Barbie for big girls.

Archive for January, 2013

Copyrights and Contracts

Copyright:

1. creative artist’s control of original work: the legal right of creative artists or publishers to control the use and reproduction of their original works . from Bing Dictionary

Contract:

1. document recording agreement: a document that records a formal or legally binding agreement. from Bing Dictionary

This post started out a couple days ago as a quick entry to announce the opening date for the 2013 Barbie Fan Club(BFC).  Members received an email with a little teaser postcard and the information that the club would be open to existing members on 2/6/13 and more information would be coming around 1/30/13.  Fantastic right?!  Short sweet and to the point.  Then I started wondering if I could share the graphic that Mattel sent with the postcard, it shows a shadowy figure and if anyone in the BFC has been looking at “sneak peeks” lately, they know who the club doll will be.  I, however, under membership agreement with the BFC , cannot share BFC specific photos here until Mattel makes them public.  Given that the graphic was only sent to BFC members, I interpreted that as BFC material and therefore subject to BFC membership rules.  Pretty straightforward really.   

I am a blogger and like most bloggers who are passionate about the subject they report on, I want to get photos and info out on the blog as soon as I can.  Believe me, I want to show photos and talk about the latest and greatest as soon as they hit my computer.  As a member of the WClub and BFC, however,  I hold myself to the contract I signed that stipulates how and when photos can be shared.  As it is with most things, not everyone follows the rules.  {Rant beginning}

There are a number of bloggers, pinners and Facebook participants who, against the rules of their contract,  share photos from the Barbie Fan Club. You can recognize the photos because they have “Barbie Collector” emblazoned across them.   Per Mattel, if this watermark is in place across a photo, it is earmarked for the BFC and therefore should not be shared outside of the BFC. It is clearly watermarked . People pay extra for the privilege of getting and seeing this information first. The BFC rules specifically state that you MAY NOT post or share photos from the BFC or risk losing your membership. Not to mention…it’s just rude, IMHO, to violate BFC rules and publish photos that people have had to pay extra to get. If you want the pictures early, you should pay the price of admission. If you did pay the price of admission, have the courtesy and respect for your fellow members and don’t share them outside of the BFC until the photo has been released to the general public.

It’s not just about the photos themselves, it’s about researching a source that you are using photos from too.  In the course of investigating this piece, I ran across a Facebook page for  Robert Best ( Silkstone designer for Mattel) which ,oddly enough, was using “Barbie Collector” watermarked  BFC exclusive photos that were just released .  People were responding to this person on Facebook as if he/she truly was Robert Best and  reposting the watermarked photos across the internet.  Something was not right.  I decided to check it out with the folks at Mattel and sure enough…this person on Facebook who has all the outward appearances of Robert Best…is NOT Robert Best.  Keep that in mind if you “friended” them.  Also, if you reposted those photos, you just took BFC copyright protected material and posted it under your name.    1)You have just committed copyright infringement and 2)This is grounds to remove you from the Barbie Fan Club.  Yes, they do monitor it and enforce it.

So what is the point of this rant you ask?  Firstly, Is it too much to ask for people to follow the rules of the contracts we sign when we join a doll club?  If the rules stipulate don’t post a photo, don’t post a photo.  Secondly, if there is an official “Barbie Collector” watermark on a photo, DON’T repost it!  Not on Facebook, not on a blog, not on Pinterest, not as an email to non members, not anywhere outside of the BFC. It simply is not “yours” to post.  When Mattel removes the watermark and releases the image to retailers or on their public site, the showcase gives you the option of sharing the photo with approx. 332 various social media sites .  That should be a clue that it’s okay to share the photo.  Oh….and lastly, if you are posing as someone you are not on Facebook, Stop it!  It’s rude, misleading and just plain wrong.   {Rant over}

This is a matter of personal integrity for me and in my opinion  is all about respecting and protecting our fellow collectors and the collecting communities that we all enjoy being a part of.   I enjoy being part of the Barbie Fan Club and wish to respect my fellow members by following the rules of the BFC.  I realize some will think I am being over zealous on the copyright and contract issues.  Okay.  It is indeed one of my hot buttons and I don’t think that is going to change any time soon.  I don’t believe it changes the validity of my point either. 

Do people even care about this issue?  Sound off……


Integrity Toys Wows With Funny Face Collection

Integrity Toys gave collectors a glimpse into 2013 Saturday with photos of four of its collector doll lines for 2013.  They showed WClub members photos from Wave 2 of Jem and The Holograms, Dynamite Girls, Tulabelle and Funny Face.  Carole Roth, Vaughn Sawyers, David Buttry and Chris Stoekel, also shared some of the thoughts and design inspirations behind these four lines.  I have always been a fan of these webinars by Integrity.  I think it’s brilliant because you can get all the information while sitting in the privacy of your own home instead of having to spend money to go to a venue like Toy Fair or IDEX.  I have said this before and will reiterate.   I believe it is a brilliant business move by IT because now collectors don’t have to spend the money on expensive travel and hotel rooms.  That money can instead go towards dolls.  It is more money in Integrity’s pockets and happier collectors….win, win.    Case in point…here is how I spent my Saturday morning gathering info for this blog post.

