packed away in a closet and she doesn't believe they have any ciggy smoke smell.
Cigarette smoke produces airborne tar just like this.
The second problematic component of cigarette smoke is the very high level of tar solids that are disseminated into the air when cigarettes are burned. This is the same petroleum based tar used to make asphalt roads. This petroleum based tar clouds the air and sticks to every surface of the room. Not only can you see this tar in the air you can also see and feel this yellow brownish sticky substance on surfaces such as walls and furniture. Cigarette smoke tar even seeps into your homes air vents, and appliances with vents such as TV's and stereos. This disgusting goop discolors paint and it also has a terrible, sickening odor.
Last week it was two NRFB fashions and today it was a doll. The fashions were from an eBay seller with a lot of excellent feedback so I was very surprised. The doll was purchased from a seller I found on Ruby Lane.
Perhaps smokers do not believe that even if their dolls are packed away, cigarette smoke is invasive. It will get on everything and into everything just like it coats your lungs and body, it will deposit itself on your merchandise. The packaging materials stink, too. If they are aware of that and are still selling their polluted stuff to unsuspecting buyers then they are as disgusting as their habit.
I was discussing this with a seller (thankfully before I bought anything). She told me that her son is a smoker and he visits occasionally but her dolls are packed away in a closet and she doesn't believe they have any ciggy smoke smell.
Cigarette smoke produces airborne tar just like this. The second problematic component of cigarette smoke is the very high level of tar solids that are disseminated into the air when cigarettes are burned. This is the same petroleum based tar used to make asphalt roads. This petroleum based tar clouds the air and sticks to every surface of the room. Not only can you see this tar in the air you can also see and feel this yellow brownish sticky substance on surfaces such as walls and furniture. Cigarette smoke tar even seeps into your homes air vents, and appliances with vents such as TV's and stereos. This disgusting goop discolors paint and it also has a terrible, sickening odor.
Hello!
Everything in your house smells if anyone smokes there.
Including you.
Everything in your house smells if anyone smokes there.
Including you.Here are links which give some advice on removing cigarette smells:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5475212_remove-cigarette-smoke-smell-dolls.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/281843/doll_repair_common_problems_and_how.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_5475212_remove-cigarette-smoke-smell-dolls.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/281843/doll_repair_common_problems_and_how.html
11/03/2009
Sugar Daddy Ken Gone Along With Entire BFC Thread
BFC Members Agreement #9
We may, in our sole discretion, ... (b) remove any Content, .... We may exercise these rights for any reason or no reason, all without notice or liability to you or anyone else.
Comment by one member
"...I am really sick and tired of the media/public dictating what dolls I am allowed to buy."
I say that it's not the public, it's the men in the corporation making the decision. Mattel makes toys and they want it to stay that way. Every one wanted that doll. Now, if he is actually ever made, non-collectors will snap him up and we won't even be able to get one!
Why don't they just put him out as an American Girl doll who had a sex change? He can go live with the re-homed homeless doll and they can decorate and go shopping and write books....
Why is it OK for female dolls to be produced in scanty fashions with slutty makeup and come-hither hairstyles but it's not OK for an effeminate looking Ken doll to be produced? I call that sex bias and it's disgusting.
We may, in our sole discretion, ... (b) remove any Content, .... We may exercise these rights for any reason or no reason, all without notice or liability to you or anyone else.
Comment by one member
"...I am really sick and tired of the media/public dictating what dolls I am allowed to buy."
I say that it's not the public, it's the men in the corporation making the decision. Mattel makes toys and they want it to stay that way. Every one wanted that doll. Now, if he is actually ever made, non-collectors will snap him up and we won't even be able to get one!
Why don't they just put him out as an American Girl doll who had a sex change? He can go live with the re-homed homeless doll and they can decorate and go shopping and write books....
Why is it OK for female dolls to be produced in scanty fashions with slutty makeup and come-hither hairstyles but it's not OK for an effeminate looking Ken doll to be produced? I call that sex bias and it's disgusting.
Michelle Obama Doll - FAIL
This is the promotional photo that was advertised for the Michele Obama Inaugural doll. I blogged about it on June 1, 2009.
A fellow collector sent me these pictures of the actual doll that she received:
What a complete disappointment but not a surprise. When a company advertises with an artist rendering rather than a prototype or a production sample, you can be sure you will not get what you see in the ad.
