Barbie for big girls.

Barbie

Barbie is off to see the Wizard…AGAIN.

It is Toy Fair time and Mattel is starting to release the remaining photos of its 2013 lineup.  I love the Wizard of OZ.  It is a favorite movie of my youth…even though the tornado scene scared the crap out of me and the flying monkeys gave me nightmares for months.  I still remember that LOL!  Anywhoo…I like the movie.  I liked the first set of WOZ dolls Mattel did…and the second…and maybe even the third….but come on.  This is like the bizilliionth edition of WOZ dolls.  At this rate Mattel is putting out a yearly edition. 

Even though I feel this theme has been way overdone, I can still appreciate the new face sculpts on this yearly edition.  They are markedly better than any previous offering in my opinion.   Linda Kyaw is heading up this effort and she has really done a fantastic job.

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

The Wizard of Oz™ Dorothy

Retail:  $34.95

Available: 5/24/13

Dorothy WOZ 2013 1

 

Dorothy WOZ 2013 2

            Dorothy WOZ 2013 3 Dorothy WOZ 2013 4

The Wizard of Oz™ Glinda The Good Witch

Retail: $34.95

Available: 5/24/13

Glinda WOZ 2013 1

Glinda WOZ 2013 2

           Glinda WOZ 2013 3 Glinda WOZ 2013 4

The Wizard of Oz™ Wicked Witch of the West

Retail:  $34.95

Available: 5/24/13

Wicked Witch WOZ 2013 1

Wicked Witch WOZ 2013 2

           Wicked Witch WOZ 2013 3 Wicked Witch WOZ 2013 4

Now…if this witch came with a flying monkey…I might consider it Smile


Barbie’s Malibu Dream House up for sale!

Say it aint so!!  Is Barbie in financial difficulty?!  According to Mattel, Barbie sales declined 4% in the 4th quarter marking the third strait quarterly decline in 2012  (source).  Mattel has announced that there will be a new Barbie abode for 2013.  Now…why am I spouting financials on this otherwise fun and oft times irreverent doll blog?  Because I want to talk about the listing.  YES!  In a fresh PR move by Mattel, there is an honest to goodness listing for Barbie’s Malibu Dream House

** Photo is courtesy of Mattel**

Malibu Barbie Dream House

** Listing is courtesy of Trulia, **

Malibu Barbie Dream House listing

Let’s take a look shall we:

1) $25 Million!  Wow!  Well…it is Malibu and it is beach front.  That three wall thing could be a problem though.

2) I don’t know about you guys but…for that price, I would need more than one bedroom and 1 bath.

3) 8,500 sqft.  Is that in Hobbit alter dimensional measurement?  How come it only takes up three feet in my play room?

4) Diamond encrusted accents?!  Okay…that explains the $25 million price tag.

5) Barbie signature silo head????  I thought I had heard every Barbie related term…apparently not.  What is it?

6) Sorry…I love pink but…the pink granite countertops would be a deal breaker for me.

I have to give it to Mattel.  This one is just plain fun!  Smile


Barbie Fan Club 2013 Renewal Registration Opens….

Today at 9:00AM PST for current members.  Registration for new members opens one week on later 2/13.

Here are some of the Fantastic things in store for members this year.

  • The opportunity to purchase four (4) Club-exclusive dolls, as announced** (doll purchase is NOT a requirement of membership)
  • Up to $80 in BarbieCollector.com Online Shop rewards – $20 per calendar quarter*
  • A surprise gift with your membership, Quarterly “Designer Videos” with the creators of Barbie® Collector dolls, sneak peeks at upcoming releases, downloadable goodies, and access to the exclusive Barbie™ Bulletin Board

Important dates to remember

  • Club Renewal Starts 2/6
  • New Club Spots Open 2/13
  • Card and Welcome Letter Ships Starting 3/15
  • Membership Gift with Purchase Silkstone® Dress Form Ships Starting 7/12

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

And the 2013 Barbie Fan Club doll is…..

Boater Ensemble.

ADORE!!!  The  little Chanel hat on her is to die for!

Boater Ensemble 3

Boater Ensemble 4Boater Ensemble 6

Three remaining club exclusives are

Black and White collection

BFC Holiday Hostess New years

Tailored Tuxedo Ken

Squeeeeeealllll!  I wonder if this is a Silkstone Ken??!!  No clarification on this yet.

