Big OOAK Sale Today!!
Hello all! Just wanted to give a shout out about an exciting sale going on today for all you vintage and OOAK Barbie lovers out there. The talented duo of Hilda Westervelt and Maryann Roy have a new collection of Mannequin Mavens they are debuting today as well as fashions by Hilda and furniture by Maryann. They are working with some amazing prints from David Rose this time around and the results are nothing short of stellar! There is sure to be something for everyone in this epic sale and if you are one of the many who are sad about not attending Barbiecon this year, here is your chance to get some of the things you only see there. For all the images and prices of what is available, please visit Hilda’s or Maryann’s blogs at
www.bellissimacouturefashions.com (Hilda) fashions
www.maryannroy.com (Maryann) Furniture, Room Boxes and OOAK Mannequin Mavens.
To entice you to go, here are a few luscious images of some of the things available today.
The Mannequin Maven Collection
Hilda also has some fantastic OOAK fashions that she is offering. Here are a few.
All these beauties are available either through Maryann’s (OOAK’s and furniture) or Hilda’s ( fashions) blogs so go check out their websites!
–Rebecca
Opening the Treasure Chest: “Tokyo Chic”
One of the things I enjoy most about The National Barbie Doll Collector Convention are the amazing One of a Kind (OOAK) artists that bring their creations to the convention. Most of them sell at private shows or in their rooms in the days leading up to the official start of the convention. Many collectors, including myself, go up to 4 days early to convention so they can attend these private parties and see what kind of OOAK creations they can add to their collections. For some collectors, these OOAK’s are the focus of their collection. There are so many talented artists within this community.
One such artist is Julia Lapshova of Julia Originals. I was lucky to get to her room early enough and purchased this lovely creation. Her attention to detail and tailoring is always extraordinary. I am so very happy to have Ms. Tokyo Chic in my personal collection. You can also follow Julia on Facebook.
“Tokyo Chic”
-Rebecca
Who Says Redheads Can’t Wear Pink?!
This is a fashion rule somewhere right? The fact that redheads should not wear pink. Why do so many of us seem to have this rule stuck in our heads? Where did this come from? I am sure there are some circumstances in which redheads in pink don’t work out. Mustard yellow and I definitely don’t mix well…but that is a different story. I recently received a few items that my brain was telling me “don’t go together”, but my eyes were giving me a whole other input. I went with the eyes and told the brain to go have a glass of wine and relax.
This statement of a gown is another beauty in sequins from PonnePP you can find him and contact him via his Flickr site( www.flickr.com/ponne1984). I featured the red version in February. The other dazzlers in this shot are the amazing Silkstone repaint of Gala Gown by Jon Copeland-Childers of SeloJSpa and a princess tiara by CHATIARA2015.
This combination just had me seeing her as a princess.
I have to admit…I am a little obsessed with this tiara right now. It’s so detailed and exquisite. It’s an investment for sure (not cheap!) and in my opinion a good investment. I received my first crown and it was damaged, so they immediately sent me a new one and paid for the return shipping of the damaged crown. Fair and fast. A class operation. The shine and sparkle of this just can’t be captured adequately in my photos. The designer’s name is Chawalit Chommuang and you can find him on Facebook at God Diamonds. Really beautiful work. The link to find and purchase this crown is CHATIARA2015. **note: the crown might be a little big on some smaller heads or tight hairstyles. Just want to mention that. **
PonnePP’s gowns are just amazing. All those little elongated sequin tiles!
-Rebecca
Love in Praga
This past year at The National Barbie Doll Collector Convention, the talented Magia2000 team of Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi presented a collection that was very close to their hearts. They showcased a OOAK collection centered on the theme of love. A fitting theme as they announced at this event that they would be tying the knot themselves later that year. How special is that?!! There wasn’t a dry eye in the house after that announcement. With all of the love going on in that room, many collectors walked away with the right to purchase some of this stunningly beautiful collection. They used a new system of drawing numbers and when your number was drawn you could choose from what was left or decline to purchase. The people who had their numbers chosen early walked away with their first choice of the options. I was lucky enough to have my number chosen while one of my favorites was still up for purchase. Her name is “Love in Praga” which I understand to mean Love in Prague. I am honored and so very pleased to have this one of a kind creation in my collection and was so happy to participate in this celebration of love at the NBDCC in 2015.
To see more of the beauties Mario and Gianni designed for this past convention, feel free to visit the gallery at their site Magia2000.
