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NBDCC 2012 Day Three …White Russian

No, not the drink.  The convention theme is “World Tour” and Friday’s evening event was in St. Petersburg, Russia.  It was requested that everyone wear white.  We entered the grand ballroom and saw a beautiful centerpiece ( and no…didn’t win that one either Sad smile)  Each person at the table received a stunning table doll from our host with the most Jim.  Thank you Jim!!

 

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  The fabulous faces of table 73

     

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Some amazing OOAK dolls were auctioned off for charity and we all received a fabulous Dressmaker Details outfit as a gift from the convention.

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LOVE IT!!


NBDCC 2012 Day Three….A Couture Paris Experience

Friday dawned and we all attended a breakfast in Paris.  The tables had the most adorable centerpieces

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I was so excited when  my friend Deanna had her number chosen to take this lovely piece home.   It will be so appreciated and perfect in her collection. 

We were also greeted with another amazing table setting my our table host Jim .  We had another Christmas in July experience.  We even had champagne for our orange juice…mimosa anyone?  Jim you are the host with the most!

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The table dolls were by our host Jim.  When we arrived at breakfast we also noticed that two new dioramas had been added to the Grand Ballroom.  The city of Paris….

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And….The Atelier shop!!!!!

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Ahhhhhhh!  I DIE.  Words cannot express how grateful I am to the convention committee and Mattel for bringing us this opportunity to see these amazing dioramas and having the opportunity to photograph them.  Unreal!

Aside from all the amazing table gifts from my table mates, we also received a Dressmaker Details exclusive convention fashion.

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After breakfast, we sat back and enjoyed the convention fashion show.  I will share photos of that later when I get home and process the photos from my other camera.  I needed the serious camera, flash and monopod for that one.


NBDCC 2012 …..London Calling

The second official day of the National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention started with luncheon with a London theme.  Mattel sponsored the event and it was absolutely fabulous ( yes..pun on the British show intended).  We entered the event and the tables were all set up with mod centerpiece dolls

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All around the perimeter of the room, there were the most amazing dioramas that Mattel had brought and set up to photograph.  There was the train set from the recent photos of the Russian dolls and the Metro station set from Sunday Best and City Smart photos as well as the church from the William and Catherine photo shoot.  I just about fainted when I saw them all.  I had to call my husband up in our room and say “ I need the good camera NOW!!”  Here are some quick point and shoot shots….good camera shots will be out later.  There were prototype dolls too!  Oh my word….I DIE.

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And why I love convention so much…..  Me, Deanna and Hilda.  Geeeesh, do you think we could fit any more cell phones on that table LOL!

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Oh and we received the most AMAZING gift !!

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A Barbie steamer trunk.  Again….I DIE.  I think my squeal of delight is still hanging over L.A. as I type this. We are also going to receive a giftset doll ( pictured below) called Pink Passport.  Unbelievable!  The convention gifts just in this event alone are blowing my mind. 

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NBDCC 2012–First official day of convention

The  National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention did not officially begin until Wednesday.  Many people show up days early ( yes people like me) to partake in the fantastic room shopping experience as well as OOAK parties. These, however, are pre-convention events.  Wednesday begin for many with registration and a special gift from the Barbie Fan Club if you are a member.  I attended an informative seminar on doll photography…learned a few new techniques.  The evening Bon Voyage was the big kick off event and for once there was enough seating for everyone yippeeeeee!  I had so much fun running around to different tables reconnecting with Barbie friends and meeting new ones.

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This year, conventioneers were given 20 golden tickets in their registration packet.  They could be used to enter 20 different lotteries for OOAK dolls.  You could put one ticket in each lottery or split it any way you wanted amongst the 20 different dolls.  Here were some of the amazing donated OOAK dolls that we all were hoping to win.

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Of course…I did not win anything { cries quietly in the corner}.  But for those who did, a huge “ Congratulations!”  It was a fabulous first official day of convention.  We left the ballroom with a special pin to put in our passport books and a handful of new Barbie memories from the evening.