And gift with purchase of membership is another mannequin but this one is black.  The verbiage on the Barbie Collector website stipulates the dress form won’t start shipping until 7/12.  Wellll….that’s a bit of a wait.  They will serve no noir dress form until its time apparently.  Ah well, it will give all of us diorama enthusiasts a chance to build that perfect shop window scene to showcase this baby.

Silkstone Dress Form

For more information and a link to renew your BFC membership, click below

BFC 2013


Getting Ready for the Oscars

When I was doing  multiple posts on award show fashions, I was thinking wouldn’t it be fun to do a photo of Barbie getting ready for the Oscars.  I needed an appropriate background and Mattel provided that with their amazing new Barbie Look Wardrobe.  It also needed a bigger than life dress because it is…after all…the Oscars. Who better than Jason Wu and his talented team at Integrity Toys could do that?!  Finally, I needed the prefect model for the dress and I wanted someone who is not seen that often.  Since I am a deboxer, I have the luxury of redressing a rare or low production number doll.  For this photo shoot, I decided to use Pinch of Platinum.  She is a platinum edition doll which means there are no more than 999 of her in the world.  I also felt , given the pain and aggravation of her entry into my collection https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2011/05/25/pinch-of-platinum-how-about-a-bucket-of-valium/ , she deserved her moment to shine.  No valium necessary with this one .wink

Model, earings, shoes:  Pinch of Platinum Barbie

Bracelet:  Showgirl Silkstone Barbie

Gown:  Dark Romance Giselle NuFace Fashion Royalty

Set:  Barbie Look Wardrobe, Horsman pink chair and scroll side table, Jonathan Adler side table,  Randall Craig zebra rug and too many little items to name individually.  If you have questions on any item, just ask .

Stylist:  ITFDS

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How about this fabulous closet and it’s potential!  When it comes to diorama pieces folks…it doesn’t get any better than this.  My only complaint is the price.  It is pricey ( $70!!).  I purchased this one on sale and received $20 off.  That definitely made it more palatable.  It comes with three interchangeable backgrounds ( I love the black and white one!) and you could make your own too I suppose if you had big enough paper.  Oh, and drawers open and it comes with a bunch of hangers.  Someone mentioned on the doll boards that it would be great if Mattel could offer an extra set of hangers on their website.  Excellent notion!

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And… because Rebecca loves her macro lens…a few more shots of the doll and her accessories.  Love those shoes!  If you click them together three times and say “There is no place like Mattel” do you think you could be transported there?

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Music from the shoot…..


Moving on….

Are we ready to leave the drama of the last post behind?  Yes, I think so!   The month of January has absolutely flown by and I realized I had not taken a single studio shot during the entire month.  Bad me!  I have had an idea floating around for the past month to showcase a doll that doesn’t get seen that much and a new product that people are very excited about.  Here is the teaser photo…more photos coming soon Smile

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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……


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….

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


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. 

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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.

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

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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

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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.

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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

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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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ITFDS Vanity Fair Cover…tweaked to perfection

Next time..somebody please remind me to wait a day before posting.  I was not perfectly happy with the previous group photo and that should have told me right there.  Here is what I am perfectly happy with Smile

Vanity Fair Collage 3 copy


2012 ITFDS Favorites

At the end of each year, a flurry of photos floods Flickr and doll boards with groupings of collectors favorite dolls for the year.  I always have these grand ideas of doing a group photo too and never seem to get around to it .  This year, I had a flash of  inspiration and decided I was going to MAKE the time to do it…so.. here it is.  I was inspired by this years Vanity Fair Hollywood Edition.

In no particular order, my favorite dolls for 2012 are

1) Glam Addict Giselle

2) Gala Gown Silkstone Barbie

3) Fame by Frame Imogen

4) Lilac Frost Poppy Parker

5) High Profile Eugenia

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Inspiration photo…..

Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue 2012


Seasons Greetings from ITFDS

After a couple of weeks of absolute holiday craziness…I am sure you all can relate….I have finally finished editing photos of the doll room and surround for your viewing pleasure.  Because I have some avid pinners out there who are still pinning from my skydrive when I have asked “Please, please , please don’t do that ( you know who you are), I will not be posting all the photos in a slideshow.  I have , however, put together a slideshow set to music which I have uploaded to youtube and am sharing here too.  I will share a few stills but the bulk of the photos are in the slideshow.  There are over 100 photos in the slideshow so a little something for everybody Smile 

Happy Holidays!  From my doll room to your home, I hope you enjoy the photos and slideshow.  I also want to take this opportunity to say a huge, huge “Thank You” to my readers and commenters.  You are..in a phrase…”why I do what I do”.  I thank you all for your support and encouragement.  I hope in 2013 that my work will continue to interest you.20121205-958A9757wmsized

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Note****  If you want to see the high resolution version of this, you need to tell the youtube player on your scrren to give you the highest quality.  It’s one of the small icons on the bottom right of the youtube screen**


Flickr 2012

Sorry for the long delay between posts guys.  Things have been super busy with photo-shoots lately so…sadly….no doll time.  Finished my last job for the holidays this past week ( or least the photo shoot part) so I can put some more time into the blog…yippeee!!

Since I don’t have any new photos to share today..but soon…I promise, I will bring up some favorites from the year.  If you are a Flickr member and contributor, you have most likely seen many of these already.  At the end of the year, many of the fabulous collectors and photographers on Flickr post their most viewed, most favorited, most commented on and personal favorite photos for the year.  I decided to participate this year and wanted to share it here as well.  It was a hard choice to come up with a personal favorite so I am going to also share the runners-up for my personal favorite photo.  If you had a favorite this year, feel free to comment.  I would love to hear what people are responding to and what they would like to see more of.

Flickr 2012 copy

And now for the runners up for my personal favorite photo…..

1st Runner Up

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2nd Runner Up

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3rd Runner Up

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Decking the Halls with Paintbox Designs

One of my favorite things about being part of the collecting community is discovering amazing OOAK fashions for our diminutive divas.   This past June, Pam Seeman of Paintbox Designs brought her fabulous fashions to the National Barbie Convention for the first time.  I think it is fair to say she and her fashions were a huge hit.  Paintbox Designs has been a fixture at Fashion Royalty convention but this year was the first time we had the pleasure of seeing and purchasing her fashions for Ms. Barbie.  I must have spent a good thirty minutes at her table…along with a whole host of other shoppers and walked away with some beautiful OOAK outfits.  I adore the floaty rose fabric she used for the skirt of Dasha’s dress.  Loni’s dress is one of her signature designs and it never disappoints.  I must have this design in at least three different colors.  You can find Pam and Paintbox Designs at  http://www.paintboxdesigns.net/index.html

Models:  FR2 Always Polished Dasha and Lemon Crush Loni Lawrence

Gowns: Paintbox Designs ( http://www.paintboxdesigns.net/index.html)

Shoes: FR2 “Shoe Win” shoe pack from 2012 FR convention( Dasha), Mattel (Loni)

Set:  Feather trees in 15’” and 18” from Target.  Repainted chair is Petit Luxury Arm Chair for Pullip.

It looks like Dasha is completely bored at the country club holiday party…LOL!

Paintbox Designs postcard 2

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Holy Barbie Charity Auction Batman!!

Mattel is partnering with Charitybuzz again to bring us some amazing OOAK auction dolls just in time for the holidays.  The proceeds will go to benefit Project Angel Food.  Bidding ends December 18th so if you are looking to splurge on yourself for Christmas and support a worthy cause at the same time, check out these auctions.   I have put a link to each auction in the name of  every item so you can go and find out more information if you are interested in something. 

Dear Santa,

Please find enclosed my Christmas wish list.

Love,

Rebecca

** Photo credits: Mattel and Charitybuzz**

Barbie™ Dance Again Tour JLo

Designed by Director of Design for Barbie Collector, Robert Best

Barbie™ Dance Again Tour JLo  1

Barbie™ Dance Again Tour JLo 2

Barbie® Adores Adam Lambert

Designed by Mattel designer Carlyle Nuera

OMG!!!!!! 

Barbie® Adores Adam Lambert 1

Barbie® Adores Adam Lambert 2

Best of the Best by Robert Best

Designed by Mattel designer Robert Best.

Sighhhhhh!  So gorgeous.

Best of the Best by Robert Best 1

Best of the Best by Robert Best 2

Best of the Best by Robert Best 3

Haute Hiver Barbie®

Designed by Mattel designer Carlyl Nuera

The writeup on this one explains that this was one of the finalists for this years holiday doll.