2013 IT Spring collection

…Yes….my daughter and I enjoying the Webinar…in PJ’s with my ever present cup of java. Smile

Funny Face graphic

I did a previous post about Integrity Toys and Paramount teaming up to do a Funny Face Collection.  I had a number of guesses about what would be produced. You can find the original blog post here https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2013/01/08/integrity-toys-is-putting-on-its-funny-face/

When I jump on my speculation train with these doll lines, I don’t often see my guesswork realized and then taken up about two more notches.  That is what Integrity Toys has done with their Funny Face collection.  They did everything I was hoping they would do….and then they did what I only dreamed they would do.  HOLY COW!!!!  The inventiveness and sheer magnitude in this line is leaving me speechless here…..speechless and penniless.  Chris Stoekel, talented new designer with Integrity Toys and part of the team responsible for this collection, introduced and talked us through the the Funny Face lineup for the webinar.  Phenomenal job Mr. Stoekel and Integrity Toys design team.  I tip my hat and open my wallet to you.

** All photos are courtesy of Integrity Toys**

Item # 14011
Take The Picture!
Dressed Doll
The Funny Face Collection
Limited Edition of 400 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: US $150.00
Estimated Delivery Date: Week of February 11th, 2013

She has the original Vanessa head sculpt on a Poppy Parker body (with the kitten heel feet).

Take The Picture 3

Take The Picture 4

**Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications.

Take The Picture 1   Take The Picture 2

Not to toot my own horn (Oh come on Rebecca, you know you have to….toot that horn!), but I even nailed the name on this baby in my previous blog post.  We all knew this outfit would have to be one of the ones produced.  I adore the jewelry on her.  It is the most detailed on a reproduction of this iconic outfit that I have seen to date.  STUNNING!

Item # 14012
Think Pink
Dressed Doll Mini-Gift Set
The Funny Face Collection
Limited Edition of 400 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: US $150.00
Estimated Delivery Date: Week of February 11th, 2013

She has the Imogen head sculpt on Monogram body (with Victoire legs).

Think Pink 3

Think Pink! 1

Think Pink! 4

**Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications.

Think Pink! 2Think Pink! 6

Think Pink! 5

Think Pink

SQUEEEEEEELLLLLLLL!  Okay…a little background for you guys.  My signin name for all of the doll boards that I post on is Think_Pink.  I came up with that name because of THIS song in THIS movie.  Let’s just say it resonates with me big time.  When this baby flashed up on the screen I had an honest to God full circle out of body experience.  I believe my words to my dealer later were “I don’t know who you will have to kill to get me this gift set….but do it.” 

All kidding aside (no…I won’t kill for a doll…I am not that far gone…yet), I have to give the Integrity Toys design team a big round of applause.  I was all prepared to see dolls with Jo Stockton costumes.  I never even considered they would produce some iconic fashions from other characters or musical numbers from the movie.  This is just so creative and downright delightful.  It’s like a free amuse bouche at the beginning of a meal in a fancy restaurant…that unexpected treat that opens up your palate for more…and I was so ready for more after they showed this one.  Well played sir….Well played.

Item # 14013
The Quality Woman
Dressed Doll Gift Set
The Funny Face Collection
Limited Edition of 400 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: US $199.00
Estimated Delivery Date: Week of February 11th, 2013

She has the Katy Perry face sculpt on a Victoire body.

The Quaility Woman 3

The Quaility Woman 4

**Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications.

The Quaility Woman 1The Quaility Woman 2

The Quaility Woman 5

Again…they give us a character other than Jo Stockton from the movie.  Who could forget the indomitable Maggie Prescott, fashion editor.  She was the Anna Wintour of that movie…and the actress who played her is one of the most fascinating people in 1940-1950’s Hollywood.  If you have a moment, read about Kay Thompson.  This is perhaps the least glamorous of all the Funny Face offerings but I appreciate the sense of completeness this gives to the collection.  This character was very important in the movie and it feels so very right to have her represented in the group.

Item # 14014
On How To Be Lovely
Dressed Doll Gift Set
The Funny Face Collection
Limited Edition of 400 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: US $199.00
Estimated Delivery Date: Week of February 11th, 2013

She has the new Veronique face sculpt on a Poppy Parker body.