Seriously, some of Mattel's $39.95 celebrity dolls have more of a resemblance to their human counterparts than this.
A fellow collector sent me these pictures of the actual doll that she received:
What a complete disappointment but not a surprise. When a company advertises with an artist rendering rather than a prototype or a production sample, you can be sure you will not get what you see in the ad.
Seriously, some of Mattel's $39.95 celebrity dolls have more of a resemblance to their human counterparts than this.
11/01/2009
Mattel's Sugar Daddy Ken. Will He or Won't He?
One of the moderators over at the BFC Board stated,
"What a week! As you have seen, we sneak peeked the BFMC Palm Beach line. One of the concepts in the line was a Ken doll. We posted the photo with the internal "working" name and the photo and name was also released to dealers. The Ken concept is not part of the official spring Palm Beach product line."
Huh? What happened?
This is the topic of intense discussion on that board and among Barbie collectors. From what I have read pretty much everyone wants that Ken doll to be produced. Count me in. The statement from the moderator is vague about the outcome of this particular doll.
The funniest post I read was posted by dollyhoarder who said:
"My guess is...they will probably change the name from 'Sugar Daddy' to something benign like 'Still Anatomically Incorrect Ken Walking Neutered Dog.'"
I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
"What a week! As you have seen, we sneak peeked the BFMC Palm Beach line. One of the concepts in the line was a Ken doll. We posted the photo with the internal "working" name and the photo and name was also released to dealers. The Ken concept is not part of the official spring Palm Beach product line."
Huh? What happened?
This is the topic of intense discussion on that board and among Barbie collectors. From what I have read pretty much everyone wants that Ken doll to be produced. Count me in. The statement from the moderator is vague about the outcome of this particular doll.
The funniest post I read was posted by dollyhoarder who said:
"My guess is...they will probably change the name from 'Sugar Daddy' to something benign like 'Still Anatomically Incorrect Ken Walking Neutered Dog.'"
I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Picture of the Week ~ November 1, 2009
The spotlight this week goes to Paul Pham's photograph of his own creation. This is the IDEX Grey prototype. Paul posted this on Prego during a week of Halloween themed images, thus the ghostly figure on the right.
See more of Paul's creations at his site DOLLCIS.
Congratulaions, Paul, on the Picture of the Week!
See more of Paul's creations at his site DOLLCIS.
Congratulaions, Paul, on the Picture of the Week!
10/29/2009
Invitation to Halloween at the Tonner Company Store!
I have a really cool witch hat I am going to wear. 
Hahahaha.....I'll get you my pretty and your little dollies too!
October 31, 2009 3-5PM Tonner Company Store Halloween Costume Contest, Join all the ghouls and goblins at the Tonner Doll Company Store for candy, free giveaways, specials, and our 2009 Costume Contest! Free surprises to all who visit in costume; top prizes awarded for Most Original, Funny, Scary and Children’s Costume (under age 11). Contest Judging takes place at 4:30PM before you head out for Trick or Treating! We’ll have pumpkin carvings on display, special themed doll and action figure displays, and costumed characters to greet you, and of course, CANDY!!!
BRING YOUR CAMERA!
10/28/2009
PALM BEACH SUGAR DADDY KEN
Bloggers and collectors are cracking up and cracking jokes over this delicacy of a Ken doll. One asks if Mattel has lost its fucking marbles. Actually I was wondering that same thing when I heard about the American Girl, Gwen, the $95 homeless doll. Yes, Mattel owns American Girl if you didn't know. After that, I'm not surprised that Mattel would put out a doll like this.
Palm Beach Sugar Daddy Ken @ $69.
Cool sophistication in breezy Palm Beach! Sporting a dashing jacquard-patterned jacket with a light pink polo shirt and crisp white pants, Ken doll is ready for Palm Beach social season, sunning by the pool and a stroll with his little companion. Fashion designed exclusively for the Silkstone Barbie doll body. Includes Ken doll, jacket, pink polo shirt, white shoes, dog with leash, swim trunks and accessories, doll stand and certificate of authenticity.
Mr. Palm Beach is part of the 2010 Silkstone collection which consists of three female dolls and Ken. Apparently even Silkies need someone to shop with.
