IDC Mattel Presentation Gives a Sneak Peak.
My dear friend and fellow blogger Rogier ( http://dutchbarbieworld.wordpress.com/) attended the Italian Doll Convention this past weekend in Milan. He has some fabulous write-ups on the festivities so please visit his most wonderful blog for the full scoop.
As is custom at the IDC, Mattel gave a presentation and included some sneaks. What did we learn?
1. J.Lo Barbie is in the works and sporting a replica of this Zuhair Murad gown.
2. There is a Herve Leger giftset doll in the works this year.
3. Audrey Hepburn Sabrina and Roman Holiday dolls are coming this year ( but then we knew that already 
)
4. Promo photos of a Coach Barbie were shared. She kind of reminded me Burberry Barbie from a couple years ago.
5. And…..they shared promo photos of the upcoming AA Silkstone!! This one, in my opinion, is a STUNNER! Okay, so I can’t share photos here but if you are a BFC member head over to the BFC forums and take a look at Rogier’s posts. He put photos there. For those of you who are not BFC members, we can see a sliver of the doll in the promotional shot of Mermaid Gown ( those sneaky, sneaky Mattel people!)
6. Lastly, Robert Best shared that next years Silkstone theme would be Italian Haute Couture also explained as The Grand Alta Moda . Rogier has a nice description of what that means here http://dutchbarbieworld.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/italian-doll-convention-part-3/. I can’t wait to see what Mr. Best has in store for us next year. Count me in!
WClub Exclusive Victoire Roux Revealed
If you love 1950’s fashion, you will have much to be happy about in this offering. The team at Integrity is giving the WClub a green eyed, titian haired Victoire with new facial screening. She is described as having “FR Caucasian skin tone”, hand applied lashes and “Ultra-Rich Red, Fully Rooted Hair”.
Monte Carlo Victoire Roux™
2013 W Club Exclusive Dressed Doll
Limited Edition Size: TBA
Special W Club Suggested Retail Price: $125.00
Estimated Shipping Date: Approximately Fall 2013
According to the write-up from Integrity, the coat is a deep pink velvet and has the elegant moniker of "grand manteau de soirée". Hey…this lady is my kind of gal. She comes with her own cocktail! Martini’s anyone?!
Photos by Integrity Toys, Inc. (http://integritytoys.com/page/landing)
My first thought was…”I’m not totally lovin’ it” I love the hairstyle and the fact that she is a redhead. I am not sure of the facial screening yet. I think my main problem is the thin eyebrows ( totally agree with you there Hilda!). Did she over pluck them? I’m thinking…yes. However, now that I think about it, it is definitely more high fashion 1950’s ( think Dovima, enough said). Moving on from the eyebrows, I LOVE the coat, hat and little martini glass. I am not loving the massive amounts of ruffles on the dress. It looks like she might be wearing one(or possibly two…I lost count) cocktail waitress apron(s) too many. That being said, I am still ordering her. I see potential. I also see inspiration from 1950’s Dior…what’s not to like about that?!
Photo Credit: Vogue
New packaging too!
Keyyyyoooot!
It’s Two for Tea at ITFDS
I really should have released this blog post at around 3 or 4 PMish for tea time right? I have been saving these photos for a couple weeks to share here because I knew I would be tied up with dance recital photos this week and too busy to do anything in the doll studio. I had WAY too much fun with the conservatory diorama and decided to set up afternoon tea for a couple of Silkies. I hope you enjoy.
Models: City Smart ( yes {gasp!} she is deboxed) and Showgirl Silkstone Barbies
Gowns: Luncheon Ensemble Silkstone – City Smart and Bogue’s Vogues (http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues) – Showgirl
Diorama: Furniture is from MiniCHAIR(http://www.etsy.com/shop/miniCHAIR?ref=top_trail). Pastries and little macarons are by Mio Designs (http://www.etsy.com/shop/MIOdesigns). Both of the lovely hats brought to the tea were gifts from dear doll friends. Many “Thanks!” . Cake and tea set are Rement.
I feel the need for some macarons now 
Get Your Valium Ready….
…There is a platinum release Barbie available for purchase to BFC members next week.
** Photo credit: Mattel Inc. **
Her name is Beaded Gown Barbie® Doll and she is the first in a new series of black and white themed Barbies®. Linda Kyaw is taking over the drivers seat for the platinum editions and I would say she did a beautiful job with her first in a series design. This elegant lady was designed exclusively for the BFC and at $85 she will go on sale online Wednesday, May 22nd, at 9:00am Pacific Time. BFC exclusive means you have to be a member of the BFC to purchase her and platinum edition means there will only be 999 available for purchase. Typically these are extremely hot sellers and they have been known to sell out within minutes.