NBDCC 2012….A Day of OOAK Extravaganza

Tuesday was a packed day of OOAK parties.  First up was Artist Creations

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This is their auction doll

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Next up was Ninimomo  These are quick shots with my point and shoot.  I was given the extreme pleasure of photographing the show before it opened to the public and will have those shots up later this week.  Thank you Nick and Marie!!!

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Ninimomo’s auction dolls

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And their raffle dolls

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The last show of the day was Magia2000.  They staged an honest to God fashion show for the dolls.  While very long, the show was fun.  They also handled purchasing differently this year.  You put your name in a lottery if you were interested in a doll and if your name was selected, you had the chance to purchase the doll.  I was not lucky enough to win the chance to purchase but many others were!

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Ones I would have given a kidney to purchase….okay not really but still LOL!

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Magia2000 raffle doll

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Magia2000 Auction doll

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More photos available on my flickr.  Today is the official start to the convention.  Things will be super hectic from here on out so blogging will be more difficult.  If I don’t post in the morning….it means I was up too late the night before and I won’t even go into why that would be LOL!  The blog post will come I promise…just perhaps not so reliably.


NBDCC 2012–Room Shopping Day Two

Perhaps one of the most enjoyable things about Barbie convention for me and many others is the room shopping experience.  Many sellers will set up wares in their room days before the official convention starts and many many collectors will come early just to shop the room sales.  You might think that people come for the deals to be found and the shopping.  I believe that many come for the social aspect of room shopping as well.  This is a time where you meet new fellow enthusiast friends and reconnect with the ones you have made in the past.  Generally, we Barbie collectors are a sociable and happy crowd and we LOVE to talk all things Barbie.  It is amazing to me that I have friends from all over the world and I came to know them through this fabulous hobby and these conventions.  Barbie and the love of this hobby has done that.  How cool is that?!!

So….day two of room shopping was highlighted by a OOAK ( One of A Kind ) party by Matt Sutton and Matt Trujillo.  We lined up early for this one folks…about two hours before.  I think just waiting for the show and talking with my fellow collectors was one of the best parts of my day.

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And a rare thing for me….someone took my picture!  Thanks Deb!

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Now….time for the show.  Matt certainly did not disappoint!  He never fails to blow our socks off.  This year, you took a number according to where you were in line and they let a few in at a time.  No mad rush to get to the dolls.  This made for a very enjoyable and wonderful selection and  buying experience.

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Yes….the pink one in the center went home with me Smile

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After the fun of picking out a doll and purchasing ( some managed to snag two…yes Barb and Mary…I’m talking to you), we had our annual “ buy a Matt Sutton and go get a cocktail” meeting.

I am posting an album with these photos. ****A special note to all you pinners on Pinterest.  Please, please, please don’t grab the photos from the album and pin them.  They will link back to my skydrive and not the blog.  If you want to pin them, grab them off this page or go to flickr.***

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NBDCC 2012….The journey continues

I feel like my blog post titles are starting to look like movie titles LOL!  I guess that is completely appropriate given we are in the hometown of the movie making business. I spent most of the day at Disneyland yesterday as a few of my flickr photos can attest to but managed to hit a few room sales in the evening and of course snapped a few photos.  First and foremost, Steven Frasier, opened his room to sales and he showed off the convention exclusive fashion.  It is called Petal Perfect and boy is it ever.

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Another must see for me was Debra of MashauDe’ (room #579 for those at convention).  She had the most amazing pink dress on her advertisement and I saw a must see purse lurking in that advertisement as well

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And you know these had to come home with me….  Love ya Debra!!!!

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Sandi Holder(room# 675 for those at convention) of The Doll Attic ( www.dollattic.com) opened her room and boy did she have some Silkstone holy grails to sell.  They were gone in a matter of minutes but I managed to snag some photos.  A lovely Barbie friend was able to purchase the platinum Trace of Lace and she let me take some photos.  This doll could not have gone to a nicer collector so it was  a pleasure to see.

