OOAK Doll Festival–A Huge Thank You!!

One hundred collectors of One of a Kind fashion dolls congregated in New York City for an amazing event.  It was the first event of it’s kind and it has left this attendee with a huge sense of gratitude and respect for my fellow collectors. 

First and foremost, I have to thank Rocky Schmidt and his incredible team of festival organizers.  This event was simply amazing.  From the moment we registered to the last evenings dinner and doll presentation, it was a beautifully produced and orchestrated event.  We all ate, drank and were very merry indeed.  Because of the small intimate nature of this festival, you felt like you were attending a family reunion.  Collectors of specialized one of a kind fashion dolls gathered from all over the world and although we live in different areas, we were all connected through the love of this particular sub genre of collecting. 

While it’s always nice to get some nice ‘swag’ at events, I would say the bulk of enjoyment for most at this event were the people.  It’s the enjoyment of being with people who collect exactly what you collect.  This convention celebrated in particular the artistry and design of two very well respected and admired OOAK artistic teams…Magia 2000 and Ninimomo.  It was a festival that celebrated their artistry and love for this specialized craft .

For me personally, this event had special significance. Firstly,  It offered up an opportunity to collaborate on a project with some of my closest friends who work in this 1/6 scale medium.  I have long admired and respected Hilda and Rogier’s work.  Just to be a part of this team that produced the Laduree diorama was something I am so honored to be a part of.

It was also an honor to  donate a few items to the talented collaborators of Hilda Westervelt of Bellissima Couture and Maryann Roy of Welcome Home and their centerpiece doll design.

Besides the festival itself, there were a number of top favorites from the trip. 

#1 I got to go to one of my favorite places with a few of my favorite people.

#2 I got to see Rogier enjoy his first NYC hot dog from a stand!

#3 I got to experience the garment district with the master…Hilda

#4 And…I got to enjoy an amazing dinner with some great friends…old and new

And…last but not least, I got to enjoy the city with my husband and daughter ( wish my son could have joined….darn those college classes)

To cap off the whole week of festivities, a number of us from the festival were able to attend a performance of Hamilton!!  And it was an opportunity to meet up with in-laws and give a lovely sister-in-law the opportunity to see the show of her heart…on Broadway!  That made it all the sweeter.

So…Rocky and Team…from this blogger of fashion dolls…a HUGE Thank you for the memories and events of a lifetime. 

-Rebecca