-Rebecca
Back to Basics
What do I mean by that? Good question. With all the negativity going on right now surrounding this new articulated silkstone body from Mattel and the general feeling that they are not listening to their adult collector community, I took a moment to refocus. I was getting too wrapped up in the negativity of the bad front end user interface of the Barbie Collection website and the lack of information and general feel of apathy coming from Mattel. I needed to come back to why I like to collect…”Why am I doing this?”. I needed to go look at my collection and start falling in love again. It didn’t take long. I went into the studio and took some photos and started rediscovering why I love to collect fashion dolls. It’s not about Mattel and what they do and don’t do. It’s not about Integrity Toys either. They do play a part because it is their products that fuel a passion but it’s not why I collect.
The love lies in what is done with these fashion models. It’s the creativity and support of the community that truly fuels and sustains the love of this hobby. With so much hurt and negativity going on right now, I think it’s time to pull back and refocus on my collection and what I enjoy most about it. I am not one to be driven by the acquisition of a thing nor am I what some consider a completest. Contrary to some people’s believe, I do not own every Silkstone Barbie ever made ( although I would not turn down the opportunity to LOL!). What I strive to do is have a collection of things that I truly enjoy. So…that is what I am going to try do do with the blog this year. Focus on enjoying the collection I have and not get tied up in where Mattel is going with their product line or not going with their website. It’s time to enjoy the collection I have. And I hope to share that enjoyment with you all through the photos I produce.
This gorgeous lady came to me at this past year’s Barbie Collector convention in Virginia. She is a Mannequin Maven. Mannequin Maven’s are the collaborative team of the very talented Maryann Roy and Hilda Westervelt. I love it when these two gifted artists get together and create! They never disappoint. Hilda and Maryann have collaborated for various charity donations for GAW, Kenvention, NBDCC and Rome Fashion Doll Convention.
The poodle…well…the poodle is a whole other story. That little guy came to me through a new friend made at Barbie convention and it quickly became my travel companion and sort of travel meme through the entire trip. For those in the “poodle club” …and you know who you are…it was time to bring the poodle out for a real photo shoot. We really need to give this little guy a name before next convention.
The Perks of Being a Shipping Buddy
If you are a doll collector outside of the United States, it is sometimes very handy to have a shipping buddy within the U.S who can combine a bunch of your purchases and send it in one big box to help save on the shipping. If you are a BFC member that lives outside the U.S., you need a shipping buddy to receive your purchases from BarbieCollector as they do not ship outside the U.S. ( grumble, grumble…really?!!). It is also a treat when you share the same collecting habits of your shipping buddy and they allow you to photograph some of their purchases. I have to give a big shout out to my friend and fellow blogger Rogier of Dutch Barbie World for allowing me to photograph and share one of his recent OOAK purchases. She is a beauty!!
Model: Repainted and re-rooted 45th Anniversary Silkstone by Xiaolan. Here is her Facebook page. Here is her Ebay store. She does beautiful work!
Dress: Bellissima Couture. Love the little dragonflies in this print!!
Shoes: Mattel
The doll came with a certificate of authenticity. Nice touch.
The Allure of Dior
For most fashion lovers, all you have to say is the word Dior, and we are listening. Dior has been in the headlines of many collector FB pages and blogs recently because of a brand new exhibition in China right now. It is called Le Petit Théâtre Dior.
The exhibit is patterned off of the Théâtre de la mode exhibition that opened in Paris in March of 1945. Théâtre de la mode brought together European design houses to exhibit couture designs on small wire mannequins. It was done to reinvigorate a flagging fashion industry after World War II. The current beautifully constructed Dior exhibit also uses smaller mannequins to display some of Dior’s most famous fashions past and present. The fact that these are shown in small scale is enough to get me excited about this traveling exhibit ( oh please, please, please bring this one to the States!). The real bonus is…and here I concur with my friend Rogier who writes the very informative Dutch Barbie World blog…the exquisite sets they have designed for these small recreations. To a diorama enthusiast, these are pure heaven. Yes I would be one of those annoying people at this exhibit who simply would NOT move so you could see what was inside the case. I would need the entire day to commit to memory every detail in every display. Seriously….I am not kidding.