Palm Beach Swimsuit Barbie @ $49
Palm Beach Breeze Barbie @ $69.
Palm Beach Coral Barbie @ $139.99
I plan to get the Ken doll as he is truly unique. I love the doll and the fashion on the Coral Barbie but I won't pay $139.99 for a Silkstone doll. Does she walk and talk? Is she articulated?
The dolls are scheduled to be available starting in February 2010 for the Swimsuit version, March for Breeze, April for Sugar Daddy and May for Coral.
I predict that Sugar Daddy will be very, very popular.
Palm Beach Swimsuit Barbie @ $49
When the social season heats up Barbie cools down in sunny style. Warm hues of orange and gold compliment the rich tones of poolside Palm Beach! A perfect locale to flaunt a perfectly fashionable swim ensemble! Fashion designed exclusively for the Silkstone Barbie doll body. Includes Barbie doll, swim suit, cover-up, sunglasses, sandals, doll stand and certificate of authenticity.
Palm Beach Breeze Barbie @ $69.
Winter blues are never welcome in Palm Beach! But the perfect outfit for sharing warm greetings, cold drinks, and tall tales? A cool caftan, sparkling with sequins and worn with bold earrings! Fashion designed exclusively for the Silkstone® Barbie® doll body. Includes Barbie® doll, caftan, earrings, sandals, doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity.
Palm Beach Coral Barbie @ $139.99
The ultimate in beauty, sophistication and Palm Beach social style! Barbie doll is ready for an elegant evening out wearing a stunning gown designed with cascading coral branches delicately accented with vibrant beads and beautiful matching earrings. Fashion designed exclusively for the Silkstone Barbie doll body. Includes Barbie doll, gown, earrings, shoes, doll stand and certificate of authenticity.
I plan to get the Ken doll as he is truly unique. I love the doll and the fashion on the Coral Barbie but I won't pay $139.99 for a Silkstone doll. Does she walk and talk? Is she articulated?
The dolls are scheduled to be available starting in February 2010 for the Swimsuit version, March for Breeze, April for Sugar Daddy and May for Coral.
I predict that Sugar Daddy will be very, very popular.
W Club Exclusive Fashion Royalty Fashion Announced
To the delight of many collectors in the W Club, we have been offered a new fashion for the Fashion Royalty body. It's called Wrapped in Decadence. Apparently they had to call it something. I don't see decadence anywhere. I want this outfit in off white, too.
The outfit consists of a strapless dress, coat, jewelry and shoes. I love it. The dress is taffeta with a beaded bodice and an organza overlay on the skirt. The high waist and gathered bodice front are very attractive. The coat is covered in ribbon rosettes. It is to die for. The feathers on the shoes have to go bye-bye. But maybe that will look better in person. The jewelry is big and heavy which is a trend with Jason this season. I like it but perhaps not with this fashion.
The marketing ploy used in the announcement of the fashion irks me. It says that "the fashion retails for $80." Where is the fashion retailing? Nowhere. It's us. That's it.
They're giving us a "special $15 fashion coupon" bringing the price down to $65. They should have said, "We'd really like to charge you $85. but we don't think you will buy it at that price so we're lowering the price to $65."
That would have been funny.
It's a good price. Look at what Dressmaker Details charges for their stuff and compare. This is a bargain! It's right in line with the quality and quantity of product given to attendees at the recent convention. More bang for the buck. I hope it keeps up this way.
What's up with the awkward looking poses on this doll? Are the shoes weird again with the heels too high? In each picture one of the doll's knees is bent. This is not a good sign. And the center photo with arms akimbo and toes pointed in....hmmmm....not great looking IMO. I wonder how the coat will look without it being either held open or held shut. I do think we're in for some surprises!
What's up with the awkward looking poses on this doll? Are the shoes weird again with the heels too high? In each picture one of the doll's knees is bent. This is not a good sign. And the center photo with arms akimbo and toes pointed in....hmmmm....not great looking IMO. I wonder how the coat will look without it being either held open or held shut. I do think we're in for some surprises!
10/27/2009
Stuff Expands to Fill Available Space
My darling son delivered a glass door Ikea cabinet. I put it together and somehow it was immediately full. How does this happen?
