New Silkstone Sneak Peek…and a little more
Mattel released photos of a new 2012 BFMC Evening Gown Silkstone that will be available later this year. She is a beautiful AA in a gorgeous pink and white confection of a gown.
***Photos are property of Mattel, Inc. ***
And….. I have heard from multiple sources that this is a sketch of another Silkstone coming in the fall of this year.
It’s a redhead in yellow gown with grey accents and grey gloves!!! I believe this is indeed the doll that was sneaked in the picture with the drafting table that I blogged about in January( https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2012/01/20/an-inside-look-at-robert-bests-2012-bfmc-world/ ). AHHHHHH! I am in complete and total love. Putting my preorder in for these lovelies as I type this.
Possible inspiration for this gown??? –Dior Spring 2011 Couture.
** Photo from Style.com**
BFC Registration Clarification
Good Morning fashion doll fans. This is a morning that many Barbie collectors have waited for. Registration for the Barbie Fan Club (BFC) 2012 begins today at 9:00AM PST. There is an important piece if information that I neglected to share with my first post about this a few weeks back.
Current BFC members can reregister beginning at 9:00AM PST 2/08/12. If you are not a current member, all remaining spots will be open for registration on 2/15/12.
So, if you are a current BFC member today is the first day you can register. There is no question for me. I am registering at 9:00AM PST or very soon thereafter. Can’t wait to get the club doll this year.
*** Photos are property of Mattel, Inc. ***
And…as a gift you will receive one of these…
It’s a no brainer for me.
For more information about The Barbie Fan Club visit www.barbiecollector.com
Darya enjoys a winter concert.
Model: Darya Silkstone Barbie
Jewelry: Darya Silkstone Barbie
Gown and Coat: Winter Concert Barbie
Ken: James Bond 007 Ken
Set: Gold console table found on Ebay. Leopard shade lamp – Marann Roy furniture ( http://maryannroy.wordpress.com/) Ornate wall panel made by me. Flooring is wood parquet floor paper.
An Inside Look at Robert Best’s 2012 BFMC World?
Here are a few interesting photos that might give us all a better feel for the direction of the BFMC this year. They are available at http://ph8442.com/site/2012/01/issue-2/
** Photos are property of Mattel, Inc.**
Here are a few of the shots….
Oh my word!!! If only one could have this set for their own collection. I WOULD DIE! Now….have to figure out how to make my own studio. Audrey…if you are reading this…can you rustle up a few of those french doors for me??!! Are the sketches on the little drafting table a clue to something else coming this year? I swear I see a redhead in a a gold dress. Wish I could see the details better. Are there any clues on that clothing rack? What about the dress the model above is wearing? Let the speculation begin….and she is off and running folks.
Barbie Fan Club 2012 Registration Begins 2/8
We just finished the registration for Integrity Toy’s WClub so now it is Mattel’s turn. The Barbie Fan Club has many perks and another active forum of collectors to participate in but…and you know the drill by now…you have to be a member. One of the lovely things about the BFC is that there is no time limit to sign up. There is , however, a membership limit. Their literature states that they will sell 7500 memberships and that is all. The club doll will also be limited to a specific number and the club doll has sold out the last couple of years. This year, the BFC has a wonderful lineup of club exclusive dolls. The highlight for me is the club doll itself “Afternoon Suit” Barbie. She is a Silkstone and her suit looks to have been inspired by Dior. If you are at all interested in the BFC, I would recommend joining early. My prediction is that this lady will sell out.
** photos are property of Mattel Inc. **
Inspiration? Dior Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2009
Other dolls in the works for the club are: “Rush of Gold ” and “Holiday Hostess”
Rush of gold is listed as a platinum doll ( get your valium ready!)
Whoever inspired the club doll, my hat is off to them. LOVE this lady!!! Will I be buying? Yep! As fast as my little keys can hit the keyboard. Not sure about the doll with her pageboy and bangs hairstyle. In my experience, this hairstyle on the Silkies rarely comes out as nice as the promo photos but I will be more than happy to be wrong on this. She has the look of Anna Wintour don’t you think? Mattel will be releasing additional information on 02/01/2012. For information now , feel free to go to the Barbie Collector sight or just click on the picture bellow.