Oh How to be Lovely 3

Oh How to be Lovely 4

Oh How to be Lovely 2

**Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications.

Oh How to be Lovely 1

Holy shitake mushrooms people!!  I know I was hoping for the pink princess gown but I was preparing myself for disappointment.  I was so very thrilled to see she was being produced and THEN….the same gift set has the bridal outfit too.  SQUEEEEEEEEELLLLLLL!  I am not sure where the yellow outfit is in the movie???  Will have to watch the movie again just to find it.  This one is using the new Veronique head sculpt.  Can I just say how flippin’ cool it is that they are using a variety of different head sculpts for the Jo Stockton character.  Each one has a different nuance and gives me a reason to feel better about buying yet another Funny Face gift set.  Smart business…it is how Disney does it…gets you in there and makes you happy and gives you a reason to justify spending money…Brilliant.

Now, I would have been happy if they just stopped the line here.  In the gift sets above, they had already produced most of the outfits I wanted to see done and I would have spent my money and walked away a happy camper.  After this point in the webinar — and I am going in the order of how they were revealed to us — Integrity gave us a ginzu cutting knife infomercial moment….”But wait, there’s more……..” and proceeded to blow the doors off of my speculation train.

Item # 14015
Bonjour, Paris!
Dressed Doll Gift Set
The Funny Face Collection
Limited Edition of 400 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: US $199.00
Estimated Delivery Date: Week of February 11th, 2013

She has the original Veronique head sculpt with Poppy Parker body.

Bonjour Paris 2

Bonjour Paris 1Bonjour Paris 3

Bonjour Paris 6

Bonjour Paris 5

Bonjour Paris 4

**Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications.

Bonjour Paris 7

HOLY….I’m running out of expletives here people.  I think I may have just laid down on the floor at this point..I don’t know..my memory was kind of hazy because I thought I was dreaming this up.  AAACCCCKKK!  How cool is this gift set?!!!  The attention to detail speaks directly to the care IT took with this project.  As a huge fan of the movie, I just want to cry with gratitude  {{sniff, sniff..just take my money already would ya..sniff, sniff}}

And now….for the pièce de résistance or the proverbial “home run” from this collection.

Item # 14018
A Woman Who Thinks
Dressed Doll Mini-Gift Set
The Funny Face Collection
Limited Edition of 400 dolls
Suggested Retail Price: US $150.00
Estimated Delivery Date: Week of February 11th, 2013

She has the Anja face sculpt on the Monogram body (with Victoire legs).

A Woman Who Thinks 2

A Woman Who Thinks 4

**Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications.

A Woman Who Thinks 3A Woman Who Thinks 1

A Woman Who Thinks 5

faint

“We apologize for the interruption in this blog post.  Our author has just fainted.”

In a million years I would have never guessed this one and I am kicking myself because I should have guessed…I mean come on!  Dovima is definitely an iconic figure not just from the movie but of that time too.  The only thing missing from this gift set is the “Minute Men from Mars” magazine.  In the full course meal of this collection, Integrity moved us from a palate teasing amuse bouche to a rich, decadent chocolaty dessert.  Yummmmmm!

Dovima and magazine 2

All of the dolls shown in this blog post above are only available through the authorized Integrity Toys dealers.  If you want any of these, I would call now. 

If you made the wise decision to sign up for the  WClub this year, you also had the opportunity to enter a lottery for yet another gift set.

Available by lottery only to WClub members

Item #14016
Let’s Kiss And Make Up
Dressed Doll Gift Set
The Funny Face Collection
2013 W Club Exclusive Lottery Doll
Suggested Retail Price: US $199.00 US
Limited Edition of 400 Dolls
Estimated Delivery Date: Week of February 11th, 2013

She is closed mouth 2nd edition Vanessa on Poppy Parker body

Let's kiss and make up 1

Let's kiss and make up 2

Let's kiss and make up 3Let's kiss and make up 4Let's kiss and make up 5

Two outfits that I didn’t even consider that they would produce..AND THE FLOWER SHOP DRESS!!  Oh mighty lottery gods please be kind to me.  If I don’t win the right to purchase, I will be sulking in a corner for weeks on this one folks.

Of this entire group, many are asking “Who is your favorite?”  Chris Stoeckel shared in the webinar that Dovima and “Think Pink” were his favorites.  Those are two of my favorites as well.  I would also have to add “On How to be Lovely”. 

I will not be doing a blog post on Wave 2 Jem and The Holograms or Tulabelle.  Feel free to head over to Shuga’s blog where I am sure she will have a very comprehensive and fun writeup on these lines.  I will post info on the Dynamite Girls tomorrow.


BFMC 2013 Mermaid Gown BARBIE®

Oh my word people!!  Would you get a load of what the BFMC and Robert Best has in store for us this May!!!