My Silkstones, once all on one shelf, can now be enjoyed without climbing on a ladder. The Tiny Kitty dolls, the oldest of my fashion doll collections, are now visible to the naked eye. They're in holiday red from last December. I couldn't see them anyway so what difference did it make? Poor neglected Cissette still stands on a bottom shelf. To see their faces you must get on your knees. It's a spiritual experience.
Monster sized Cissy dolls had their own shelf until some of the Silkies moved in. It was actually the Cissy's fault that I had to get this cabinet in the first place. Too big to fit anywhere else, they kept whispering, "If not now, when?" Hopeless.
Of course now that there are a few inches of space here and there, I'm making lists of what dolls to add. It never ends.
Monster sized Cissy dolls had their own shelf until some of the Silkies moved in. It was actually the Cissy's fault that I had to get this cabinet in the first place. Too big to fit anywhere else, they kept whispering, "If not now, when?" Hopeless.
Of course now that there are a few inches of space here and there, I'm making lists of what dolls to add. It never ends.
10/26/2009
Mattel's "Ladies of the 80's" Dolls and Philipp Plein Barbie
Maddie's Dolls has just posted the Ladies of the '80's collection of dolls from Mattel. Prices have not yet been determined.
If these dolls were articulated, or pivotal as Mattel calls them, I might actually be interested. Their facial screening is interesting.
The fashions are adorable. This is Cyndi Lauper:
Here is the Joan Jett doll. She's a may be a bit too much like a Hard Rock Cafe´ doll.
My favorite is the Debbie Harry doll.
I like her hair and outfit. I don't know if the microphone is included with this doll.
When will Mattel get with the program and provide pivotal bodies on all the new silver, gold and black series dolls that are to come? Too many are still buying dolls and keeping them in boxes. Why would you need an articulated doll if you aren't going to play with it? If more Barbie collectors allowed themselves the pleasure of deboxing, the hue and cry for articulation would be heard.
_________________________________
See more beautiful images taken during a Barbie photo shoot at the Philipp Plein website.
Did I hear $385. or is that a joke?
Here is the Joan Jett doll. She's a may be a bit too much like a Hard Rock Cafe´ doll.
My favorite is the Debbie Harry doll.
I like her hair and outfit. I don't know if the microphone is included with this doll.When will Mattel get with the program and provide pivotal bodies on all the new silver, gold and black series dolls that are to come? Too many are still buying dolls and keeping them in boxes. Why would you need an articulated doll if you aren't going to play with it? If more Barbie collectors allowed themselves the pleasure of deboxing, the hue and cry for articulation would be heard.
_________________________________
At the Philipp Plein Rocks Barbie party during Milan Fashion Week (2/2009), a model dressed as Rocks Barbie is photographed:
Image property of Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images Europe
An exclusive Philipp Plein Barbie will be available as a 500 piece limited edition.
See more beautiful images taken during a Barbie photo shoot at the Philipp Plein website.
Did I hear $385. or is that a joke?
10/25/2009
Picture of the Week Award ~ October 25, 2009
This doll looks as if he's breathing! I knew immediately that I would have to feature this image on the blog.
The artist is Jennifer Sutherland. I asked her to write a little about her process. Here is her reply:
He originally was a Super Hero Aquaman doll by Tonner. For him I knew I wanted him as a pirate.. The super hero bodies are great for this as I have come to find out! (: I do not sketch the faces on my dolls first but I do sketch the tattoos if they are complicated. For his hair and his tattoos it took be about 12 hours.. For his repaint, about 5 hours.... That's not including any of the details that finish him off such as his rings or shading of his chest afterwards. (: I think my very favorite characters to create are pirates, gypsies, rogues.. etc....You know, characters that are perfect for romance novels! (: They have always been my most enjoyable creations.. Especially pirates and rogues.. They come to life so easily through the decorations and tattoos.. And even things as simple as their facial hair! (: Overall.. My most favorite creations are the male repaints!
You will enjoy browsing through Jenny's website. Click here.
Congratulations, Jenny, on the Picture of the Week Award!
10/22/2009
Mattel's Pop Life™ Ken® Doll - Gone in the blink of an eye.