I swore that Pinch of Platinum was my last platinum purchase because I needed a bucket o’ valium after fighting to purchase her online. I am hoping that for those who are going to try for this beauty the phrase o’ the day won’t be “SERVER ERROR”.
Have the tums and the valium ready for this one folks…it’s going to be crazy at 9AM on May 22nd.
Hope everyone’s experience is this…
rather than this….
New Barbies for Mid to Late 2013 Release
It looks like some of the Toy Fair sneaks we saw back in February are starting to show up on retailer websites so it’s okay to share promotional shots here.
**Photo credit – Mattel, Inc.**
The Barbie Look™ City Shopper™ Blonde Doll
Anticipated June Release
Retail: $29.95
The Barbie Look™ City Shopper™ Brunette Doll
Anticipated June Release
Retail: $29.95
The Barbie Look™ Winter Weekend™ Fashion
Anticipated June Release
Retail: $24.95
The Barbie Look™ Party Perfect™ Fashion
Anticipated June Release
Retail: $24.95
Ballet Wishes™ Barbie® Doll
Anticipated June Release
Retail: $34.99
2013 Holiday Barbie® Doll
Anticipated August Release
Retail: $45.95 each 
I adore the Brunette city Shopper and both outfits for fall!
Italian Doll Convention Auction!
The Italian Doll Convention is a little over a week away and they are auctioning off some stunning OOAK’s to help support a local charity. 100% of the profits from these auctions will go to Casa Oz, a non profit organization that helps provide care to seriously ill children and their families. Here are just a few of the amazing items up for auction.
** photos are courtesy of the Italian Doll Convention**
OOAK DOLL “SPARKLING SATINE” by MAGIA 2000
OOAK BARBIE “MASQUERADE BEAUTY” by MATTEL, DESIGNED BY LINDA KYAW , EXCLUSIVE
OOAK DOLL “MADIVA” by ARTIST CREATIONS
OOAK DOLL “ELPHABA” BY NINIMOMO + CASE
OOAK DOLL “SHADOW AND LIGHT” BY MATTHEW SUTTON
For the whole list of auction items available, go to Italian Doll Convention Ebay auctions. Also, for a much more comprehensive write-up on these auction items, head on over to Rogier’s blog at http://dutchbarbieworld.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/charity-auction-italian-doll-convention/
Holy Cow!!
Happy Mother’s and Mothering Day!
Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in March or May. ( source: Wikipedia.com)
I am the proud mother of two and Mother’s Day is always a little bittersweet for me. On one side I love celebrating something I consider to be the most important thing I will ever do in my life…being a Mom. On the flip side, it is also a day of sadness because I am one of the many who are estranged from their mother. I don’t recommend this status but I recognize and accept that sometimes it simply is the way it needs to be. If you are reading this and are one of this often silent group on this Mother’s Day, I just wanted to let you know…you are not alone. {{Hugs}}
Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi
Yes!! Finally another installment of Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi. I have been remiss on this for a while and it was well past time to reinstitute this favorite blog segment. James recently sent me two outfits so beautiful, I had to share. Normally, I pull out the silkies for these but felt it was Integrity Toys turn to get some love.
Models: Place Vendome Victoire Roux and Think Pink Imogen
Couture: Bogue’s Vogues ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
High Toned Hankie Chic
I stumbled upon another fantastic Etsy site the other day and just received my first item. The very talented Sylvia Bittner of Hankie Chic makes these wonderful ensembles out of vintage handkerchiefs. http://www.etsy.com/shop/HankieChic?ref=seller_info_count
(Photo credit: Sylvia Bittner)
How cute and inventive is this?!! I was so intrigued by this product, I had to ask Sylvia a few questions.
1. Where did you get the idea to do this?
I got the idea for making Barbie dresses from a book, Hankie Couture, by Marsha Greenberg. I found the book while I was trolling JoAnn Fabrics a year ago. It was love at first sight. I bought the book for inspiration and then directed my husband to the nearest antique mall to stock up on hankies. Since then, I’ve made close to 100 dresses, some from patterns I’ve drafted myself (such as the outfit you purchased) and some from patterns by others or commercial vintage patterns.
2. Are you a fashion doll collector and if so, what do you collect?
I didn’t own a Barbie at the time I bought the book, but I’ve made up for it since then. I started by collecting most of the Barbie Basics dolls, and then moved on to vintage reproductions, and now Silkstones. I currently have 70 or so, but I’m thinking about downsizing and selling some of the model muse dolls on eBay and just concentrating on Silkstones, since most people seem to want to purchase clothes that fit Silkstones.
