Platinum Violette
Okay…this one is for the Silkstone lovers. I could not let this diorama go without putting one of my favorite Silkstones within its shabby chic yumminess. Robert Best’s “Violette”, in my opinion, is one of the most feminine doll designs of his career at Mattel. She embodies gentility and spring to me. Perhaps it’s the lilac print on her gown, the large flowing design or the flowers in her hair…I don’t know…but put it all together and I feel the pull of springtime. It’s just so girly! She is also a platinum edition Silkstone which means she is not photographed often.
I have to give credit to my daughter Megan for this one. She took one look at the diorama I was working on and said “ Mom, you should put the doll in the purple gown in this one”. She was right!
What the set up looks like when I have to pull the big lights out. It’s a much more involved shoot…which is why you may see this diorama for a while. 
Poppy in the Conservatory
…with Professor Plum and a candlestick {Snort!}. No, we are not playing the game Clue…but it sure sounds like it. Some times I have an idea for a photo and it simply won’t go away. I received a couple new pieces of furniture this past week and I knew I was in trouble when I formulated a game plan before I went to bed and woke up with new ideas on how to make the scene work. I realized…I was already on the road to doing the diorama so I might as well get on with it. My enthusiasm ( cough, cough obsession) was fueled even further by some amazing photos on Flickr by Stilleto Queen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stilettoqueen/). This one was an idea that needed some lead time for construction so that explains my blog absence for the past week. I was very lucky to find some resources online for this shoot and I will share them at the end of this post. If you wish to make some of the items in this post, get ready to make glue, glue dots and scissors your best friends.
Model: “Sea Breeze” Poppy Parker
Gown and jewelry: Petal Perfect by Dressmaker Details(http://www.windycitydolls.com/dressmaker.htm)
Table and Chairs: Mini Chair ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/miniCHAIR?ref=top_trail)
Some candid shots during the shoot. Loved how the sun was hitting the scene while I shot this!!
Photo of the set up…real high tech…right down to the Star Wars AND Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit games holding up the chandelier. My family and I are complete geeks. Yes, that is an old window providing the back wall. I love it!
Do you like the French flower pails and tin pitchers? Well they are made of paper and available for download at:
http://miniatures.about.com/od/dollhouseprintables/ss/flowercontainers.htm
Actual downloads are on page two of article above and in multiple scales. These are all in 1/6 scale. I used heavier weight presentation paper for this project because cardstock was just too heavy and hard to work with. I also wanted a slight shine to the items but not glossy so the presentation paper worked well. Tip: to keep the flower pails from tipping over when you put something in them, fill them up halfway with rice. It weighs it down and helps hold the stems in place . Tip: Ever filled a mini pot and wondered what to use for dirt? Try coffee grounds.
Happy mini gardening!!
The Iconography of Fashion Dolls
Iconography by definition is: (source Bing Dictionary)
i·co·nog·ra·phy
[ kə nóggrəfee ]
- set of recognized images: the set of symbols or images used in a particular field of activity such as music or the movies and recognized by people as having a particular meaning
- symbols in painting: the symbols and images used conventionally in a genre of painting, or the study and interpretation of these symbols and images
- images of somebody or something specific: the collection, description, or study of images of somebody or something specific
For many of us, the last time we heard or thought about the word iconography was while studying for that art history final in college. Since man invented the paintbrush, and more currently since the camera entered the scene, we as a society have been adding more and more data points to an ever expanding “iconography” on a variety of different subjects. In todays culture, with the rise of social media and the resulting wave of images we are bathed in every day, iconography is perhaps entering our daily lives more often than one may think. The fashion doll iconography time line, one can argue, began in March of 1959 when Ms. Barbie entered our cultural consciousness… and lets face it….she has owned the fashion doll genre since. As a blogger, I wonder, “What data points am I adding to that time line?”. My hope is that the images I contribute give a positive and supportive view of the community I enjoy being a part of.
As many of you know, I enjoy doing slideshows set to music of my photos so I used this idea of iconography to present my next YouTube installment. Enjoy!