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More for the vintage collectors too…

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Now….I can neither confirm nor deny that the red headed platinum edition Joyeux may be headed to Inside The Fashion Doll Studio.  I guess you will have to stay tuned to find out Smile

One other room I had to visit was Rack10 ( room # 558 for those at convention).  They have had these Barbie print sheaths for the last couple of conventions and I had been meaning to get one for the last two.  Finally made it a reality.  I know many are interested in information on these dresses.  Here is the contact email rack10@comcast.net.  Tell them Inside The Fashion Doll Studio sent you Smile.

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More room sales photos tonight.  Convention room shopping is definitely in full swing starting today.  Most sellers who wish to sell have arrived and are open for business today.  Matt Sutton’s OOAK unveiling will be later today and I will be there for the festivities and perhaps a purchase too.  I will post later tonight with an update.  Check my flickr for the most up to date photos.


NBDCC 2012….The journey begins

I arrived in L.A. yesterday afternoon expecting to relax and settle in for a day before all the excitement began…..NOT.  One thing I have learned about Barbiecon is that once you get there, you hit the ground running.  I was very glad to see that many friends decided to arrive early so it was an afternoon and evening of hugs and quick catch-up on our lives conversations.  There was also room shopping and of course I had to take my camera along and see what the goings on were.  The Hyatt Orange County is a lovely hotel with some amazingly friendly and helpful staff.

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It was time to catch up with Barbie buds…my friends Sheree and Susan

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Then it was time to shop

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And for all you vintage collectors out there….

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It looks like my instant upload of photos is working!  I have been able to instant upload to my flickr fairly consistently so I am encouraged it will continue to work well.  I have to send out a HUGE “thank you” to my husband and in house technical support for getting this up and running for me.  It was not the easiest thing to do and we had many trial and error moments yesterday

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Here is a picture of the adorable key cards convention attenders receive

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The pace will be fast and furious from here on out but I will try to blog everyday and multiple times a day if I can.  If you want up to the minute photos without writeup, you should check my flickr.  Will be enjoying the sites and sounds of the Magic Kingdom today but will be back with you all for an update this evening.  More room shopping photos are available on my flickr account for those who are interested.


Live from L.A. …..it’s NBDCC 2012!!!!

And so it begins.  When this blog post hits the internet, I will be grumbling and shuffling my way through security at the airport.  I HATE getting up for early morning flights.  But then, I would do anything for Barbie so there you go.  I will have my trusty laptop for blogging from convention and a new toy this year….an IPad.  I have hopes of using the IPad as my internet hotspot so my photos will upload directly from my point and shoot to my flickr account.  I am hoping to get some great shots of the OOAK parties and fashion show.  I should be able to post from the events too but will have to see how this new technology really works.  It all sounds great but I have learned that many times it just doesn’t work that well in an actual setting.    I will have my laptop so at worst, I upload photos at the end of the evening…just like last year.  I will have more to share from L.A. later today.

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Bogue’s Vogues…..Samedi

Okay okay….so I couldn’t get around to posting this yesterday so instead of doing my customary Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi (French for Friday)…I had to settle for a Bogue’s Vogues Samedi (French for Saturday).   I have a new Bogue’s Vogues to share and I happen to have just received one of the most stunning dolls to model it for you.  I have written before about my love and respect for One of A Kind ( OOAK ) artists.  There are many, many talented OOAK artists in the fashion doll collecting arena.  Jon Copeland is one whose work never fails to inspire and amaze me.  I would say his largest body of work is within the Fashion Royalty repaint and retying category but occasionally he will work his magic on Barbie as well.  I was fortunate enough to happen upon a picture of one of his Silkstone repaints for sale last month and it was love at first sight.  I literally caught my breath as I opened the box with this lady.  She is that stunning.  Mr. Copeland….I tip my hat.