Twilight …The Wedding dolls
Okay…so you knew it was coming right? With the success of the previous Twilight dolls you knew that Mattel was not going to let this cash cow go without coming out with the wedding set right? Well, if you have been anticipating this set, your waiting is almost over. Rumor on the street is that Bella and Edward in their wedding finery are indeed being produced and someone has sneaked some photos. Keep in mind that Mattel has not officially given it’s blessing on these dolls but here is what is RUMORED to be going on.
When: One source lists February as release date but again….RUMOR
Price: Rumored to be $29.95 for each…not a set people….each.
There are some indications that another Jacob is coming out too….time will tell.
Will definitely be getting these guys for the clothing alone. Love Edwards tux but the doll…MEH. Bella is beautiful if she comes out looking like the prototype here. The Carolina Herrera designed gown for the movie was so simple and successfully crossed into the uber chic and elegant category..IMO. I hope the actual gown looks as good as the promo shots. Already thinking of plans for a photoshoot……..
** picture is of Alfred Angelo knockoff** pretty good representation if you ask me 
Grace Kelly Barbie and Bellissima Couture
Model: Grace Kelly Bride Silkstone
Gown: Bellissima Couture (http://bellissimacouturefashions.wordpress.com/)
Shoes: Louboutin shoe pack by Mattel
Poodle: Randall Craig
Chair: Pure Dream ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-6-Barbie-Furniture-Uphostered-Pink-Chair-Armchair-Sofa-SL004-/250944194504?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6d7087c8)
Bottle Brush Tree: Bethany Lowe trees
**note** tree is sitting on stone urn. Urn does not come with the tree. I found that at a little craft shop close to my house.
Preferably Pink for early Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi
Preferably pink refers to the doll in this photo but it really could be the gown as well. This was perhaps my favorite Bogue’s Vogues purchase of the year though choosing a favorite Bogue’s Vogue is like choosing my favorite child between my two kids….impossible. This delicious pink cotton pique number with rolled black velvet collar is paired with a black velvet hat with netting bow. TO DIE FOR! Once again Mr Bogue…that hat is off to you. Ms. Preferably Pink has had her hair restyled at the salon de Berry.
Model: Preferably Pink Silkstone Barbie
Gown and hat: Bogue’s Vogues (http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
Shoes: Mattel
Wall panel: made by me ( tutorial is available here…https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2011/03/19/the-wall-panel-background/)
Bottle Brush Tree: Bethany Lowe Pastel bottle brush tree
** tree is sitting on a miniature stone urn. The urn does not come with the tree**
Black Diamonds Anyone?
One of the highlights of going to doll conventions for me is the opportunity to see, photograph and sometimes purchase a One of A Kind doll ( okay so that’s my favorite part LOL!). I feel extremely blessed to have some truly amazing OOAK works of art in my collection and they mean even more because I have come to know the artists behind the work. One of my all time favorite OOAK artists is Matt Sutton. This past summer at the Ft. Lauderdale Barbie Convention, I was able to add this beauty to my collection and have finally put her in front of the camera. It is always a joy to photograph something sooooo beautiful.
OOAK Silkstone “Black Diamond” by Matt Sutton (http://mattsutton.com/)
And…because the front shots don’t really give the full story of the detail that went into this lady…here are some closeups of more detail.
The first 2012 Silkstones are announced!
The people attending the BFC ( Barbie Fan Club ) event at this summers Barbie Convention in Ft. Lauderdale Florida were shown a preview of one of the 2012 Silkstones . The Silkstone designs, according to their designer Robert Best, are going back to the classic lines of the 1950’s. The line for 2012 is being called “Atelier” which defined means artist studio. I am looking forward to a return to the classics and the photos from these first two offerings have me very excited to see what the rest 2012 will hold for this fabulous line of dolls from Mattel.