“In 2013, the Barbie® Fashion Model Collection will continue with the theme of couture fashion introduced in 2012. The designs capture the style, detail and beauty of the great fashion houses of Europe. Ladylike, enchanting, yet over-the-top glamorous, this pale pink gown makes a striking statement with its mermaid silhouette. A sprinkling of pink, iridescent and clear sequins and beads embellish the strapless gown. Accessories include a tulle stole and elegant gloves – creating a flawless evening look..”

Available at dealers for preorder.  She is ranging from $145 to $150 depending on the dealer and is set for a May delivery. 

**Photos are courtesy of Mattel, Inc.**

Mermaid Gown Barbie

 

Mermaid Gown Barbie closeup copy

{THUD} Would someone revive Rebecca….she just fainted……

I DIE!!!!!!!!!!

 


BFMC Cocktail Dress

Finally photos have been released to retailers so I can share them here.  Remember back in August, I obsessed about the Mattel Atelier Video and posted a still from the video that I and pretty much everyone else felt was sure to be one of the releases for 2013.  https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2012/08/23/the-bfmc-2013-atelier-collection-a-peak-into-next-year/

2013 Atelier Sneak Peak 1

And….here she is….a beautiful platinum blonde with blue eyes.  Retailers are showing price at approximately $90.00 and delivery around April of 2013.  Take this information with a grain of salt folks.  Mattel may up and decide this one will be the Barbie Fan Club membership doll and therefor only available to BFC members. She is feeling like a club doll to me but I may be wrong.  We will know more when Mattel announces information about the 2013 Barbie Fan Club in February.

**Photos used in image below are property of Mattel, Inc.**

Cocktail Dress Silkstone copy

I also reported back in September that Robert Best had stated a “platinum” Silkstone was in the works for 2013 (https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2012/09/21/new-silkstone-info-for-2013/).  And…here she is.  It would appear he meant platinum HAIRED not EDITION.  Thanks for the word play Robert !  I think he just wanted to see us all frothing at the mouth at the idea of a platinum edition( no more than 1,000 produced) Silkstone.  To be completely honest, I am thrilled there won’t be a platinum edition Silkstone.  It means I don’t have to get into the mud pit to get one…fun as it would have been { Rebecca’s arched eyebrow is raised with extreme sarcasm}.  I could not be happier with this platinum haired lovely.  She is on my “must buy” list.

And since I think this might be the 2013 BFC doll, and last year we received a silkstone mannequin with our membership

BFC membership mannequin

…I think it would be perfect if we could receive a set of these chairs with our BFC membership….

BFC 2013 membership wish chair

Or a chair like this in 1/6 scale….

duchess-brisee-c-1stdibs_com

drooling emoticonA girl can dream….a girl can dream.


Tulabelle Makes An Entrance

I am a self proclaimed 1/6 fashion doll collector.  That does not mean that I don’t appreciate the artistry and grace of the larger scale fashion dolls.  Normally, I keep my blog within the 1/6 fashion doll arena.  Integrity Toys is introducing a new larger scale Poppy line and I just had to report about it.  Her name is Tulabelle…okay the name is cool enough to get me to want to talk about it.  The story about her is that she is Poppy Parker’s granddaughter.  She is more modern and hipper than the 1950’s-60’s fashion model that defines the 1/6 scale Poppy Parker.  The name alone makes me want to sit on the porch with a mint julep and talk about the fashion forwardness of this new Integrity Toys venture. 

This new line is designed by the talented David Buttry  and will be unveiled to the 2013 W Club later this month during their first upcoming 2013 online event!   If you want info on how to join the WClub for 2013 go here.  Your window of opportunity to join the WClub ends on January 16th.

Here is the Ad just released from Integrity Toys

** Photos are property of Integrity Toys, Inc.**Tulabelle 16 inch Poppy

There will be three dolls in this offering.  They are all 16 inch Poppy Parker derivatives. 

Tulabelle 16 inch Poppy collage copy

Okay…I don’t know about you guys but the jacket alone has me thinking about entering the 16 inch arena.  ADORE!

J'Adore 16 inch Poppy collage copy

Violet Femme collage copy

How cute is she?!!!  I will not collect larger scale fashion dolls…I will not collect larger scale fashion dolls…I will not collect larger scale fashion dolls  {{Peter…help me out will ya!!}}  If you are interested in this line, contact your favorite Integrity Toys Dealer

Now….I need to stop thinking about that fabulous leopard print coat!!!

WClub 2013 Deadline is 9:00PM CST tomorrow!!