Model:  OOAK Silkstone Barbie repaint and restyle by Jon Copeland ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/selojspa/ and http://www.facebook.com/SelojSpa)  Note** sometimes flickr will filter his photos…there is nothing inappropriate about them so don’t know why flickr does that.  Feel free to click through the filter and enjoy the eye candy of his work.

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

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Time to put on your Party Dress…..

I had a slight hiccup with this lady.  She came to me with some blue marks on her legs and I thought she would be going back to Mattel for an exchange.  Turns out the marks rubbed right off with water so no problem.  Once the marks were dealt with, I decided to shoot her in front of one of the fantastic acrylic display screens my friend Sheree makes.  I use these in my doll displays and they work nicely in photos as well.  Info on where to purchase is below.  I love the hair on this lady and the cute little lace dress with aqua shrug is adorable.  So refined and girly with the gold lace.  Here face makeup is quite dramatic as you will see with the close-up but I like it.  I am still going over redress possibilities but those photos will be for another day.  Just a side note, I did have to mess with her hair just a bit to get the curls to lie just right.  I ended up putting a pin in one of them to get it to lie properly.  On with current photos….

Model:  Party Dress Silkstone Barbie

Set: Acrylic backdrop by Sheree http://www.ebay.com/sch/sh7ly7ma7/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686.  Chandelier is a locker chandelier by Locker Lookz.  You can find them on Amazon.

 

©Insidethefashiondollstudio.com

 

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©Insidethefashiondollstudio.com


Elizabeth Taylor Silkstone photos released!

I wrote about the Elizabeth Taylor celebrity Silkstone a couple of weeks ago and now we hear there will be not one but two Silkstone releases of Liz.  I was hoping for a “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” inspired set with the little slip and….I got my wish!!!  While the dress is not exactly a reproduction, it’s close enough and I will take it.  It will be available in a giftset called White Diamonds.  It will retail for around $150.00 and will be available in the fall.

** Photos are property of Mattel Inc.**

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The second Elizabeth Taylor offering is stunning!!  It features Ms. Taylor in a gorgeous black gown inspired , I believe, by the movie Suddenly, Last Summer.   It’s called “Violet Eyes” and will retail for around $130.00 .  It will be available in the fall.

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Love them both!!


Mad Men to the 1/6 Max

I have admired Michael Williams’ work for many years.  His photography is something I can only aspire to but his humor and way of telling a story with a photo is what I truly admire.  He recently shared some new Mad Men inspired photos and I knew I had to share them here.  With Michael’s permission, I share with you his fabulously witty write ups and 1/6 scale interpretation of five of the main characters from AMC’s hit series MAD MEN.

**Photos are property of Michael Williams**

MANDATORY CREDIT ©Michael Williams/MyLifeInPlastic.com

 

MANDATORY CREDIT ©Michael Williams/MyLifeInPlastic.com

 

MANDATORY CREDIT ©Michael Williams/MyLifeInPlastic.com

 

MANDATORY CREDIT ©Michael Williams/MyLifeInPlastic.com

 

MANDATORY CREDIT ©Michael Williams/MyLifeInPlastic.com

I love these!  I am sooooo hoping he has a perfectly coiffed Betty with the cigarette in her mouth and the shotgun aimed to the sky in the works.  Anyone remember that episode LOL!

He has an AMAZING body of work to look through and you can find it at www.mylifeinplastic.com

You can also follow him on
Twitter @MyLifeIsPlastic,
Facebook MyLife InPlastic
Instagram @MyLifeInPlastic
Pinterest MyLifeInPlastic


It’s time for another Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi!