BFMC Walking Suit Barbie
Release date: March 2012
Est. retail $ 75.00
** Photos are property of Mattel Inc. **
BFMC Party Dress Barbie
Release date: April 2012
Est. Retail $ 100.00
Photos of the next BFC club doll were also shown to the BFC members this past Tuesday. I can’t show photos of this lovely lady until I get an okay from Mattel but all I can say is that if you like Silkstones, gorgeous day suits, hats and Dior….RUN don’t walk to sign up for the 2012 BFC. The BFC will be open for new members sometime in February of 2012. Check the Barbie Collector site( www.barbiecollector.com ) for more information.
Supply and Demand…Barbie Economics 101
I worked in the stock market for many years before I left the private sector. I enjoyed many a frenetic day watching stocks take off during various IPO’s ( Initial public offerings ). It was always thrilling to gage the “when to buy” and “when to sell” in those exciting times. Some times you gambled and won…sometimes you didn’t ( those days were usually followed by a half a bottle of wine and a “better luck next time” pep talk to myself LOL!). Even though I have been “out of the business” for many years, I still like to watch the markets and enjoy seeing the rules of economics play out. We are seeing a prime example of the laws of economics playing out in the Collector Barbie world as we speak and there has been a lot of angst displayed on various doll boards. If you have not be following, here is a bit of background.
The TokiDoki Barbie was introduced in late September and many adult collectors were excited to see this product.
** Photo property of Mattel, Inc. **
She is cute with her leopard leggings, pink pageboy, silver glitter stilettos and…well…is that a dog? Anywhoo..she is cute. I was aware of the tattoos on this lovely lady and I thought they made her look hip and edgy certainly not trashy. Well apparently there are those who would disagree and feel that the tattoos degrade the wholesome value of Barbie. Some have enlisted the help of the press and gone on to imply that this pink haired tattooed Barbie could be a negative influence on their dear and impressionable children. Really??!! Maybe… if she was smoking a cigarette and downing a six-pack…but I fail to believe leopard leggings and tattoos on a Barbie could do more damage than the average night of American reality TV. Just my opinion but I digress.
Now here is where it gets interesting and those rules of economics come into play. We have a limited supply of these lovely tattooed ladies. Visibility, increases the demand for said product. Even though the press, so to speak, is negative it is still press and additional demand is realized. As the negative comments get bigger press coverage ( this story was carried on NBC and CBS)demand continues to increase until demand exceeds supply so that a shortage is established and price of product increases. We now have a sellers market and this Barbie that sold for $50.00 two days ago is currently selling on ebay for an average of $250.00…. A Barbie commodity.
So I guess my question is this. How did we get here? Did it really only take a few negative comments by a couple of puritan parents to set off a series of events that created a Barbie commodity? I realize you needed a slow news day and some very thirsty for content editors out there but still. Is it really that easy to create a “run on the bank” with collectibles these days? I know many collectors are very upset that these dolls are going for such an extreme price on ebay and some are blaming the sellers. I hate to point it out but there wouldn’t be inflated prices unless there were buyers out there paying those inflated prices. It all comes back to supply and demand and …. I guess… a few parents who simply draw the line at tattoos and leopard leggings.
An Updo Hair Tutorial
Over a year ago, a very nice woman wrote to me and asked if I would share some tips on a certain hairstyle I had done. I was all enthused to do a hair tutorial and had every intention of posting the information. Well…of course…I never got around to posting it. My bad! While at the recent Fashion Royalty convention in Chicago, I met a very lovely woman from France and yes…you guessed it….she was the one who had originally asked for information on how to do a certain hairstyle. Now, having met this person face to face and having promised to post a tutorial, I hereby dispatch my duty LOL!
And for the lovely Rebecca V. from Paris, this one is for you . Merci beaucoup pour votre patience en attendant que cette information.
Here is a photo of the restyled table dolls I gave at the last Barbie Convention:
*** A word of caution about this tutorial. Once I do the dolls hair in an updo, it is not coming down. It is a permanent hairstyle change. If you are looking for temporary hairstyle changes, this is not the tutorial for you. ** Also…it is highly recommended to practice on a less expensive vinyl doll first. I practiced on some older playline dolls of my daughters before I tackled the Silkstones.
