Lilith Shops La Boutique
I am always amazed at how Diana and Janet of La Boutique manage to reproduce high end handbags in 1/6 scale. The purses of the month for April 2012 were inspired by Valentino and I am absolutely enthralled.
Model: Nu.Face Great Pretender Lilith
Suit,Hat and purse on model: Walking Suit Silkstone Barbie
Shoes: Nu.Face Great Pretender Lilith
Purses on display: La Boutique POTM April 2012 ( for info on how to purchase contact Diana at dianawieler@sympatico.ca )
Dark Swan Elise dons a day suit
Now try to say the title of this post five times quickly {snort}. I almost made the title “To my props…How do I love thee, let me count the ways.” I seem to be using these busts quite a bit but oh well. People often ask me about the lighting I use in my photos and I thought it would be fun to show these photos because the shots that came out the best ( In my opinion, and that of my partner in crime and in house tech support…the husband) are actually the ones that used the least light. They used the least number of photography lights but were placed in such a way as to add drama and texture to the shot. I am forever changing lights around as I shoot something because I want to see what else I can get to come out on film. I love how the low lighting shows off the angles on the face of this Elise. I will also admit to adding some vignetting on the full length shot.
Model: FR2 Dark Swan Elise
Suit and Purse: Fashion Royalty Foreign Affair
Shoes: FR2 shoe pack from 2011 FR convention
Hat: I could tell you but you wouldn’t believe me
Okay so hat is really a scrapbook embellishment. 
Mattel releases photos of Empress of the Aliens Barbie
I don’t collect Fantasy Dolls but it does not stop me from appreciating their artistry. I know Bill Greening is a very talented guy not to mention one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure to meet from Mattel. I can totally see him and his love for vintage Barbie collecting when I see all of his Barbie reproduction designs. When he comes out with things like this, I see the true artist in him and it continues to amaze me. He has such a range in his designs. Mr. Greening….I tip my hat.
Empress of the Aliens Barbie
release date: 06/21/12
Available at Barbie dealers or Barbie Collector
Price: TBD
**Photos property of Mattel Inc.**
The shoes!! Oh my word the shoes!! 
First WClub Exclusive Doll for 2012 is announced….There is a Nu.Face in Town!
The Integrity Toys WClub announced their first club doll for 2012 last week. Her name is “High End Envy” Erin and she is a stunner. There is plenty to envy here folks. What can I say….always a sucker for redheads. She is a character from Integrity’s Nu.Face line and they have “refreshed” the Erin face mold for this one. So far the feedback on the boards is positive. Two big thumbs up from Inside The Fashion Doll Studio. She has two brunette hair streaks on the sides of her head…not sure how I am liking that but will keep an open mind until I see her in real life. Loving the edgy look for this 2012 collection and love the pouty red mouth on this lady. I completely adore the chunky square black ring in the accessories. Delivery is slated for this summer.
** following three photos are property of Integrity Toys**
And …it would appear that the Nu.Face line for 2012 is getting it’s inspiration from the Gucci Spring 2012 RTW collection
** Photo above is from Style.com**
Silkstone Holy Grails–Addendum
A friend has just reminded me (Thank you Jim!!) of a limited “holy grail” Silky that I forgot to mention in my previous post. She is the Raven Debut Silkstone given to attendees of The Paris Fashion Doll Festival in 2009. So… there actually was another Silkstone given at a convention .
Barbie Debut Brunette ( although she is more commonly referred to as the raven haired debut.)
Edition size: 354 ( source: http://www.dollexpo.fr/dollexpo/archivesfestivals.htm)
Isn’t she lovely! Lucky convention attendees too…they were in Paris AND have this lovely keepsake from the event.
The Holy Grails of Silkstone Barbie Collecting
I wrote a few days ago about Integrity Toys and the limited editions of their upcoming collection. It got me to thinking about edition sizes in general and the impact it can have on collecting. When you begin collecting anything, especially fashion dolls, you usually run into the availability issue fairly quickly. You learn that limited availability means higher price and, in some cases, a treasure hunt of epic proportions. These rare and limited items become known as “collector holy grails” and the fervor with which one pursues acquirement can be intense. It depends on the collector.