If you are interested at all in joining click below.WClub 2013

WClub 2013 2


ITFDS Musings from the Golden Globe Red Carpet

The Golden Globes were last night and It was fun watching the red carpet with my daughter.  She and I have differing opinions on what is good fashion.  I love classic styling and ball gown princess couture.  My daughter goes for the darker colors and edgier designers.  I have to say that my first positive impression from the red carpet had nothing to do with the fashion.  Did you guys get a look at the coolest heat lamps ever??!!  They looked like big white floor lamps.  The wedding planners of the world, I suspect,  are clogging up the phone lines this morning trying to line these babies up for the next year of events.

Fashion wise, there was much to admire on the red carpet for both my daughter and I.  There were also a few laugh out loud scratch my head and yell “ Oh my word….NO!” moments.  With so much going on, I decided to group my reactions into different categories like the awards ceremony itself.

Category 1:  Best actress in a fashion ensemble.  The queen of the ball.  Ms. Anne Hathaway in Chanel.  Nice to see Chanel redeeming itself after Elle Fanning’s shower mishap at the Critics Choice awards.  This lady gets more stunning with every award show this year.  It’s hard to believe she could outdo this number for the Oscars….we shall see.  The big rumor at last nights festivities was that Ms. Hathaway is expecting too.  The actress and her team have completely denied it.

** All photos are property of MSN’s Wonderwall**

Anne Hathaway in Chanel

Category 2: Best supporting actress in a fashion ensemble. The princesses of the court….  Woman who looked so good it was sickening…in a good I just ate too many chocolates way .Smile

Princess of the court copy

Okay…so Julianne Hough rocked the red carpet….AGAIN!!  Somebody get me her stylist’s number.  Taylor Swift consistently pulls off stunning red carpet looks.  The back of her Donna Karan number was just as fabulous as the front.  Well done stylist.  Amy Adam frothed her way down the carpet in this dreamy ballet pink Marchessa creation and Zooey Deshanel is beyond cute in anything she wears.  Oh and I have to throw in an honorable mention in here..

Rosario Dawson in Antonio Berardi did not fit with the princess of the court theme but I loved her in this

Rosario Dawson in Antonio Berardi

Category 3:  Best actress who just had babies… and had no business looking this good on the red carpet!

New Mothers copy

This is soooooo not right.  {{Rebecca sits in a corner and sulks.  She decides to make plans to hit the gym ASAP }}.  Seriously though folks…they JUST had babies. 

Category 3.5  Cutest pregnant woman on the carpet…..Kristin Bell in Jenny Peckham

Kristen Bell in

Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard

Awwwwww!  Dax Shepard and Kristin Bell….that’s so sweet..I think I just got a cavity.

Category 4:  Best actress portraying a siren on the red carpet.

Katharine McPhee in Theyskins’ Theory ( yep..had to look that one up too).  Hey…if I had a body like this I would be wearing half a dress and showing it off too.

Katharine McPhee in Theyskins' Theory

Selma Hyak in Gucci.  Look in the dictionary under “va va voom”  and you will find a picture of this woman. 

Salma Hayek in Gucci

Halle Berry in Versace.  Holy cow!!  Does this woman ever age??!!  In the genetic pool there are winners and then there are LOTTO winners.  I believe this woman was the single winner of the  largest gene pool Powerball.  I adore her in this Versace…and every red blooded heterosexual male in the room just stood up and said “AMEN”

Halle Berry in Versace

Naomi Watts in Zac Posen.  Okay…I am going to come right out and say it…Naomi Watts is a GODDESS in this gown.  From top to toe…PERFECTION!

Naomi Watts in Zac Posen 2

Category 6:  Most confusing performance by a stylist.

One of these things is not like the other..one of these things just doesn’t belong ( Do we all remember this from Sesame Street??…sing it with me now…)

Helena Bonham Carter in Dolce and Gabbana.  Would someone please, please, please tell Helena to brush her hair.  Oh and what can I say about the lips purse????  Well try this “Shun, to push away…to say “no thank you”.  That purse is indeed the final kiss of death for this entire look.  Love this woman’s work as an actress.  She is brilliant.  This outfit…is not.  To Helena and her stylist…please pack your knives and go.

Helena Bonham Carter in D&G

Sienna Millier in custom Erdem.  Custom meaning it is OOAK…meaning it won’t be repeated…THANK GOD!!  What is this love affair going on with applique flowers??  I don’t think Martha would label this a “Good Thing”.