It’s a Nice Day for a Picnic in Paris
I am still feeling the inspiration from my recent trip to Paris ( hope that sticks around for a while too). That coupled with the recent sunshine and Spring temperatures had me feeling like a Picnic….and here it is.
Model: OOAK Debut Silkstone ( no she isn’t the Paris doll festival Debut but doesn’t she look like one!!) I rerooted a caucasian Debut and repainted the eyebrows.
Dress: Bellissima Couture ( http://bellissimacouturefashions.wordpress.com/)
Hat: Bogue’s Vogues ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
Shoes, Gloves and Jewelry: Mattel
**The photos above were made possible by the following talented artists who were willing to share their amazing photoshop brushes on deviantart: Blazter(JavierZhx) and deseratedeceit. **
Miss Debut here represents my one and ONLY attempt at rerooting a Silkstone. That process is not for a first timer folks. I was lucky to have fingers when I was done and it took about a month LOL! I now have a completely new level of respect for anyone who reroots these Silkies.
The Blogging Blues
We all have them. Those times when we just can’t seem to summon the energy to get things done. I find myself in this state of ennui from time to time.
That is where I feel I have been for the last week. Yesterday, however, the sun came out and I decided to do some redressing and get with the program. I grabbed my trusty point and shoot and had some fun with the sunshine. Hope you like 
Model: Victoire Roux Place Vendome
Gloves: Victoire Roux Place Vendome
Suit and hat: Bellissima Couture (http://bellissimacouturefashions.wordpress.com/)
Shoes and Jewelry: Mattel
Model ,Gloves and Jewelry: Think Pink! Imogen
Gown: Victoire Roux Place Vendome
And…behind the scenes.
Mermaid Gown Arrives..and Bewitches ITFDS!
When news and promotional photos were shared of this one, I was beside myself with excitement. I mean come on…she was all in pink! I have been waiting patiently for this one to arrive and my lovely Barbie Collector dealer Claudia of Pink Ponytail made sure my Ms. Mermaid Gown was shipped promptly to me. Typically, I will photograph a doll upon receipt in what’s come to be known as ( yes, Rogier…you have named it) putting her in THE WINDOW. I like to take photos of a new doll in natural light without enhancing anything ( no Photoshop!) up against a soft white window sill so people can get a good idea of the actual coloring of a doll. These are the photos I took of Ms. Mermaid Gown just after she came in the door.
Her gown is the softest crepe de chine in a dusty pink. Her skin tone is “Silkstone peace” which means she is very, very pale. I am not sure what the back of her hairdo was “supposed” to look like but I had to do some reconstructive surgery to get mine to look something other than a hot mess. It wasn’t difficult but it did take some work and some hair gel….just sayin’.
I am very, very happy with her though. She is a beautiful addition to the 2013 Silkstone Atelier line. And now…the studio shots!
And…because Rebecca was having WAY too much fun with Photoshop today…. Kind of had a Bewitched moment didn’t I?! I almost looked for a witch on a broomstick outline to put in the sky…
…almost .
Fashion Royalty Classic
That is the name given the Fashion Royalty collection shared with WClub members this past Saturday in their second webinar of the year. Vaughn Sawyer shared some of the inspiration for the name and collection stating that Jason Wu, captain of the Integrity Toys fashion doll design team, wanted to “ keep it classic but new”. This years FR Classic collection,according to Vaughn, is an homage to the original classic FR styling. He shared that they were trying to get back to the roots of FR..back to retro glam like the early FR dolls. Vaughn also shared that this years classic collection was a chance for many of the newer characters to get a classic FR styling…and he wasn’t kidding…as you will see.
** Photos are property of Integrity Toys, Inc.**
Nostalgia
Dania Zarr™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 600
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013
Are we feeling the nostalgia here? Oh I think so! I adore the beaded color on this simple 50’s inspired shirtwaist. The makeup on all of these classic offerings are inspired by the original Fashion Royalty dolls. I am not a big fan of the lower lashes and no defining eyeliner on the bottom but I figure I can always have that added on after if it bugs me that much.