One of the cornerstones in this new exhibition appears to be the “Miss Dior” gown. The original “Miss Dior” gown was designed by Christian Dior in 1949
source: www.dior.com
Raf Simons, the current designer for the house of Dior, resurrected this design in his Fall 2012 couture collection and added a more modern spin.
source: www.style.com
It was used in the ad campaigns for the Miss Dior perfume.
source: www.dior.com
Mr. Simons even designed a black version of the gown
source: http://thestatementbox.com/2013/11/19/miss-dior-exhibition-at-the-grand-palais/
With this new exhibit, Dior has created a small scale version of the iconic gown from 1949 and gave us an absolutely mesmerizing video to show the making of.
source: www.dior.com
source: www.dior.com
Many, many collectors are just blown away by this gown and are lusting after it for their diminutive diva’s. Wouldn’t you just love to have this in your collection? Well…maybe you can….or at least something very close to it. The talented Hilda of Bellissima Couture will be holding a silent auction for a 1/6 scale replica of the “Miss Dior” gown. Information about the auction should be on her blog today, June 12th.
Reverence for the Repaint…Part II
Here is the third and final repaint I received from from the amazing repaint artist Jon Copeland. She was originally a Suite Retreat™ Barbie® Doll.
source: www.Barbiecollector.com
This is what Jon Copeland did with her. STUNNING!
Gown and Hat: Bogue’s Vogues
Gloves, shoes and jewelry: Mattel
Fur: Dimitha
-Rebecca
It’s been a while…
…since I have posted. For the past month, I have been photographing big dolls on stage as they fly through the air in time to music.
Yes, that’s my dancer daughter in the front. Proud mama moment. Now that dance recital season is over with photos processed and on my website available for happy parents to purchase, I can turn my time and energy to other photography projects. Namely, I can get back to photographing some new acquisitions into the collection. Before I do that however, I wanted to share something.
As a person who loves images and has an even greater love for capturing images, I enjoy going to Flickr to get inspired. I am constantly amazed at the wealth of creativity that can be found there. Yesterday, I saw a photo by a Flickr member whom I follow and who I truly enjoy trading witty comments with. On Flickr, her name is Malibu T. I knew she was a talented painter based on the photos she has shared but I was floored by the project she just shared.
This is what she started with: A Mattel Enchanted Evening Castle
source: Mattel, Inc.
And this is what she did with it:
** all photos below are under Malibu T’s copyright and are being used with her permission**
Holy cow!! She has also gone way above and beyond by sharing on her Flickr page how she did this. If you want to read about it, go here. Way cool!!
Yes, I know I am behind on responding to comments. I will be getting to those tomorrow. 
Reverence for the Repaint
I can do many things when it comes to doll collecting. I cannot do what Jon Copeland does. I can’t even contemplate it. I can, however, observe, enjoy and photograph it.
For those who are interested, she was originally a Mila™ Barbie® Doll.
Worth The Wait
Patience is indeed a virtue. It is a virtue I don’t happen to have a clear grasp of most days. When I send a doll off for repainting, I want it back like yesterday. I like to send a doll off to a repaint artist and give general likes or dislikes but I don’t give specifics about what I want done. I usually like to leave it in the talented and capable hands of the artist and I get what I get. I sent a few ladies off to Jon Copeland of SeloJDesigns a number of months ago and while the wait to get them back was longer than he or I would have liked….it was entirely worth it. I received three sublimely unique and beautifully painted OOAK’s that I am completely in love with. I will be photographing and showing them over the next couple of weeks. They are treasures…each and every one.
I am also going through a a bit of a wedding kick ( you know…the whole June thing) so a few brides will be thrown in the mix as well. My bride fetish and one of my new OOAK’s from Jon combined in the doll room this afternoon for a truly enjoyable photoshoot . I had roughly 30 minutes of sunshine today to do this set of photos. I believe I maximized the time well 
Jon….MWAH!
Italian Doll Convention Auction!
The Italian Doll Convention is a little over a week away and they are auctioning off some stunning OOAK’s to help support a local charity. 100% of the profits from these auctions will go to Casa Oz, a non profit organization that helps provide care to seriously ill children and their families. Here are just a few of the amazing items up for auction.
** photos are courtesy of the Italian Doll Convention**
OOAK DOLL “SPARKLING SATINE” by MAGIA 2000
OOAK BARBIE “MASQUERADE BEAUTY” by MATTEL, DESIGNED BY LINDA KYAW , EXCLUSIVE
OOAK DOLL “MADIVA” by ARTIST CREATIONS
OOAK DOLL “ELPHABA” BY NINIMOMO + CASE
OOAK DOLL “SHADOW AND LIGHT” BY MATTHEW SUTTON
For the whole list of auction items available, go to Italian Doll Convention Ebay auctions. Also, for a much more comprehensive write-up on these auction items, head on over to Rogier’s blog at http://dutchbarbieworld.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/charity-auction-italian-doll-convention/
Holy Cow!!