I use the following products when I restyle doll hair:
1. Firm Hold Hair Gel
2. brush and rat tail comb
3. Straight pins ( nickel plated…so far no reaction with Silkstone vinyl)
4. Small clear rubber bands
5. A thimble
First, I liberally apply the gel to the section of hair that I will be styling and rubber band it at the top/back of head.
Then I put a rubber band about an inch and 1/2 down from the other rubber band and leave a small section out from the right side of the hair bundle. This will be used to cover up the rubber band …you will see what I mean.
Next, I pull the section of hair around the rubber band…..
The gel will help keep it in place for a bit but I try to hold it there while I work on the rest.
The next step is the one that normally bothers people…yes…I cut the hair. Please avert your eyes if you can’t handle it.
Once the hair is cut, I fold it forward towards the face. Notice that piece of hair that I left out of the bundle is wound around the bottom rubber band and hanging off to the right side of the dolls head.
Fold the hair forward, concealing the ends of the hair under the bundle.
Hold firmly and insert pin on top of hair bundle. I use a thimble to push the pin down into the head.
I usually use 3-5 straight pins for this updo but you may need more or less depending on the doll and the amount of hair. I put one in the middle and one a little bit to the left and right. Keep in mind that if you are working on a Silkstone head, you will need to use a fair bit of force to get that pin in her head. I highly recommend a thimble if working with Silkstones.
Once you have put in enough pins and the hair is staying up on it’s own without you holding it, you can take care of the section of hair that should still be hanging out the back from where you covered the rubber band.
I use very sharp small sewing scissors for this .
Then I fix the end of the cut hair with a dab of hair gel to “glue” it in place.
Et Voilà!
I usually spend a few minutes snipping stray hairs and smoothing bumpy hair with the hair gel if needed.
I typically finish the hairstyle with a very fine mist hairspray. Make sure you protect the dolls face when you spray as some sprays can affect the face paint or finish.
Here are some of the ladies hanging out while they dry after I sprayed them.
Hope this helps explain it! If there are any questions, feel free to contact me…otherwise, have fun styling those ladies.
Beautiful Beaux–Part Deux
I felt the need to photograph the new Fashion Royalty convention exclusive by Dressmaker Details on a Silkstone. I also wanted to photograph the adorable dress beneath the shrug….my previous photos really didn’t show off that. Also, the gloves are leather-like and fit really, really well on a silkie. LOVE them! I am starting to pull out the holiday stuff for photos so be prepared….Christmas trees will show up randomly from now through January LOL! I am also looking forward to photographing the Fashion Royalty Convention collection when it arrives ( taps foot impatiently while waiting 
). Oh and not to mention…but I will definitely mention…I have a couple of new hats by the talented Allyrenee to showcase in some upcoming photos.
Model: Restyled Silkstone Verushka
Ensemble: Dressmaker Details “Beautiful Beaux” ( available at www.windycitydolls.com )
More Grace from Mattel!
Mattel has just announced a new addition to the vinyl Grace Kelly Barbie line. Robert Best has designed her wearing the incredibly beautiful black and white Rear Window “fresh from the Paris plane” gown designed by Edith Head. I am jumping up and down excited….squeeeeeeeel! Many costume historians put this gown down as one of the most copied and iconic gowns ever worn by Grace Kelly. She is listed as a “pink label” doll and is scheduled for release in December. She is listed for $34.95 currently on www.pinkponytail.com
Dear Santa….please put one of these under the Christmas tree for me 
**Note** Photo is property of Mattel, Inc.
Mattel also released photos of a new Barbie designed by Robert Best called Hope Diamond Barbie. Here name may change down the road but here are the first photos of her. She will retail for $74.95 and is due out in Spring of 2012. Steep price but it is the Hope Diamond after all. LOVE the gown and the gorgeous red hair. I hope the production doll looks very similar to this!