I feel like I have been neglecting my Silkstones for the past few months so it was time to bring em back and do it right.  I joke with James Bogue all the time about the fact that I am such a “pinkophile” when it comes to his creations.  If it’s in pink…I’m liking it.  It came as a  complete shock that I was drawn to a powder blue dress he had on his Etsy site and once I received it…I was in LOVE.  I had the perfect lady to model it too. I had finally worked up the courage to cut and restyle a Preferably Pink Silkstone Barbie into the hairstyle I feel she should have originally came with…a shorter bob cut.  I love it on her and I hope you do to.

Model:  Restyled Preferably Pink Silkstone Barbie

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

Shoes:  Mattel

 

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And because I am headed into dance recital season and things are about to get wayyyy stressful, I threw this in for fun.  This needs to be my mantra for the next 4 weeks…should I take up yoga????20120531-IMG_9205-Editwmsizedclipart


Next Celebrity Silkstone is….Elizabeth Taylor

The news coming from the 2012 Italian Doll Convention is that the next Celebrity Silkstone will be Elizabeth Taylor.  Mattel has not confirmed this but I am assuming it was a Mattel Representative who shared this information in Italy last week.  This is not suprising as they already have the face mold.  The speculation has already begun on which outfit she will be sporting.  My vote goes for the white gown in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and I would DIE if it came as a gift set with the slip dress as well…..ohhhhh pretty please.

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Although…I have to pay tribute to some of these looks as well.  Liz, you were one gorgeous lady.

 

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Mattel releases photos of Empress of the Aliens Barbie

I don’t collect Fantasy Dolls but it does not stop me from appreciating their artistry.  I know Bill Greening is a very talented guy not to mention one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure to meet from Mattel.  I can totally see him and his love for vintage Barbie collecting when I see all of his Barbie reproduction designs.  When he comes out with things like this, I see the true artist in him and it continues to amaze me.  He has such a range in his designs.  Mr. Greening….I tip my hat.

Empress of the Aliens Barbie

release date:  06/21/12

Available at Barbie dealers or Barbie Collector

Price: TBD

**Photos property of Mattel Inc.**

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The shoes!!  Oh my word the shoes!!  Smile


The Holy Grails of Silkstone Barbie Collecting

I wrote a few days ago about Integrity Toys and the limited editions of their upcoming collection.  It got me to thinking about edition sizes in general and the impact it can have on collecting.  When you begin collecting anything, especially fashion dolls,  you usually run into the availability issue fairly quickly.  You learn that limited availability means higher price and, in some cases, a treasure hunt of epic proportions.  These rare and limited items become known as “collector holy grails” and the fervor with which one pursues acquirement can be intense.  It depends on the collector. 

I have to say I have acquired a couple “holy grails” in my time as a collector.  The funny thing is..I never really pursued them strongly…it was more a matter of being at the right place at the right time.  I know that I had done my homework and knew what a fair price was for these items and I always had my antennae up for information about things on my “holy grail” list …perhaps that just means I was always in pursuit.  Man I need therapy.  Anywhoo…the point is an opportunity would come up to acquire a “holy grail” and I would either act or let it go by.  If you are plugged into the doll community ( read and contribute to doll boards, doll manufacturer websites and collector blogs)  it can make the hunt easier and a whole lot of fun.  I have met some of the most generous and lovely people in my pursuit for the holy grails of my collection..or…come out of it with some of the best stories involving my collection.  Wow!…  aren’t you curious now?!

When I began collecting Silkstone Barbies years ago, I soon learned that there were a number of dolls that were held above others.  Mostly, these dolls were revered because they had a very small edition size and that of course improved their resale value and their collectability.  Most highly collectible Silkstone Barbies are the platinum editions ( limit to 1,000 or less edition size).   Many of them were offered through F.A.O Schwarz and were different hair color variations of another doll.