It’s a Nice Day for a Picnic in Paris
I am still feeling the inspiration from my recent trip to Paris ( hope that sticks around for a while too). That coupled with the recent sunshine and Spring temperatures had me feeling like a Picnic….and here it is.
Model: OOAK Debut Silkstone ( no she isn’t the Paris doll festival Debut but doesn’t she look like one!!) I rerooted a caucasian Debut and repainted the eyebrows.
Dress: Bellissima Couture ( http://bellissimacouturefashions.wordpress.com/)
Hat: Bogue’s Vogues ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
Shoes, Gloves and Jewelry: Mattel
**The photos above were made possible by the following talented artists who were willing to share their amazing photoshop brushes on deviantart: Blazter(JavierZhx) and deseratedeceit. **
Miss Debut here represents my one and ONLY attempt at rerooting a Silkstone. That process is not for a first timer folks. I was lucky to have fingers when I was done and it took about a month LOL! I now have a completely new level of respect for anyone who reroots these Silkies.
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 
. 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
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**
Designed by Director of Design for Barbie Collector, Robert Best
Designed by Mattel designer Carlyle Nuera
OMG!!!!!!
Best of the Best by Robert Best
Designed by Mattel designer Robert Best.
Sighhhhhh! So gorgeous.
Designed by Mattel designer Carlyl Nuera
The writeup on this one explains that this was one of the finalists for this years holiday doll.
Donated by: Mattel designer Zlatan Zukanovic
{Thud} Someone help Rebecca up….she just fainted.
Designed by Mattel designer Yoori Park
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.
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.
Designed by Mattel designer Sally Eagle
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)
2) It has a high drama content…LOVE.
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.
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!}.
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.”
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.
P.S…I Love You, Barbie® and Ken® OOAK Auction
Charitybuzz and Mattel are teaming up again for a OOAK auction. This time, it will benefit the LGBT Community Center of the Desert. Here is the write-up taken directly from the Charitybuzz website. http://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/325204
“Mattel Principal Designer, Jim Holmes, collaborated with Photographer Steven Henke, to create this stunning one-of-a-kind duo Barbie® and Ken® dolls for the Barbie Does Palm Springs Charity Event.
The ultimate Palm Springs girl, PS… I Love You, Barbie® is in a 60’s inspired strapless patio-pant lounger with a citron animal-print caftan. The neck of the caftan and hem of the patio pants are encrusted with gems and jewels.
Ken®, the ultimate poolboy, is dressed in matching hipster stovepipe pants, cropped white knit top, citron flip flips, pork pie hat and sunglasses. And, to show his devotion, Ken sports a tattoo of "Barbie" on his arm.
And no Palm Springs pool party would be complete without a few festive drinks. Pool lounge furniture, a mid-century screen, and pool towels with Barbie and Ken embroidered on them, complete the flagstone set.”
** Photos are property of Charitybuzz **
Oh if only I had a money tree!! Auction ends October 31st.
There are also three photographs by Steven Henke (http://www.barbiedoespalmsprings.com/) up for auction. They are gorgeous!!
If you want to check out the all of the Barbie related auctions, here is the link http://www.charitybuzz.com/search?keywords=barbie
Here are a few photos of other collaborations between Mattel and Charitybuzz.
Warning!! Severe Eye Candy below!!
Pink Diamond™ Barbie® doll
proceeds went to benefit MAC Aids Fund organization
Winter Bliss Barbie®
proceeds went to benefit 2011 Project Angel Food
Oh my!!! Gorgeous dolls and supporting our local communities!! That’s a solid win in my book. 
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)
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.
Celebrating One of a Kind Barbies–Part 4
The unparalleled Joshard
And last but certainly no least the wonderful and gifted Dan Lee
Celebrating One of a Kind Barbies–Part 3
The amazingly talented pair of Nick and Marie who are Ninimomo
Celebrating One of a Kind Barbies part 1
I remember when I was first starting out on this wonderful journey that is fashion doll collecting and I would hear people talking about OOAK’s. I would see the fabulous photos and see OOAK next to it and wonder “ Who is this OOAK and how do I buy”. I finally answered the clue phone and discovered that OOAK means One of a Kind. Duh Rebecca! As I am preparing to attend the annual National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention, I thought it would be fun to look back at some of the OOAK’s I have photographed over the last couple of years and give some love out to those gifted artists that create these amazing beauties. I will post a different artist and photos for the next four evenings then it will be time to post NBDCC photos!
The uber talented and amazing Matt Sutton
Photoshoot Friday – Rita Hayworth came to visit
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 