Haute Hiver Barbie® 1

Haute Hiver Barbie® 3

Platinum Perfection….Barbie®

Donated by: Mattel designer Zlatan Zukanovic

{Thud}  Someone help Rebecca up….she just fainted.

Platinum Perfection….Barbie® 1

Platinum Perfection….Barbie® 2

Barbie® Holiday Sparkle

Designed by Mattel designer Yoori Park

Barbie® Holiday Sparkle 1

Barbie® Holiday Sparkle 2Barbie® Holiday Sparkle 3

Magia2000 was asked to get in on the fun too and here is their design contribution to the auction

Barbie™ Couture Huntress by Magia2000

Wow!!  Stunning.

Magia2000 OOAK Holiday Auction 4

Magia2000 OOAK Holiday Auction 2Magia2000 OOAK Holiday Auction 3

But wait there’s more!!  There are some OOAK sets being auctioned as well…hold on to your wallets folks..these are gonna cost ya.  How cute is this?!!!

Dashing Through the Snow Sisters Sleigh Set

Sleigh Set features the combined talent of the following Mattel creatives: Esther Levin, Kislap Ongchangco, Odette Vandenberg, Dawn Dellamano, Argentina Olmos, Juan Rodriguez, Maria Cristina Ramirez, Thu Phan, Iliana Palma, Sheila Kyaw, Brandon Ozaki, Enrique Lopez, Rosie Bicciche, Craig Pagenkopp, James Molina, Tim Correa and Rex Hidalgo.

Dashing Through the Snow Sisters Sleigh Set 1

Dashing Through the Snow Sisters Sleigh Set 2Dashing Through the Snow Sisters Sleigh Set 3

Barbie™ Very Merry Cabin

Designed by Mattel designer Sally Eagle

Barbie™ Very Merry Cabin 1

Barbie™ Very Merry Cabin 2Barbie™ Very Merry Cabin 3

Barbie™ Very Merry Cabin 4


Verushka Attends A Holiday Party

I was shocked at how a simple updo changed the entire look of this doll.  She is now one of my favorite models. 

Model:  Restyled Verushka™ Barbie® Doll

Gown:  Joe Tai

Earrings and gloves:  Hope Diamond Barbie

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What this picture would look like as a Chanel ad…..Smile

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Barbie Models Designer Clutches

I am always on the lookout for Barbie photos being used in the fashion world.  It came as a complete surprise to run across these photos while researching another project so of course I had to share them here.  Did I miss these??  My apologies if everyone has already seen the photos.

Apparently Interview Magazine did a piece on spring designer clutch purses back in April and Ms. Barbie modeled the cream of the crop for Spring of 2012. 

** Photos are by Robie Fimmano for Interview Magazine**

Happy Birthday®, Ken® Barbie® Doll models Stella McCartney 

Interview Magazine and Barbie Stella McCartney

Vera Wang™ Bride: The Traditionalist Barbie® Doll models Alexander McQueenInterview Magazine and Barbie Alexander McQueen

Elvis® Barbie® Doll models LanvinInterview Magazine and Barbie Lanvin

Anemone Barbie® by Christian Louboutin models Bottega Veneta

Interview Magazine and Barbie Bottega Veneta

Bob Mackie Circus Barbie® Doll  models Bulgari

Interview Magazine and Barbie Bulgari

80’s Cher Bob Mackie Doll models Emilio Pucci

Interview Magazine and Barbie Emilio Pucci

Barbie® by Christian Louboutin Doll models Gucci

Interview Magazine and Barbie Gucci

AA 2011 Holiday Barbie™ Doll models Chanel

Interview Magazine and Barbie Chanel

Dolly Forever Barbie® Doll by Christian Louboutin models Christian Dior

Interview Magazine and Barbie Christian Dior

Fun photo shoot!


The Barbie Look™ 2013

Mattel released photos on BarbieCollector today with a release date for the highly anticipated “The Barbie Look” line.  This line is designed by Bill Greening and is considered a follow-up to his highly successful Barbie Basics designs of past years.  Mattel says the dolls and outfits will be available at http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop or Barbie dealers on 11/15/12.  All Editions are considered Black Label.  I am still trying to get clarification as to exactly what “Black Label” means in editions size but my guess is…big enough that there should be plenty of supply on these.  I think this new effort from Mr. Greening is fabulous and a natural and stylish sequel to his previous line of Basics.