Sienna Miller in custom Erdem

Alyssa Milano in….an orange mumu.  I don’t even know where to start. The color is not flattering on her and the cut is REALLY not flattering on her ( note to self ladies…an empire waist does not solve everything).  The accessories are too heavy in my opinion.   In the words of an epic line from the movie Aliens….”Game over man…game over.”Alyssa Milano in

Lena Dunham in Zac Posen.  I don’t know much about Ms. Dunham or the show “Girls” that won last night .  She seems like a very talented young woman.  I think she is adorable.  I think the dress is to die for.  The two just don’t seem to go together.  Maybe it was the impressive set of tats this actress displayed in this couture gown that turned me off.  Don’t get me wrong.  I have no problem with tattoos.  I  have a question though.  Can anyone seriously pull off a couture ball gown with a full upper back tattoo?  Okay…Angelina Jolie can but I don’t believe Lena Dunham has done it.  The color is not flattering on her either.  Unlike poor unfortunate Alyssa above, the cut of this gown does work on Ms. Dunham and love her short pixie hair.  I felt sorry for the girl though.  This gown should have come with an assistant to help get her up on the stage.  It looked like a battle to wrestle this big dress up to the podium…and she had to do it….twice.

Lena Dunham in Zac Posen


Fashion and the Awards Shows

It’s that time of year again.  Time for every stylist and stylist wanna be to get ready for the red carpets of awards season.  When I am setting up a photo shoot, I like to think of myself as a 1/6 stylist.  In that vein, I must admit that I am obsessively interested in the fashions and styling displayed on the red carpets of award season.  The night after a major award show, I can be found going over the photos and giving my opinion of this fashion or that.  I shared my picks and pans of last years Golden Globes and readers enjoyed it so I decided to try again this year.  I am getting started early with some picks and pans from The Critic’s Choice Awards and The People’s Choice Awards.

There is much to like in fashion and styling so far this award season……

1) Ms Anne Hathaway or rather…her stylist Rachel Zoe.  She was a feast for the eyes at the Critics Choice Awards in this gorgeous and as yet unseen Oscar de la Renta beaded gown.  That’s right folks…I believe this is a never before seen Oscar de la Renta design…not seen for 2013 Pre-Fall or 2013 Spring RTW or even 2013 Resort.  Rachel Zoe certainly has some pull for her celebrity clients .   Let’s hope, for her sake and the eyes of all the retinal seared photographers,  she was wearing her undergarments this time. Smile 

Anne Hathaway

2) Emily Rossum at the Critics Choice Awards.  So fresh and flowing.  Perfect choice for her and the red carpet.Emily Rossum in Carolina Herrera copy

3) Jennifer Lawrence at the Critics Choice Awards.  I love how fierce this design is and how strong this actress presents herself.  You go girl!!  Love the simple accessories and fresh makeup. 

Jennifer Lawrence in Prabal Gurung copy

4) Eva Longoria at Critics Choice Awards.  I love the color and femininity of this design. 

Eva Longoria in Monique Lhuillier copy

And 5) Julianne Hough at People’s Choice Awards.  Does this woman EVER look bad in anything??!!  I don’t believe I have ever seen her looking..well..say a little tired or haggard or like she grocery shops at Safeway.  Love this sparkly and fun number from Tony Ward.  It fits beautifully with the fun sassy hair and fresh faced makeup.  It is just plain fun and perfect for the People’s Choice Award.  This dress and styling gets my vote!

Julianne Hough in Tony Ward Couture copy

Now for some of the “Huh?!!!” moments….

1)  This has to be one of my all time biggest “Huh??!!!” moments while viewing the red carpet photos.  Elle Fanning is an absolutely adorable and gorgeous young woman.  I don’t know who styles her but they need to seriously consider a career change.  Oh my word!!  Did the stylist get up that morning and say “ I am going to put Elle Fanning in a shower curtain.” ??  I know, I know..but it’s a Chanel shower curtain.  I don’t give a rip.  It didn’t look good on the runway, IMHO, and it doesn’t look any better on poor “caught in the shower” Elle.  Oh…and don’t’ even get me started on those shoes!!  I think my Grandma had a pair…in 1970.

Elle Fanning in Chanel copy

2)   I love Amanda Seyfried.  God bless her..she went with whatever the stylist had laid out for her.  The first red flag here is that the runway model had football “eye black” on when strutting down the runway in this number….never a good omen.  Secondly, this gowns best side ( if it indeed has one) appears to be shown in movement.  Excellent when moving down a runway…not so excellent when you are forced to stand and pose in front of hundreds of shutterbugs on a red carpet.  When it comes to accessorizing, there is minimal and then there is non-existent.  Did the stylist run out of time??!!  The color of the gown is good…I will give it that and only that.Amanda Seyfried in Maricos Schwab copy

3) Sally Field….what happened??!!  Did you have to come to the Critic’s Choice Awards straight from the office?  I know this is more of a casual affair but not THAT casual.  The hair and makeup are fantastic!!  The dress… a little too Ann Taylor office dressy for me.  Sally Field

The Golden Globes are tonight….will have more picks and pans for you tomorrow Smile