Splendid
Jordan™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013
Ummmmm…my mind is blown on this one! Holy fashionista! My first thought was..”and they only made 400 of this one?? Integrity!…you came in WAY too low on that number.” I know that in reality the AA dolls don’t tend to sell as well but this offering is flying off the shelves in early sales. From the tops of her auburn locks to the black tips of her olive/black spectators, she is class personified and aptly named with “Spendid”.
Captivating
Anja™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 800
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013
Okay…smell those lilacs and roses?? That was a huge wave of femininity that just wafted in with these pictures. The pictures of this doll flashed on the screen and all I could hear in my head was “ Come to me!” This one is a complete no brainer for me and I am sure you are all shocked. LOVE everything about her. According to Vaughn, this lovely lady was a nod to Paradise Veronique…one of my first Fashion Royalty dolls. Here is my money Integrity…I’m captivated.
Ambitious
Kesenia™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 700
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013
If Anja was all about femininity, Kesenia is all about strength. I love the coloring and styling on this one. I adore the Veronica Lake hairstyle she is rocking too…with those red lips, dress and nails she establishes a sexy and stylish presence in this classic lineup. How cool are these shoes and clutch I ask you??!!
Polished
Korinne™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 700
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013
Are you smelling those lilacs and roses again? Yep, uber feminine is continued in this one. Am I seeing this right? Did they bring back “Dressing The Part” Agnes’s skirt? I always loved that one and the coral pink top they put it with is divine! I am enjoying the enamel jewelry she wears as well.
And…last but not least…the Integrity Toys WClub Event Doll. This is a doll that is only available to the WClub and has to be ordered within 48 hours of the webinar.
Irresistible
Dania Zarr™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
2013 W Club Online Event Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: TBA
Estimated Ship Date: Mid to Late Summer 2013
I am not sure how to feel about this one. I think I really like the tan and platinum doll but the outfit is just not doing it for me on this doll. I think this may be another one of those separate it into pieces and look at it that way kind of experiences. I adore the doll and accessories. The jacket has potential…just not feeling it on this doll. Will have to see when I have her in hand. Many were surprised that we have two blond Dania’s in this Classic lineup and I have to say…I’m a bit surprised as well but by no means upset. I love these bite sized morsels Integrity is handing to us this year with the smaller, multiple webinars. I particularly love the increased production sizes so hopefully all who want this product can get it. Also, all of these dolls in the classic line are on the standard Fashion Royalty body.
Many collectors were left after this webinar asking “ Where are Veronique, Vanessa, Kyori..ect”. The response from Integrity was essentially ”Keep watching, much more in store as the year plays out.”
One last note for those of us concerned about the skin tone issues turning up on many of the tanned dolls. Namely..their hands are turning a different color than the body. I experienced this with a couple of my Poppys this past year see pics here http://www.flickr.com/photos/42498300@N07/8273380052/in/set-72157623521603942
According to Vaughn, they have worked with their engineers in China and believe they have fixed the problem. Yippeee! Thank you for addressing the issue and putting the effort forth to come up with a solution!!
** as of the time of this posting, Kesenia, Anja and Korinne still available at www.windycitydolls.com**
Integrity Toys offers up The Misfits
I was in college when Jem and the Holograms entered the pop culture of the late 1980’s so I missed out on what was obviously a well loved show. Jem and her friends have big fans at Integrity and they are pouring that enthusiasm into their collaboration with Hasbro in the Jem and the Hologram line. In this last Integrity Toys Webinar, “The Misfits” were unveiled. There is a jaw dropping edition size of 1200 for each doll ….
…so I am thinking there will be plenty to go around..