All Edition size information is from The Collectors Encyclopedia of Barbie 2008 edition by Michael Augustyniak

1.Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2003 Chataine Barbie

   Edition size: 600

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2.  Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2003 Joyeux Barbie –redhead

    Edition size: 999C2589

3.  Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2005 Trace of Lace Barbie – blonde

     Edition size: 500 ( designed exclusively for the Japanese Collector)

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4.  Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2006 Dahlia

    Edition size: 999

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5.  Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2006 Violette

     Edition size:  999

J42546.  Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2007 The Soiree – blonde

     Edition size:  999

M6195 7.  NBDCC Golden Gala

      Edition Size:  Unknown by skin type..but considered less than 1,000 total for both skin types

** note** This was the only Silkstone ever given as a convention gift.  Given to 2009 National Barbie Doll Collector Convention attendees to commemorate Barbie’s 50’s anniversary.  Each attendee received either a Caucasian skin tone or African American skin tone depending on what they selected with their registration packet**

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If you are a Silkstone Barbie collector, you may have noticed I have left out a few…read on.

Within these platinum edition Silkstones, there are a few items that have such a limited edition size that it classifies them as the holiest of holy grails. 

1.  Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2000 Display Case – Retail Version

Edition Size:  Couldn’t find a substantiated number but let’s just say much less than 175

“This case was provided to select dealers selling the 2000 Barbie Fashion Model Collection.  Both the blue sign atop the case and the front panels of the case say “Limited Edition.”  The front middle panel is hinged for ease in arranging the two fashion mannequins and the easel with sign in front of the glamorous ballroom backdrop.  A plastic holder containing 50 Barbie Fashion Model Collection booklets could be placed beside the case.  Note the lower middle panel of the case which introduces customers to the features of the new Silkstone Lingerie Barbie dolls. “  –from Collectors Encyclopedia of Barbie Dolls 2008 Edition by J. Michael Augustyniak

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2.  Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2001 Limited Edition Display Case

    Edition Size:  175

“Was offered through a Barbie Collectibles by Mail catalog in an edition of 175 for $250.00.  This display case is very similar to the 2000 retailer display case except that the words “ Limited Edition” have been deleted from both the blue sign atop the display case as well as the lower front base itself.  Also, below the “Barbie” name on the case’s , lower front middle panel, this case has no words, whereas the case provided to dealers in 2000 lists the features of the new Silkstone dolls.” -from Collectors Encyclopedia of Barbie Dolls 2008 Edition by J. Michael Augustyniak

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3.  Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2003 City Smart Barbie

Edition size:  600 ( 400 were sold on the Japanese market and 200 were sold to members of  the Official Barbie Collector’s Club in the U.S.)

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Here She Is! Mattel Releases Photos of New Silkstone Barbie

Mattel has finally released promotional photos for the final Silkstone offering of 2012.  She is indeed the yellow gowned lady whose sketch was floated around the doll boards about a month ago.  She doesn’t have a name or price yet….hold on to your pocketbooks folks….I suspect she will be pricey.  They are saying she will be available in the fall of 2012.  This one is a complete no brainer for me.  A redhead in yellow?!  I die.  Fall can’t get here soon enough!

**edit**  Just heard from my dealer that her name is “Gala Gown” and price is $150.00.  To preorder, feel free to visit Windy City Dolls http://www.windycitydolls.com/bfmcgalagown.htm 

**note** photo is property of Mattel Inc.

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If you are a Barbie Fan Club Member, you can see more photos under their “sneak peak” folder in the forums.


Afternoon Suit Silkstone–Dior’s “New Look” reimagined in 1/6 scale

The year was 1947 and a new designer Christian Dior seemed to be thumbing his nose at the still lingering austerity measures of post WWII and put yards and yards of fabric into the silhouettes of his “New Look”.  If you look it up in the dictionary, the “New Look” was defined by a narrow waist and full pleated skirt.  If you are a fan of fashion at all, you have seen this iconic photo.

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Or have seen it on display at a museum…..

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John Galliano paid homage to the house that employed him and reimagined this famous look for Dior in his Fall/Winter 2009 Haute Couture Collection.