Dressmaker Details Has a New Couture Offering

The very talented Steven Frasier of Dressmaker Details has a new fashion to tempt our diminutive divas.  It is a limited edition of 300 and is called…

Suited To Party

Available at Windy City Dolls  http://www.windycitydolls.com/dressmaker.htm   

** Photo is property of Dressmaker Details **

Dressmaker Details Suited Party


Luncheon Ensemble Silkstone Meets Yankee Doodle

Finally some photos are showing up on dealers sites so I believe I can share them here.  This 2013 Silkstone was sneaked back in September to the Barbie Fan Club ( BFC )https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2012/09/21/new-silkstone-info-for-2013/.  She is one of the Silkies whose drawings can be seen in the Atelier video by Mattel .  I was lucky enough to see it at this summer’s National Barbie Convention and I posted a link to it in the blog back in August https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2012/08/21/behind-the-scenes-of-the-bfmc-atelier-collection/  

** Photo is property of Mattel, Inc.**

 

Luncheon Ensemble

Anywhoo…what do I think? I love pink. I love redheads. You would figure a slam dunk right? Hold on to that basketball folks. I love the doll. The outfit is leaving me kind of …”meh”. I think it’s the turban. I just can’t get past the big rose on it. Unlike Yankee Doodle ..you can’t just stick a feather/rose on it and call it macaroni/fashion.  I am also not so sure about the print.  I would love to see the hairstyle of this silkie beneath the turban.  LOVE the little curls on her ears.  I am dying to see if she has an updo underneath that “wrongly rose-adorned” turban.  Also, putting a redhead in pink??…. always a risky venture.  Change this doll’s ensemble to a green, blue or teal…then we are talking!  Am I buying this doll?  In a heartbeat.  At this point and without seeing her in real life, this doll will be redressed faster than you can say “Silkstone”.  The turban will be the first to go.  I reserve the right to completely change my mind once I have seen her and have her in hand LOL!  Have I hedged all my bets sufficiently?  I think so. 

music note clipart 3

Becca Berry went to dealer just to buy a Silkie, ripped the turban off her head and called her fashion beauty”

 


Integrity Toys is putting on its “Funny Face”

At the Fashion Royalty 2012 convention, Integrity Toys gave attendees a tantalizing peak into 2013 and some projects in the works.  We were asked not to take photos and I ( like a good girl) set my camera down on the table and listened instead of reported.  I decided I didn’t want to blog about it until I had some photos.  Integrity Toys released a photo to Dolls Magazine for their January edition  and all of us bloggers received the green light to share.

Integrity toys is doing a Funny Face collection!!!  Kudos to Integrity Toys for they are, I believe, paying homage to one of the richest displays of haute couture fashion in a movie. Hubert de Givenchy designed Ms. Hepburn’s wardrobe in this classic and in so doing gave us a gift that keeps on giving each and every time we watch the movie.  It never dies for me…I am floored by the beauty of the couture every single time. 

"His are the only clothes in which I am myself. He is far more than a couturier, he is a creator of personality," Hubert de Givenchy’s muse Audrey Hepburn said of the designer.

http://www.vogue.co.uk/spy/biographies/hubert-de-givenchy-biography

2013 Funny Face Ad

Given that they are taking on a movie that was elevated to cult status by Hubert de Givenchy fashions, Integrity has given themselves a high mountain to climb to satisfy the couture snobs among us.  I don’t know which one of Integrity’s designers took on this mammoth job but I suspect..they are up to the challenge.  I am waiting with baited breath to see what they have planned.  Integrity has stated that Funny Face will be one of the collections that will be officially unveiled to the 2013 W Club later this month during their first upcoming 2013 online event . If you want the info first, you will need to become a WClub member. Registration is currently open but will be closing on January 16th. For more information about this please see my blog post https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2012/12/20/wclub-2013-registration-now-open/

The doll:  What we know.   She is the Veronique version 1 face sculpt on a Poppy Parker body ( if memory serves correctly).  Based on board feedback,some collectors are happy that Integrity is bringing back some of the older original face molds.   I for one think it’s brilliant.  You make fans of the older and much loved face sculpts happy and you use it to bring in new collectors with a fun an interesting twist.  Some are not too sure about the Poppy Parker body she is reported to be on.  I am thrilled.  This means the clothing will most likely be interchangeable with my Poppy’s ( HUGE BONUS!!) and some of my silkies too {{YES!!}}.  The possibilities for redressing and photographing are giving me reason to hyperventilate right here and now.  {Rebecca takes a moment to collect herself….okay onward with the blog post}

Okay, Okay….so speculation is running rampant on the WClub board as to what outfits will be reproduced for this collection.  My wish would be…ALL OF THEM!  Hubert de Givenchy is a genius!  Realistically however I am thinking, like Sabrina, there will be 4 or possibly 5 dolls with outfits produced.  So…which ones will they be?  My memory recalls that the picture we saw at convention had this Veronique above in the classic  “Take the picture, take the picture” red gown with her descending the stairs in the Louvre with Winged Victory gloriously displayed behind her.  That’s the iconic gown that most people remember from this movie and it was reproduced for the 2008 NBDCC convention in Kansas City.