** Photos are property of Integrity Toys, Inc.**
Roxanne “ROXY” Pelligrini™
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
Limited Edition of 1200 Dolls Only
Suggested Retail Price: $119.00 US
Estimated Ship Date: May 2013
Phyllis “PIZZAZZ” Gabor™
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
Limited Edition of 1200 Dolls Only
Suggested Retail Price: $119.00 US
Estimated Ship Date: May 2013
Mary “STORMER” Phillips™
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
Limited Edition of 1200 Dolls Only
Suggested Retail Price: $119.00 US
Estimated Ship Date: May 2013
I am hearing that these are all readily available at dealers for preorder. It doesn’t get more 1980’s than this folks.
Poppy Parker At The 1965 International Fair!
This past Saturday marked another goodie filled webinar from the talented folks at Integrity Toys. At this event, David Buttry unveiled a 5 doll Poppy Parker collection that evoked a “Dolls of the World” feel. While I am not necessarily a dolls of the world collector in Barbieland…in Poppyland, stamp my passport and call me a happy camper. You will see why. 
** Photos are property of Integrity Toys, Inc.**
First Stop on the International tour is….India
Irresistible in India
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition of 750 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $89.00 US
Estimated Shipping Date: June 2013
She has a Latino skin tone ( no clarification on what that is at the time of this blog post….will follow up). She also has the Bergdorf facial screening. YES! She is also sporting an intricate 60’s hairstyle. Irresistable?? Absolutely!!
Next, our plane stops off in…Spain
Spicy in Spain
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition of 750 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $89.00 US
Estimated Shipping Date: June 2013
News alert! Brand new facial screening on this beauty folks. She is also sporting the Caucasian skin tone, bright red luscious lips and a fabulous embroidered purse. Add a fantastic hat and we are off to the bull fights…”Toro!” Definitely time to spice it up in the doll room.
Third on our list of international destinations is …. Switzerland
Sweet in Switzerland
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition of 750 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $89.00 US
Estimated Shipping Date: June 2013
Holy Sonja Henie Batman!! She has flippin’ ice skates??!! I think this was the first words that flew out of my mouth when I saw her photo…” Look at the ice skates!!”. I ADORE THEM! She has the Japan skin tone and shares, according to Mr. Buttry, the facial screening of Photo Fab. The fact that she is a redhead and all the exquisite details on this one ( flippin’ pom poms on the hat I tell you…pom poms!!) Sweet in Switzerland will be sweeter in the doll room come June.
Our journey continues with some down time in the tropics….Polynesia
Pretty in Polynesia
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition of 750 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $89.00 US
Estimated Shipping Date: June 2013
Somebody bring me a Mai Tai!! I have to say I am absolutely thrilled with this one. My family and I vacation in Hawaii every other year and Miss Poppy looks like she would be right at home on the beaches of Kauai…right down to the flower in her ear which is appropriately placed over her right ear to signify she is single. The sarong is removable to show a fun one piece underneath. Lots of pieces to mix and match on this one. The beaded necklace is, according to the webinar, one of the most intricate they have done. Poppy is sporting original Poppy Parker facial screening here with applied lashes. She has sweet and sultry brown eyes that have not been done before according to Mr. Buttry. She has the same skin tone as Hot Dots…so a bit of a tan…as one would expect in the tropics.
Traveling west across the international date line, we end our international Poppy journey in…Japan.
Joyful in Japan
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition of 750 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $89.00 US
Estimated Shipping Date: June 2013
Wowzers! The facial screening on this lovely lady is new for this year just like Miss Spain. She has..of course..the Japan skin tone and a stunning pair of violet eyes. Joyful in Japan..not as joyful as I will be when June gets here and all these Poppy’s arrive. It will be Christmas in June for sure inside the fashion doll studio.
As a whole, I have to say I am very happy with this Poppy offering from Mr. Buttry and Integrity. I am most happy with the low price point on these beauties and the higher edition size that will hopefully allow most if not all who want these a chance at them. Given that, if you are interested in any of these, you should contact a dealer ASAP. The supply of these dolls will not last long.
**I was just informed by my fabulous dealer Barb that she has some Joyful in Japan left so feel free to contact her through http://www.windycitydolls.com/**
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 