3. Where do you find these glorious handkerchiefs that you use?
I look for hankies everywhere … Antique shops, EBay, Etsy … I travel frequently instate for my job, and out of state on vacations, so I’m always looking for antique shops wherever I go. All the hankies I use are vintage and I’ve been blessed to find some really beautiful ones. You can see my entire hankie collection on my Pinterest board, pinterest.com/sylviabittner/ on the board, my vintage hankies.
I want to extend a huge “Thank You!” to Sylvia for being willing to be interviewed for the blog and for doing such amazing and creative work. I love it! And folks…these beauties aren’t just for Silkstones .
Model: High Toned Rayna
Purse: Redefined Accessory Kit by Integrity Toys
Shoes: Gift from a friend ( love ya!)
Derby Days
Today is the Kentucky Derby(a big horse race in the US). I don’t really follow horse racing even though I live in the middle of the Pacific Northwest’s horse country. I do, however, follow this event….for the hats. It is one of the few events that American’s will break out the fancy millinery. I always admire the European fashion sense and flair for wearing hats. In the States, we just don’t wear hats like woman do in Europe. I am constantly lamenting with a Monty Python line “ People just don’t wear enough hats these days.” So…it was a complete pleasure to receive a fellow bloggers post in which she pointed her readers to the most amazing website for custom hats http://bvisayc556.wordpress.com/2013/05/03/hat-love/. I was immediately inspired. I had a few completely uninspired Barbie beach hats lying around so I decided to try my hand at “enhancing” them and am happy with how they turned out.
Given that the Kentucky Derby will be run today, I decided to show off the new hats on some girls I imagined were on there way to the race. Hope you enjoy.
Model: 2012 Integrity Workshop Poppy
Dress: Cynthia Rowley Barbie
Shoes: Mattel
Hat: Mattel enhanced by ITFDS
Model: Natalia Fatalé “Ready To Dare
Dress, Shoes, Jewelry: Natalia Fatalé “Ready To Dare
Belt: Mattel
Hat: Mattel enhanced by ITFDS
Mermaid Gown Silkstone…
…is now available at BarbieCollector.com. She has been available at dealers for about a month now but finally BFC members can collect on that quarterly reward and order this baby at a discount.
A new promo photo showed up on the Barbie Collector sight as well. I am always amazed by Lars Auvinen’s work. He is the model and set builder for the BFMC ( Barbie Fashion Model Collection or in another word…Silkstones) promotional photos. I had the pleasure of hearing him speak and chatting personally with him at the last National Barbie Convention. He puts 100% into his craft and it never fails to inspire me. The detail he goes into on these sets just boggles the mind. My dream would be to sit in the corner and just watch while he creates. My other dream is to sit in the corner and watch the photographer , Paul Jordan, as he photographs the set.
(Photo credit: Mattel, Inc.)
(Photo credit: Mattel, Inc.)
If you want to know more about her story, visit www.Barbiecollector.com
Getting Crafty at ITFDS
So what is Rebecca doing this week? She is having WAY too much fun with the glue, florist foam and needle and thread is what. I decided to do a little pictorial tutorial ( Hey!! it rhymes!) on the daffodils and tulips I did for the previous photo shoot.
I found the little clay pots at my favorite garden store but I think you can get them at Michaels or JoAnne’s as well. Tangential thought…are all craft stores someone’s name?…Michael, JoAnne, Ben Franklin…Anyone know? Anywhooo…onward… Take your pot, fill it with something to hold the flowers. I use florist wet oasis/ foam because it is easy to cut and it molds to any shape. I usually have it on hand to do floral arrangements but you can use whatever you have on hand. Many people use clay as well. I cover the foam with black paint and while the paint is still wet, I sprinkle coffee grounds on the foam allow it to adhere then shake off excess. Yes, this floral arrangement will smell like coffee for a while. You can use loose packed tea as well for a different look and smell. You may need to send the tea leaves through a sifter to get them to a small enough scale.
I cut pieces off of a random piece of greenery I had purchased at a craft store for the daffodils. For the tulips, I used leaves I had purchased at a craft store ( usually in the wedding section with boutonniere supplies). The pink paper tulips were sent to me by a friend from Holland ( love ya!) and the daffodils are another story. They are fabric flowers and not paper. I found them in a bundle at Ben Franklins(yet another craft store named after a person) about a year ago. Originally, the orange part was a full flower. I decided to sew the flower closed to get a trumpet and voila!…daffodil. I think it was just plain luck that it was in the right scale.
I am currently in LOVE with an Etsy shop called miniCHAIR ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/miniCHAIR?ref=top_trail). I purchased a shabby chic table with two chairs a week ago and loved it so much I had to get the hutch to go with it. The prices are reasonable ,in my opinion, for the 1/6 scale market. They ship super fast and pack things well.
I have also been busy with more paper minis. LOVE the Laduree boxes.
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 