Happy Halloween, You Zombies

 Evangeline loves the moonlight.

Queen of Hearts 2010 Tonner Convention rides in on a horse wearing an Afro wig. She, on the other hand, is wearing nothing.

If this thing rings your doorbell, hide. He's not as cute as he looks.

The studio crew wishes all a Happy Halloween.

Home, Again

Another convention under our belts! It's so interesting to go to conventions put on by varied doll manufacturers.  The dolls are amazing but more than that is interacting with the employees of a doll company like this one. Listening to Robert Tonner talk about himself, his sculpting, decision making and creative process is enlightening. He talks about the company and getting licenses ... or not getting them.  He introduces his pattern makers, designers, tech people and who knows what else they do but they're all there! There are no great mysteries about who designed what or what's coming up or why something wasn't done. There's no reason for secrecy. He's funny, droll and his love of costumes is amazing. They all dress up. I'm guessing that's the first thing they agree to when they are interviewed. They probably don't ask for a resume´; they just want to see who you've been for the last five Halloweens.  You know I'm kidding but it's definitely a company that plays.
I am thrilled with my purchase of the Queen of Hearts centerpiece. I have her set up in my dining room temporarily and she is entrancing with her stern gaze and sculptural cheekbones. I love her!

During the coming week I will take time to photograph her with my studio camera. She is a very special doll. I also want to shoot her next to Elise Jolie to show their similarities. The Queen came holding a male doll head. I have  heard there were only 40 of those heads and they are very desirable. Who knew?

I'd  like to direct everyone who wants to see pictures of every doll from this event to go to Dreamcastle Dolls where Carol is compiling a database of them. She is pulling pictures from all sources.
Here is the link: 2011 Tonner Halloween Convention Scary Tales

Now that doesn't mean you shouldn't look at my pretty pictures but Carol has done so much work on her Tonner Doll database that you ought to get to know about it and that's one way.

Going backwards, I never did talk about the crazy funny program put on for the Cinderella brunch. I did mention the story that ended with Cindy becoming queen of the zombies but I failed to discuss that we were participants in the story. Each of us was provided with a kit of tools to use during the story which consisted of a sponge, bubbles, a loaded water gun (yes, it was filled with water), a clapper, paper, sword and I don't remember what else. During the crazy story, we were prompted to do things. When the water gun prompt began it was hysterical. People started shooting eachother all over the room. Robert said this morning that he learned never to give loaded water guns to a roomful of middle aged people. I don't know if the age of the people mattered. Water guns are fun! Throwing sponges around is fun, too. You had to be there.

Last night we came into the dining room to find Pat Henry's beautiful book at each of our places. Pat amused us with a brief talk. The book, which, by the way, contains lots of my photos, is definitely worth purchasing. And then you might even want to read it.  Where can you get it? TONNER: Two Decades of Fashion & Design

Suggestion to event planners: dinner music should be soft so people can TALK to eachother without having to shout. The band, except for the sax player, was not all that good but they did make a lot of noise. 

 A  highlight of every convention is the presentation of the event souvenir. She is called Eye of the Beholder and is a very Gothic reinterpretation of "Belle" from Beauty and the Beast, which was the dinner theme. Her hair is pink and black as is her fashion which is lush.

Here is Tonner's photo of Beauty with her Beast. He's quite the hunk as were all the male companion dolls at this event.

This morning we came in to the Harry Potter breakfast to find Harry and Hermione on the table. These are two very realistic-looking sculpts. The thing I liked most about them were their clothes, especially what Harry was wearing. Their bodies are Matt O'Neill size for Harry and flat-footed Tyler for Hermione.They will be offered as part of the regular Tonner Harry Potter line.

I've left so much out. There were so many dolls to see. I was very good. Hehe. More will be revealed in the days to come as I sort through more than 300 pictures.

Do you see a similarity between these two dolls?

I am in love with the deep and high cheekbones of the Queen of Hearts centerpiece doll (top.) She reminds me of Elise (below.) Do you see the resemblance?

Halloween Convention - Some Centerpieces and Companion Dolls

The internet connection at this hotel is really bad. I tried to upload pics to Prego and kept losing them.
Hopefully this will work.  There are more but I'm getting very frustrated waiting.

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These are from the Saturday brunch. The centerpiece is seen in the last three images. It is Cinderella. I think. Robert did a crazy reimagined Cinderella story in which they all turned out to be zombies and she became the queen of the zombies and cut off the heads of her step mother and step sisters. Although she didn't live happily ever after, she got revenge. Oy.

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Live from Burlington, Vermont

So we were going to have Ben and Jerry's ice cream but it was too cold. Seriously, it's freezing here. What happened to fall?
From the Tonner Halloween convention...reporting semi-live:
I'm so tired I don't even know why I'm still up. I was lucky to be picked to have the opportunity to purchase the centerpiece earlier this evening. The minute I saw her on the table I wanted her and she's mine!!!!

A few quickie pictures are posted on Prego so go over there to see more.

I will do a recap when I get home. The WiFi here is slooooow.

Preorder Basic Devon

Paul Pham announced that he will accept pre-orders for the new Basic Devon beginning Friday, October 28.
No price point or time was included in the announcement.  http://dollcis.com/

The timing of this release and that of Masque from Superfrock  is unfortunate for anyone traveling to the Halloween convention in Burlington, Vermont.  But there are always mobile apps and Paypal functions quite well from a smartphone.

Halloween Convention Here We Come!