I have to say I have acquired a couple “holy grails” in my time as a collector. The funny thing is..I never really pursued them strongly…it was more a matter of being at the right place at the right time. I know that I had done my homework and knew what a fair price was for these items and I always had my antennae up for information about things on my “holy grail” list …perhaps that just means I was always in pursuit. Man I need therapy. Anywhoo…the point is an opportunity would come up to acquire a “holy grail” and I would either act or let it go by. If you are plugged into the doll community ( read and contribute to doll boards, doll manufacturer websites and collector blogs) it can make the hunt easier and a whole lot of fun. I have met some of the most generous and lovely people in my pursuit for the holy grails of my collection..or…come out of it with some of the best stories involving my collection. Wow!… aren’t you curious now?!
When I began collecting Silkstone Barbies years ago, I soon learned that there were a number of dolls that were held above others. Mostly, these dolls were revered because they had a very small edition size and that of course improved their resale value and their collectability. Most highly collectible Silkstone Barbies are the platinum editions ( limit to 1,000 or less edition size). Many of them were offered through F.A.O Schwarz and were different hair color variations of another doll.
All Edition size information is from The Collectors Encyclopedia of Barbie 2008 edition by Michael Augustyniak
1.Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2003 Chataine Barbie
Edition size: 600
2. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2003 Joyeux Barbie –redhead
Edition size: 999
3. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2005 Trace of Lace Barbie – blonde
Edition size: 500 ( designed exclusively for the Japanese Collector)
4. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2006 Dahlia
Edition size: 999
5. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2006 Violette
Edition size: 999
6. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2007 The Soiree – blonde
Edition size: 999
7. NBDCC Golden Gala
Edition Size: Unknown by skin type..but considered less than 1,000 total for both skin types
** note** This was the only Silkstone ever given as a convention gift. Given to 2009 National Barbie Doll Collector Convention attendees to commemorate Barbie’s 50’s anniversary. Each attendee received either a Caucasian skin tone or African American skin tone depending on what they selected with their registration packet**
If you are a Silkstone Barbie collector, you may have noticed I have left out a few…read on.
Within these platinum edition Silkstones, there are a few items that have such a limited edition size that it classifies them as the holiest of holy grails.
1. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2000 Display Case – Retail Version
Edition Size: Couldn’t find a substantiated number but let’s just say much less than 175
“This case was provided to select dealers selling the 2000 Barbie Fashion Model Collection. Both the blue sign atop the case and the front panels of the case say “Limited Edition.” The front middle panel is hinged for ease in arranging the two fashion mannequins and the easel with sign in front of the glamorous ballroom backdrop. A plastic holder containing 50 Barbie Fashion Model Collection booklets could be placed beside the case. Note the lower middle panel of the case which introduces customers to the features of the new Silkstone Lingerie Barbie dolls. “ –from Collectors Encyclopedia of Barbie Dolls 2008 Edition by J. Michael Augustyniak
2. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2001 Limited Edition Display Case
Edition Size: 175
“Was offered through a Barbie Collectibles by Mail catalog in an edition of 175 for $250.00. This display case is very similar to the 2000 retailer display case except that the words “ Limited Edition” have been deleted from both the blue sign atop the display case as well as the lower front base itself. Also, below the “Barbie” name on the case’s , lower front middle panel, this case has no words, whereas the case provided to dealers in 2000 lists the features of the new Silkstone dolls.” -from Collectors Encyclopedia of Barbie Dolls 2008 Edition by J. Michael Augustyniak
3. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2003 City Smart Barbie
Edition size: 600 ( 400 were sold on the Japanese market and 200 were sold to members of the Official Barbie Collector’s Club in the U.S.)