It is a completely timeless look and it would not surprise me if  Robert Best was inspired by it for his Atelier Silkstone collection.

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

Model:  Afternoon Suit Silkstone Barbie

Edition size: No more than 4300 Worldwide

Gold label and BFC exclusive…you must be a member to get this lovely lady.

Mannequin: BFC gift with 2012 membership

Backdrop:  Made by the lovely Sheree ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fabulous-White-Silkstone-Photo-Display-OOAK-Set-LAST-ONE-FOR-NOW-/170800865221?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27c4865fc5)

20120317-IMG_8446-EditwmsizedYou can even backlight the backdrop…cool effect!

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Walking Suit Silkstone Barbie

People are running not walking to get their hands on this beauty and I can’t say as I blame them.  She is a stunner!  Classic Silkstone design and Robert Best’s 1950’s inspired couture have combined for a home run of a collector doll.  At the time of this blog post, she is already sold out at Barbie Collector and is flying off the shelves at retailers.  If you want this lady, I would suggest sooner rather than later.  She won’t last long. 

Her hair is beautifully styled and crisp.  The hat takes some finessing to get it to sit correctly but not too bad.  I did end up pinning mine onto the head to get it to sit the way I wanted.  I love the little ornate gloves on this lady.  Those were an unexpected surprise.  This lady will be a model for many re-dressings for sure.  Love the dramatic face paint on her!  Can’t wait to try this trim little suit on some of my Fashion Royalty ladies too.

 

Model:  Walking Suit Silkstone Barbie

Edition size: no more than 6600 worldwide

Gold label

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What’s on Deck ?

No I did not fall into a hole.  Well I kind of did and it was called the “Suessical” hole.  I was stage manager for my daughter’s school musical so I have been busy coming up with last minute costume additions and teaching tech cues to a bunch of sixth graders…FUN.  The shows went off without a hitch and kids and families had a great time.  Finally had some time with my beloved Canon today and here is a sneak peak of what is coming to the fashion studio.

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Happy Birthday Barbie!!

To celebrate, Barbiecollector.com is having a sale. 

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For the Vintage Barbie Collector…Let’s Play Barbie

I am not a vintage Barbie collector but I certainly admire those who are.  You will not meet a more Barbie knowledgeable group than vintage Barbie collectors.  Mattel announced at Barbiecon that they would be releasing a Barbie reproduction set that would give you a choice of three different hair colors of a vintage reproduction Barbie and you would get 4 vintage reproduction outfits with it.  This set was a huge crowd favorite at the Mattel preview at convention and now it is finally available to order.  This set was designed by the very talented and fellow collector..Mattel’s Bill Greening.  The set retails for….ready for it….$175.00.  I guess you have to look at the fact you are getting 4 outfits and the doll in vintage reproduced packaging.   This price may put it out of many collectors price range but it sure does look like a fabulous set and a must have for any vintage reproduction collector.  I am considering this set. 

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

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  Spring                                                     Summer

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Fall                                                          Winter

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If you are a collector of or just a lover of vintage Barbie….it’s time to play.  For more information on this product and how to order please visit Barbiecollector.com at  http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/lets-play-barbie-doll-w3505


The Royal Couple

Okay…raise your hand if you got up super early in the morning to watch the royal wedding last year.  I know I did…or rather I set the television to record it.  I think it is fair to say most everyone loves a good wedding.  When you add in “Royal”, it adds a whole other dimension to the mix.  There was the wild speculation about the gown.  There were the royals.  And…there were the hats.  It was only a matter of time before they were made into the perfect Barbie and Ken right?  I had no idea this was coming but should have given the popularity of the royal wedding.   It is my understanding that this is a new face mold for Ken and It looks like a good resemblance to the real Prince William.  The Duchess Kate doll is lovely but looks to be more of a “ Barbie as…” representation.  The set  is said to retail for $100 and is set to be released around their one year anniversary in April.  Awwwww!  How romantic.

 

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

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