Tomorrow the spousal unit and I will be at the Tonner Halloween Convention in Burlington, Vermont.  Although we have attended quite a few local Tonner events, this will be our first weekend-long party. It's been a crazy busy month beginning with the Jewish holidays, being an observer of the Wu event and my son's wedding from which we just arrived back home 3 days ago. It's been so busy that I haven't been able to take the time to photograph many of my new dolls and outfits. That will keep me busy for the rest of the year.
Yesterday I wrapped our table gifts and got my photo contest entries mounted. Today I have to pack. I'm excited!
Keep an eye (or two) out for pictures from the event. And if you are reading this and will be there, please say hello.

Here is a link to the agenda for those who would like to know more:
http://www.tonnerdirect.com/t-2011halloconagenda.aspx

2012 Barbie Dolls

One doll that will never make it through my front door is Shoe Obsession Barbie. Yes, those are shoes held in a tulle overlay on the dress. Her face is scary-cheerful.  This doll is wrong on so many levels. Designed by Linda Kyaw who also designed the literal Pantone Barbie. Retail.  $39.

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The only thing I want is the necklace from the Hope Diamond Barbie doll.  I can just imagine how the hair will arrive on the real life doll. The facial screening is too cartoon-like for a sophisticated presentation like this. $75.

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If you haven't seen pictures yet, here are pictures of the initial release of 2012 Dolls of the World which are due to be available in December. Designed by Linda Kyaw. Retail $29.99
From top to bottom they represent Argentina holding a baby cougar, Australia with a gray koala, China has a panda and Ireland holding an Irish Setter.

Nighty Brights™ Francie® Giftset

Mattel has posted that the new giftset with a Silkstone Francie doll will be available at 9AM Pacific Time on November 2, 2011. This is a Barbie Fan Club Exclusive and a Gold Label item of which 3000 units are produced. Retail price is $75.

Nighty Brights Francie Giftset is a fresh, fun take on Barbie doll's cute cousin, in a new Silkstone® body! She's all set for a slumber party in green baby dolls pjs with yellow, white and pink polka dots, matching bloomers and white slippers with pink pompoms. For daytime, Francie dons an adorable orange outfit accented with white and blue, white textured tights, and MODern white go-go boots! Accessories include a personalized hanger, green slumber mask, brush, comb and diary. She'll sleep tight in sensational style!

The first Silkstone Francie has already hit the shelves and eBay as "Check, Please!" Although the list price is $79. some dealers are selling her for $69. She is a Dealer Exclusive and a Gold Label item.

Just what the doll world needed - more unarticulated dolls and a sad looking little doggie.  But...the clothes are very cute vintage reproductions and I think she will be quite popular.

Why do brothers always ruin Barbie dolls?

Do you watch Dexter? If so you will understand the title of this blog post and the graphic on the t-shirt. If not, I will just say that a Barbie doll - or parts of one - were left for Dexter as clues by a killer who wanted to be found. Did anyone ever deny that Barbie was versatile? Hehehe.

Anyway, I want this t-shirt that the Showtime website is selling. I'll take a L in black.

Seen on The Studio Commissary

This wonderful and not too scary Halloween themed photograph was posted by Ernesto Padro Campos on The Studio Commissary.
Ernesto's caption reads, "All About the Eyes" Gene Marshall wears Retros' magnificent witch garb. Little neighbors also wear Retros' costumes.

One of the things I love about Ernesto's photography is his use of props. They're always relevant and interesting but never distracting. The viewer focuses on the main subject and then realizes there's more going on. He is a master doll photographer!

Click here for link to original post.

Rear Window Grace Kelly Doll

I had to jump through Gilt hoops to get to this description:

The sophisticated beauty of Grace Kelly is captured in this Barbie Doll inspired by her character in Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window. The elegant chiffon dress is a simple style with a v-neck bodice and full calf-length skirt in classic black and white. The top of the skirt features a branch pattern that extends ethereally from the belted waist. Classic pearls accessorize at the neck and wrist, while a white chiffon shawl, white "satin" gloves, and black heels complete one of Grace Kelly's most iconic looks.
Features:

• Pre-Release GILT Exclusive
• Official release in December 2011
• For ages 6 and over

Use of the name and likeness of Grace Kelly by permission of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, a non-profit organization that continues Princess Grace of Monaco’s commitment to supporting emerging artists. www.pgfusa.org.
Production doll may vary from the photo shown above. Mattel reserves the right to modify the fashion/fabrics, sculpt, hair color/style, and accessories. Doll cannot stand alone as shown.
Brand: Mattel
Material: Plastic
Origin: Imported

Gilt is a website selling merchandise of all kinds including brand name fashions and accessories for everyone. I don't know their connection to Mattel but they are also selling several other Barbie dolls.

The price for the doll is $35. on the Gilt site. I would just like to be able to buy the fashions from this and the two other dolls I'm not going to purchase. I did buy the Silkstone honeymoon (The Romance) giftset. It's selling for $125. on this site.

Click here for the link to Gilt.

Upcoming Madame Alexander Event ~ Auction

Click on the first photo for details.

Tokidoki Arrives

I don't know what the big deal is. I think many will be disappointed when they see that the promotional photo looks way better than the actual doll. At first I thought my doll's eyes were wonky but that's the nature of side glancing eyes in many cases. However, the screening is careless looking. The promo has nice smooth, full hair and extra lashes were obviously Photoshopped in. I took my pics outside on the deck with a point and shoot camera. If I decide to debox and fool with her hair, I will take serious photos.
What do you think of the IRL doll?

Promo on left vs. actual doll on right.

I have no desire to get tattooed, name my dog Bastardino or dye my hair pink.  I do love her accessories. She is a very cute doll.