Integrity Toys 2012 Reveal….the aftermath
Well, a week has gone by and those in the Fashion Royalty collecting world are still absorbing the massive amount of new eye candy that was displayed at the Integrity Toys webinar. I think it is safe to say that Integrity blew many collectors socks off with their new offerings for 2012. Evidence of that is clear…dealers have sold out preorders on many products already. Another factor in the early sold out status this year were lower edition sizes and smaller allotments to a growing number of dealers. This resulted in many collectors being told “ sorry, we are sold out of the doll you ordered.” Very frustrating! I would imagine it is a tough road to walk for Integrity and its dealers. A business would want to keep edition sizes low to decrease excessive inventory for their dealers while helping to maintain value for their customers. It’s that low supply/ high demand economics 101 again. A business also has to satisfy its customer and it would appear that many of Integrity’s loyal customers were left wanting in this last round of preorders. Finding the right edition size is not an exact science and I do believe there is something to be said for leaving your customers always wanting for more….but you don’t want to starve them right? I just can’t help but wonder if perhaps they guessed a little low with their numbers this time around. I managed to procure everything that I wanted through my amazing dealer ( Love ya Barb!)…but I really feel for those who were not able to get what they wanted and I feel for the dealers who had to disappoint many of their loyal customers because they simply did not have the allotments to satisfy demand. Where is the happy medium??
Yes Integrity…you have that good of a collection for 2012….hope you have not lost some collectors with the stingy edition sizes this year.
Here were my favorites for this latest 2012 reveal.
I am not saying I ordered all of these….but I’m not saying I didn’t either 
The Kyori gift set was the definite winner if current doll board feedback and the speed with which it sold out is any indication.
Some other early preorder sellouts were the Nu.Face Lillith and Eden gift set and Giselle, Fashion Royalty’s Adele and FR2’s Tatyana. The Mod Poppy Parker line sold out on preorders in …I swear….nano seconds.
After a new collection comes out, I always find it fascinating to research and see comments from others on fashions that may have inspired the collection designs. Obviously Jason Wu’s designs will be an inspiration but I am pleased to see that other designers works are favored as well. I wish I could take credit for the sleuthing on these and finding all of them but I cannot. I found a number of these from the very observant and talented members of the WClub forum.
First up is Kyori pictured above….it looks like the skirt portion of her evening gown was inspired by Zac Posen’s Spring 2012 RTW
Another of Zac Posen’s designs may have inspired FR2’s Ayumi as well…
The collection Adele may have gotten inspiration from Alexander McQueen Spring 2012 RTW
Adele’s accessories were definitely inspired…. 
by McQueen 2012 Spring RTW and Louis Vuitton Spring 2012
Lilith and Eden Giftset clearly took some direction from Gucci’s 2012 Spring RTW
Dania looks to have been inspired by Integrity’s design captain Jason Wu – Spring 2012 RTW
**Photos used in the post were from www.style.com and Integrity Toys, Inc.**
Integrity Toys Reveal–Dynamite Girls
It look longer than I thought to get back to the computer for this post. Sorry. Here are the remaining photos from Integrity Toys webinar on Saturday.
** Photos are property of Integrity Toys, Inc.**
Item #66079
Jasper™
The Dynamite Girls™
Back to Brooklyn Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $65.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 450 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Late May 2012
Item #66080
Neve™
The Dynamite Girls™
Back to Brooklyn Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $65.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 450 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Late May 2012
Item #66081
Gavin™
The Dynamite Girls™
Back to Brooklyn Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $65.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 450 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Late May 2012
Item # 66082
Auden™
The Dynamite Girls™
Back to Brooklyn Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $65.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 450 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Late May 2012
Item #66083
Remi™
The Dynamite Girls™
Back to Brooklyn Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $65.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 450 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Late May 2012
Very hip and youthful collection! Well done Mr. Buttry!
Integrity Toys 2012 Reveal…AMAZING!!!