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

City Shopper™ Barbie® Doll – Steffie face mold

Available 11/15/12 and retailing for  $19.95

2013 Barbie Look City Shopper #2  1

2013 Barbie Look City Shopper #2  2

City Shopper™ Barbie® Doll – Mbili face mold

Available 11/15/12 and retailing for $19.95

 

2013 Barbie Look City Shopper 1

2013 Barbie Look City Shopper 2

 

The outfits will be coming out the same day as the dolls.

On The Red Carpet™ Barbie® Fashion

Available 11/15/12 and retailing for $19.95

Red carpet on white bckgrd

2013 Barbie Look On the red carpet 2

Pink On The Green™ Barbie® Fashion

Available 11/15/12 and retailing for $19.95

Pink on the green white bckgrd

2013 Barbie Look Pink on the green 2

Poolside™ Barbie® Fashion

Available 11/15/12 and retailing for $19.95

Poolside on white bckgrd

2013 Barbie Look Poolside 2

Tea Party® Barbie® Fashion

Available 11/15/12 and retailing for $19.95

Tea Party on wht bckgrd copy

2013 Barbie Look Tea Party 2

Barbie® Wardrobe

Available 11/15/12 and retailing for $69.95    OUCH!!  A bit steep for a closet.  The drawers better open Smile

2013 Barbie Wardrobe


The Lady in Red: Part Four

This is the final part of this series and technically…she isn’t wearing red but in front of it.  Red, however, is a big part of the shot.  This “ Lady in Red” series had showcased the Fashion Royalty girls in my collection and it was time to pull out the beloved Silkstones.  I love these shots for a few reasons.

  1) It showcases one of my favorites Silkstones..a repaint by Jon Copeland of SeloJSpa(http://www.facebook.com/SelojSpa

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2) It has a high drama content…LOVE.

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I love the lighting in this shot.  It gives it that feeling of her actually being up on the stage with that little spotlight on her face.

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3) It shows off a glitzy showgirl ensemble(Jazz Diva by Mattel) and the styling was inspired by a great conversation with fantastic doll friend.   Matty of http://www.fashiondollfoto.com/  and I don’t get the chance to talk that often but when we do…good doll photos or doll blog ideas follow.  Matty, this one’s for you {HUGS!}.

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and 4) The background was flash of inspiration and something that caused me to say to myself “ Oh I need to talk about this on the blog”.  After Matty gave me the idea that I should dress this doll in this outfit, I immediately saw a red show curtain.  I saw “full on diva” and she needed a crushed red velvet curtain falling in folds behind her.  One of my problems ( and yes, there are many of those LOL!) is once I have this image in my head..there is no talking me out of it.  I knew I didn’t have crushed red velvet fabric for a backdrop.  I also habitually run into the problem of having something in my head and then not being able to find it ANYWHERE.  I knew I didn’t want to have to spend time or money searching for red crushed velvet at my local fabric stores.  That’s when I took a step back and said “Okay Bec..what do you have that would work?” and inspiration struck. 

“Ways in which you never thought you would use your kids old Halloween costumes.”

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Yes!  That was my daughters Halloween costume from a couple years ago sitting in a box in the kids playroom.  It was the right color, texture and bonus…it had some black lace detail accents…more DRAMA!  Perfect background curtain material.  So if you are having trouble finding a background for you photos, don’t forget to check out the kids dress up box.Smile


Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi…In Celebration of Fall

It has been a while since I did a Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi so I thought I would pull this one out.  I keep some photos that I take in reserve for special projects.  I took this photo a while ago and it was included in the Inside the Fashion Doll Studio Daily Planner for 2013 that I sold at Barbie Convention this year.  Since we are enjoying the fabulous days and colors of the Autumn season, I thought I would share this fall inspired set of photos.  Hope you enjoy!

Model:  Stunning in the Spotlight Silkstone Barbie

Hat and gown:  Bogue’s Vogues (http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)

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I Got The Blues for my Party Dress

I adored the dress that she came in originally so it was difficult for me to take it off of her…but I managed…for none other than a Bogue’s Vogues.  

Model:  Party Dress Silkstone Barbie

Gown:  Bogue’s Vogues ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)

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