**Note** Photo is property of Mattel, Inc.
Summer Magic
I think Steven Frasier is amazing. I believe I have almost every couture outfit Dressmaker Details has ever produced. I love his aesthetic and the fact that he fits his clothing to fit both the more voluptuous Fashion Royalty and the slimmer Barbie Silkstone form. I also appreciate the details he puts into his product. If you are buying a couture outfit, you will get the jewelry, purse,gloves, nylons and shoes to go with it. He typically designs a special couture outfit for the National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention each year. It is something I look forward to every convention. This year, his design was called “Summer Magic” and indeed it is. I absolutely adore this creation…so frothy and feminine. It also fits in with my collection perfectly. It was very hard to find a model to wear this lovely creation. There were simply too many choices. I wanted a model who would showcase the femininity of this gown and really enhance the beautiful soft blue of it’s fabric. I finally settled on High Tea and Savories because I just love the haughty high fashion look of this lady. Her soft makeup palette makes her a favorite of mine when I have an uber feminine gown. I also felt the beautiful blue of her eyes would be complimented by the gorgeous color of this gown.
The details of this gown are worth the purchase alone. The dress has little sequins and beads sewn into the soft tulle. The bracelet is phenomenal. I had trouble closing it around my models wrist so I added a small round silver link and it works perfectly now. If you don’t already use these, a pair of bullnose curved pliers are a must when it comes to putting jewelry on these diminutive divas.
Model: High Tea and Savories Silkstone Barbie
Outfit: Dressmaker Details “Summer Magic” ( http://www.masterstrokecanada.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=MC&Category_Code=DRE
Barbie Basics 2.5
They can move! The 2.5 Barbie Basics are articulated. I know that many people have been waiting for these beauties. I include myself in that group. I am really enjoying the additional pose options with these ladies and I have yet to redress them. I particularly like the skinny jeans on the blond model…cute, cute, cute.
Models: Barbie Basics 2.5 (model #4, 8 and 14) http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/browse/term/1195
2012 Barbie Sneak Peek’s from NBDCC
Well…I was apparently incorrectly under the impression that this information was not supposed to be shared outside of the Barbie Fan Club(BFC) but since everyone else is sharing it and posting photos outside of the BFC, I might as well join the club 
The BFC hosted an event at NBDCC this year where they showed some things that are coming up in 2012. First and foremost, the BFMC is going back to its roots with classic styling. They had one of the silkies on display and I think she is gorgeous!!
a little blurry but thought I would include it….
And Mr. Best with his beautiful creation.
Next up was Bill Greening with next years vintage reproduction offerings
It is my understanding that you can have your pick of blond, brunette or redhead and you will receive all four reproduction outfits with the doll. One for each season…Spring( Garden Party), Summer ( Resort Set), Fall( Dinner At Eight) and Winter(Winter Holiday). Eeeeeek! Too much loveliness!!
Lastly, they showed us what is in store for the final Barbie Basics line. It is Barbie Basics 3.0 and they will be in swimsuits.
I believe these are the accessory packs that will be available with this line…adorable!
I can’t wait for 2012!!!
Grace Kelly Silkstone–Studio Shots Part II
Okay..so I wanted to use my trifold mirror in the worst way so I used that for the first set of photos. Then I used my favorite graduated black to white background because I thought It would look good with the white gown. Hope you guys think so too. I really love how these shots turned out! No major photoshopping folks…she really is this beautiful.
Grace Kelly Silkstone–Studio Shots Part I
Just spent the last two days taking and processing the photos of Grace Kelly Silkstone “The Bride”. I thought I would go ahead and post the first batch. I have been saving this tri fold mirror for a special shoot. It always gave the feeling of a cathedral window. I felt it worked perfectly here with Ms. Grace in her beautiful wedding gown. Here face screening is some of the best I have seen on a Barbie bar none. This lady and her gown love the camera and I hope you all enjoy the photos a much as I enjoyed taking them.
Coming tomorrow……
Grace Kelly Silkstone is Here!!
Grace Kelly The Bride has arrived. I was ready and waiting for this lady to hit the Barbie Collector shop. I can’t remember when I have waited with such delight for a doll to arrive…well…okay so I can remember…when my convention boxes arrived with Matt Sutton OOAK’s ..but that’s not the point. The point is I was very excited to receive this new Grace Kelly Silkstone. She does not disappoint. She is exquisite!! I can’t believe the attention to detail on this lady. I love, love, love the plain gold band on her ring finger and the little prayer book.