The word in the headline says it all….AMAZING!! One of the many reasons I enjoy being part of Integrity Toys WClub is the opportunity to join their webinar each year to see a presentation of what is to come for the entire year. They do not have a booth at toy fair. Instead they do a presentation for their dealers and collectors via the internet and I absolutely love that. Integrity have done this webinar for the past two years and I think it is a brilliant move. You don’t have to spend time and money to travel anywhere thus saving that money to instead buy product….smart business. You can sit in the privacy of your own home, in your PJ’s if you want, and see all the wonderful products lined up for the year and hear about the inspiration that went into them from the designers. You have to be a WClub member to attend . I know…I know…you don’t want to hear about it…you want to see it. 
If you want to see a jazzy version of the Fashion Royalty 2012 collection, I did a slideshow of all the photos set to music. Here it is
If you want to see a jazzy version of the Poppy Parker 2012 collection, click below
*** All Photos are property of Integrity Toys***
Fashion Royalty®: The Style Directive Collection
Item #91296
Always On Her Mind
Dania Zarr™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $110.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 450 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Early July 2012
Item #91297
Trust Your Instincts
Jordan™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $110.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 300 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Early July 2012
Item #91298
Your Kind Of Model
Kesenia™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $110.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Early July 2012
Item #91299
World On A String
Eugenia Perrin Frost™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $110.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 500 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Mid August 2012
Item #91300
Main Attitude
Adèle Makéda® Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $110.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Mid August 2012
Item #91301
The Sweet Smell Of Success
Véronique Perrin® Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $110.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 500 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Early August 2012
Item #91303
…And Another Thing!
Kyori Sato™ Gift Set
Suggested Retail Price: $150.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400 Gift Sets Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Early August 2012
Nu.Face
Item #82043
Lead Singles
Lillith and Eden™ Two Doll Gift Set
Suggested Retail Price: $199.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 450 Gift Sets Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Early July 2012
Item #82044
Live, Work, Play!
Giselle Diefendorf™ Mini Gift Set
Suggested Retail Price: $125.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 600 Mini Gift Sets Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Early August 2012
Item #82046
Pop of Color
Annik™ Mini Gift Set
Suggested Retail Price: $125.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 300 Mini Gift Sets Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Mid August 2012
FR. Homme
Item #91294
Strings Attached
Perry Marino™ Dressed Fashion Figure
FR:Homme™ Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $110.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery Date: Early August 2012
Fashion Royalty Squared
Item #57016
Nouveau Régime
Tatyana Alexandrova™ Dressed Doll
FR: Squared™ Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $175.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Mid June 2012
Item #57017
Opium
Ayumi N.™ Dressed Doll
FR: Squared™ Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $175.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Mid July 2012
Item#57018
Strict Elegance LuchiaZ.™Dressed Doll
FR: Squared™ Collection
Suggested Retail Price:$175.00US
Limited Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Mid July 2012
Poppy Parker
Item #PP036
Sunshine Games
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $79.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 500 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Mid July 2012
Item #PP037
She’s Not There
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $99.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 600 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Mid June 2012
Item #PP038
Day Tripper
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $99.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 500 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Mid July 2012
Item #PP039
The Happening
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $89.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 600 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Mid July 2012
Item #PP040
Colour My World
Darla Daley™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $99.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Mid June 2012
Item #PP041
Bus Stop Darla Daley™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $89.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Mid July 2012
Item #PP042
My Generation Chip Farnsworth III™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $99.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 450 Dolls Worldwide
Estimated Delivery date: Mid July 2012
WClub Exclusive Event Doll
Item #91302
Truly Madly Deeply
Baroness Agnes Von Weiss™ Mini Gift Set
2012 Online Unveiling Event Exclusive
Limited Edition: TBA
Estimated Arrival: Early Summer 2012
Suggested Retail: $150.00 US
Dynamite Girls will be in a post later in the day….Man are my fingers tired!!!! What did I order you ask? Too much! This collection literally knocked my socks off. If you are interested in purchasing any of this collection, contact your Integrity Toys dealer. Sooner would be better on later on this collection….some items ( cough* Kyori* cough) will go fast. To find and Integrity Toys dealer…go to www.integritytoys.com
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 