Audrey Hepburn in funny face red gown 1

** Photo courtesy of Mattel and Barbiecollector.com**

Joie de vivre collage copy

If Integrity does this one, as I suspect they are, that leaves possibly 4 more that could also be produced ( and I am just guessing here folks on what MIGHT be produced based on what they did with Sabrina last year).  Continuing on my complete speculation train…here are the outfits I am hoping to see…in no particular order

1.  The Wedding dress…come on guys…they HAVE to do this one!  Has this ever been produced for 1/6 scale?  I don’t recall ever seeing it but then I have not been in the collecting arena as long as some of my readers so.. feel free to call me on this one.  I know some amazing OOAK artists have done this one but have never seen it manufactured in larger numbers.

Audrey Hepburn in funny face bridal gown 2

Audrey Hepburn in funny face bridal gown 4

Audrey Hepburn in funny face bridal gown 3

The incomparable Hubert de Givenchy as he fitted Ms. Hepburn for this costume.

Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face 7

2.  The exquisite white and pink princess gown.  I remember seeing this in the movie when I was younger and feeling my jaw drop.  Didn’t we all want to be her at that very moment??!!  Matt Sutton and Natalia Sheppard brought us close with their amazing OOAK’s Smile Oh the pink/white glory of that gown and jewels…..

**Picture below is courtesy of Matt Sutton www.mattsutton.com and Natalia Sheppard www.nataliasheppard.com.  You can also find more of Natalia’s work on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/36742856@N05/page4/**

Matt Sutton and Natalia Sheppard collage copy

Audrey Hepburn in funny face pinkwhite gown 1

Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face 10

Audrey Hepburn in funny face pinkwhite gown 2

3.  The flower shop.  I have always wanted this one produced….for the hat alone LOL!  The problem with this one will be…My OCD will have me recreating the entire flower shop for a photo shoot.  {Snort!}Audrey Hepburn in funny face flower shop 4

Audrey Hepburn in funny face flower shop

 

4.  My fourth and final pick.  This was a hard one and I went back and forth between three…that glorious green coat from the Opera scene, the floral embroidered gown in front of the fountain with the birds or the polka dot gown with the unforgettable aqua cape.  The polka dots won.

Audrey Hepburn in funny face whiteblack 2

Audrey Hepburn in funny face whiteblack 1

Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face 6

I would love to see three other gowns produced but know it would be impossible to produce all of these.  This is my blog however, and I can wish for what I want to wish for Smile

Audrey Hepburn in funny face dove 1

 

Audrey Hepburn in funny face dove 2

Also….

Audrey Hepburn in funny face opera 1

And…..

Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face 2

Audrey Hepburn in funny face balloons 1

Oh and one last one in closing…..

Audrey Hepburn in funny face fishing 2

Audrey Hepburn in funny face fishing 1

I always thought the hat above inspired Robert Best for his Garden Party outfit hat.

** photo courtesy of Mattel, Inc. and Barbiecollector.com**

Garden Party sketch

Anywhoo…. This is turning into a mammoth sized post. A reminder….Integrity has stated that Funny Face will  be one of the collections that will be officially unveiled to the 2013 W Club later this month during their first upcoming 2013 online event! .  If you want the info first, you will need to become a WClub member.  Registration is currently open but will be closing on January 16th.  For more information about this please see my blog post https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2012/12/20/wclub-2013-registration-now-open/


Welcome to 2013!!

It’s the third official day of the new year  and it has been roughly two years since I started the wonderful journey into blogging on WordPress.  I truly appreciate everyone’s willingness to come along for the ride Smile.  I am hoping that 2013 will continue to bring inspiration, time and creativity my way so I can share more photos with you.  In the year ahead, I am looking forward to more of Mr. Best’s Silkstone Atelier line as well as the wonders that Integrity Toys will have for us.   While I will not be attending and reporting from the National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention this year, I will be reporting for the first time from Paris for the Paris Doll Expo in March and I hope to be attending Integrity Toys Fashion Royalty convention in October.

To kick off the new year, I am trying out some new lighting ideas ( received some new lights for the studio from Santa!!). I had a whole “Narnia” thing going on LOL!  I was wishing I had a 1/6 Mr Tumnus.

Model:  OOAK Silkstone by Jon Copeland

Gown:  T.D. Fashions

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