And this is just with my point and shoot! Studio shots coming soon…….
NBDCC 2011 – Why we keep going back.
Everyone has their own personal favorites of convention. We all enjoy the room shopping, the events, the sales room and the convention dolls. But let’s face it….we don’t go to convention primarily for these things. At the end of the day, we go to convention because of the people. We go because of the Barbie friends we have made in the past and the new friends we hope to make at each and every convention. We go to share a love for a hobby that has grown beyond our own personal sphere. We are compelled to share this love with others who feel the same way. We leave with our emotional cups full to overflowing and many of us move forward with the exciting knowledge that we will have the opportunity to see friends and share again the following year.
Each time I have attended the National Barbie Doll Collector Convention I feel I have left the convention a better person. That is due entirely to the people I have met. This year I had the supreme pleasure of sitting at Judy O’s table 19. Words alone cannot express my appreciation for their generosity and welcoming kindness. I am never someone who feels they can effectively convey something in words….my preference is to pick up the camera and show it in a picture. So….here is the reason I go to convention……
New Barbie friend Debra and I (photo below is courtesy of Brad (starboy9 on BFC….Thank you Brad!!))
Barbie Buddy Supreme….Sheree
Fantastic Barbie buddies Barb, Mary and Barbara
The lovely ladies of Judy O’s Table 19!
And because a few photos is never enough for me…..a video with more photos LOL! Hope you enjoy.
Hope to see every one in California next year!!
NBDCC 2011–The Official Convention Doll
Typically, the last evening of convention there is a final dinner and you receive the official convention doll. At this years convention, as it was Ken’s 50th anniversary, we received a doll set. A beautifully designed and crafted Barbie and Ken set designed by the very talented Matt Sutton and Matt Trujillo. I just can’t say enough about this pair of gentleman….LOVE YOU GUYS!
Here is a quote from Matt Sutton about the inspiration and ideas behind the dolls….
“They weren’t designed as “formal”– the thought expressed to us was that they were a young couple in 1961 in Ft Lauderdale, went to a lovely dinner, and found themselves taking a long romantic walk on the beach at night. It’s dinner jacket and party dress, not tux and ballgown. Matching ties and/or a cummerbund seemed too “formal” and “prom”, which wasn’t the esthetic we were going for. Plus we loved the idea that she was dressing in “his” color (the aqua) as a tribute to him, vs the matchy matchy…
We actually did a TON of research for the era, and made sure things were as accurate as possible, and still within our design sense. Ken’s jacket– did you notice his little gold cufflinks? (another subtle homage to the 50th) Her dress is very much of the era, and the sash is sort of a signature of mine– again, the aqua is Barbie paying tribute to her main squeeze. ^_^”
Still in the box…..
And…..out of the box and in the studio………..
NBDCC 2011– The Raffle Room
Many people may not be aware that the NBDCC raises tens of thousands of dollars for designated charities each year. The money is raised through three functions. 1) The silent auction event where amazing items are generously donated( see blog post Beach Party and Silent Auction) 2) The live auction where doll artist like Magia2000, Matt Sutton, Artist Creations and Steven Frasier of Dressmaker Details donate some exquisite pieces of work that are auctioned off. 3) The raffle room where fantastic donations from Barbie lovers from every corner of the world are displayed and you put a ticket in the box in front of any item you hope to win. You can buy your raffle tickets in advance or they can be purchased at convention. Many conventioneers buy hundreds of tickets and help support the designated non profit charities of the convention. This years charities were The Children’s Home Society of Florida and The Poverello Center. Here are just a few of some of the amazing things you could dream of winning in the Raffle Room.
And the room was full with these amazing gift baskets!
To all those generous collectors who donated to the raffle room a big round of applause. To the lucky individuals who won something, “Congratulations”. A big personal “Thank You” to everyone who was in the raffle room when I shot these photos. I was constantly in the way with my big camera and monopod but everyone was so nice and patient letting me get the shot before depositing their tickets.
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 