At 9:00 AM Pacific Time on October 21, Pop Life Ken by Bill Greening went on sale on the Barbie Collector website. This is a Platinum Label Collection doll which means "sequentially numbered editions of less than 1,000 worldwide, available at select retailers." It took just 11 minutes for the doll to sell out and by that time he was already being sold on eBay. Not surprising at all. The order process took me only 4.5 minutes but it felt like forever. The pages moved so slowly due to the traffic on the board. I think I was holding my breath the entire time.
The retail price was $74.95. The fourth quarter coupon was $30 bringing the price down to $44.95 for me. Shipping was only $1. Not bad for a Platinum.
Photobucket Magic!
I love this picture that was posted on the W Club board yesterday. It is the convention mini Avantguard wearing an MFD Kio wig. I assumed it was done in Photoshop. Karon told me that she did it with Photobucket tools. Impressive! Below is a picture of the doll from that photoshoot.
It's fortunate for us that Karon was dissatisfied with the original picture.Photos property of Karon Montague, Virginia.
Tyler Wentworth 10th Anniversary Retailer's Special
There is another anniversary special Signature Style Tyler Wentworth doll. This one is exactly like the blonde in the post below but she is a brunette and is an edition of 300. I think the brunette is quite beautiful.
Cherished Friends is offering the doll for $127. which is 15% off the retail price of $149.99.
10/21/2009
Signature Style Tyler Wentworth® doll in celebration of Tyler’s milestone.
I think the price of $149. is twice as high as it should be and that is why I am hesitating to order her. On top of that I would have to pay 8% sales tax because I live in NY. She will not be coming home with me.
It might have been significant if TDC had issued these dolls at the same price the originals were - $79.99. I would have ordered two of them immediately.
If I remember correctly, I paid $25. for my first Signature Style Tyler at a trunk show in Hurley. I loved that doll and photographed her endlessly. She, too, wore a white blouse, black skirt, black hosiery and shoes.
Here are the versions of the Signature Style dolls that have been issued. Each edition was produced in brunette, red and blonde versions. All these images were borrowed from the Tyler Wentworth Archive except the second picture from the top which is the actual picture of my first Tyler doll.
1999 Signature Style $79.99
2001 Signature Style BA (Bending Arms) $79.99
2003 Signature Style - AR Red, Blonde, Brunette $79.99
(The blonde was redressed for this picture but originally came dressed as the others.
2004 Signature Style - BW - Brunette shown.
Also available as a blonde and redhead. All had blue forward-glancing eyes.
These were the first bending wrist Tyler dolls. Retail $79.99
Also available as a blonde and redhead. All had blue forward-glancing eyes.
These were the first bending wrist Tyler dolls. Retail $79.99
I loved these BW dolls so much that I bought three of each!
10/20/2009
W Club Exclusive Doll #2
The second 2009 W Club doll has been announced. It is called Agnes Von Weiss "Festive Decadence."
For the first time Agnes will be produced in the pale skin tone that was used only once on Tatyana. This is a mini giftset that comes with two skirts, three tops, shoes, belt, handbag and jewelry. I have extracted several of the parts of the giftset from multiple images to show them together here.
This is a gorgeous Agnes who is not sporting her usual sour face. The price of this doll is $145. and it is only available to W Club members.
Images in this post are the property of Integrity Toys.
For the first time Agnes will be produced in the pale skin tone that was used only once on Tatyana. This is a mini giftset that comes with two skirts, three tops, shoes, belt, handbag and jewelry. I have extracted several of the parts of the giftset from multiple images to show them together here.
In the following picture you can see the second skirt and the belt. I love the ruffles and the rosettes but I'm not a fan of the umbrella shaped above the knee length skirt.
Images in this post are the property of Integrity Toys.
10/19/2009
Picture of the Week Award ~ October 18, 2009
This week the award goes to the hairdresser of the minions - Susan Korba. With all the amazing re-rooting this collector has done it's a wonder that she has time for her own dolls and her own family for that matter!
This photograph shows the gorgeous Traveler by Nature Veronique, a Fashion Royalty doll. The color rendition is perfect. For me, that is one of the most important aspects of a great doll picture.
Congratulations, Susan!
This photograph shows the gorgeous Traveler by Nature Veronique, a Fashion Royalty doll. The color rendition is perfect. For me, that is one of the most important aspects of a great doll picture.
Congratulations, Susan!
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