Guest Blogging for Dutch Fashion Doll World!
Hey all, I am excited to be guest blogging again this weekend for my good friend Rogier of Dutch Fashion Doll World. He is reporting from the Italian Doll Convention this weekend and some really exciting news coming out of that venue right now. Go check it out here!!!
–Rebecca
Guest Blogging this Weekend
Hi all, I am guest blogging for Rogier over on his blog Dutch Fashion Doll World for the next couple of days. Lots going on in Paris so please go check it out at Dutch Fashion Doll World for the next couple of days.
Here is a teaser picture of Friday’s report… Go check it out! Click on the picture to take you there.
-Rebecca
OOAK Doll Festival–A Huge Thank You!!
One hundred collectors of One of a Kind fashion dolls congregated in New York City for an amazing event. It was the first event of it’s kind and it has left this attendee with a huge sense of gratitude and respect for my fellow collectors.
First and foremost, I have to thank Rocky Schmidt and his incredible team of festival organizers. This event was simply amazing. From the moment we registered to the last evenings dinner and doll presentation, it was a beautifully produced and orchestrated event. We all ate, drank and were very merry indeed. Because of the small intimate nature of this festival, you felt like you were attending a family reunion. Collectors of specialized one of a kind fashion dolls gathered from all over the world and although we live in different areas, we were all connected through the love of this particular sub genre of collecting.
While it’s always nice to get some nice ‘swag’ at events, I would say the bulk of enjoyment for most at this event were the people. It’s the enjoyment of being with people who collect exactly what you collect. This convention celebrated in particular the artistry and design of two very well respected and admired OOAK artistic teams…Magia 2000 and Ninimomo. It was a festival that celebrated their artistry and love for this specialized craft .
For me personally, this event had special significance. Firstly, It offered up an opportunity to collaborate on a project with some of my closest friends who work in this 1/6 scale medium. I have long admired and respected Hilda and Rogier’s work. Just to be a part of this team that produced the Laduree diorama was something I am so honored to be a part of.
It was also an honor to donate a few items to the talented collaborators of Hilda Westervelt of Bellissima Couture and Maryann Roy of Welcome Home and their centerpiece doll design.
Besides the festival itself, there were a number of top favorites from the trip.
#1 I got to go to one of my favorite places with a few of my favorite people.
#2 I got to see Rogier enjoy his first NYC hot dog from a stand!
#3 I got to experience the garment district with the master…Hilda
#4 And…I got to enjoy an amazing dinner with some great friends…old and new
And…last but not least, I got to enjoy the city with my husband and daughter ( wish my son could have joined….darn those college classes)
To cap off the whole week of festivities, a number of us from the festival were able to attend a performance of Hamilton!! And it was an opportunity to meet up with in-laws and give a lovely sister-in-law the opportunity to see the show of her heart…on Broadway! That made it all the sweeter.
So…Rocky and Team…from this blogger of fashion dolls…a HUGE Thank you for the memories and events of a lifetime.
-Rebecca
OOAK Doll Festival–Saturday Night Dinner
After the excitement of the mornings design challenge, festival attendees had lunch on their own and an afternoon to shop some more in the sales room or have some well deserved free time. We were all anticipating the final evening event of the festival – The Diamond Jubilee diner featuring a tribute to Ninimomo. The super talented Ninimomo team of Nik Moronese and Marie Lebreton shared a fun video of their design process and a tribute to their loyal fans.
Then it was time to vote, judge and announce the winner of the “Make your own OOAK” design challenge.
The judges convened for a decision
First and Second Runner ups..
And the winner….drum roll please…was our own Rogier Corbeau of Dutch Fashion Doll World!!!! with this stunning entry…
Congratulations Rogier!!
Another highlight of the evening was the collection of past Ninimomo OOAK dolls brought by collectors.
Attendees were asked to vote on their favorite….and here she is.
There were some fabulous table centerpieces!
And they were all slightly different….same outfit but different dolls for each. I thought that was really inventive and cool.
After a fantastic diner, it was time to unveil the Ninimomo convention doll. Each attendee received this one too. Yes people!! TWO official dolls for this festival.
Rocky received a special much deserved OOAK gift from Nik and Marie as well.
It was an amazing evening and total icing on an already amazing cake of a doll festival. Recap and final thoughts and thank-you post coming up tomorrow.
—Rogier and Rebecca
OOAK Doll Festival–Saturday’s design challenge
Saturday morning dawned with a new challenge for festival attendees. Our design challenge was to embellish a simple black dress. Here is what we all started with. A HUGE shout out to Judy O’Connell of Aponi Designs who donated all the accessory sets for this event. Wow Judy!!! You rock!
There was also a centerpiece doll at this event that 10 lucky attendees walked away with. She was designed by the talented duo of Hilda Westervelt of Bellissima Couture and Maryann Roy of Welcome Home. I donated a couple of accessories to their fabulous creation.
With so much creativity and talent in that room…this event was sure to please. It did not disappoint. I had a whole lot of respect for the attendees of this festival going in but after this event…I was blown away by the talent in the room. It was an honor just to be a part of it.
We were all given a pick of a variety of accessory sets. These were just too cute for words. I picked the grey.
And a variety of materials to use in our embellishing.
And people could bring items that they brought from home or had purchased at Mood and M&J Trimming the previous day. It was Project Runway workroom…times 10…and it was fabulous. Mario of Magia 2000 and many other judges were there to offer encouragement, guidance and a “Tim Gun” comment if needed.
It was a fun room of designers all following their own vision. A creativity extravaganza! How glorious!
After a few hours of embellishing, the judges walked around and selected roughly 20 designs that would compete for the winner of the “Make your own OOAK” competition. There was some serious talent in that room people.
Here are some of the designs that moved on to the final round of competition.
Do you have a favorite? The winner would be voted on and announced at the evenings dinner. Anticipation was very high for this event.
—Rogier and Rebecca
OOAK Doll Festival–Friday Dinner
After the sales room frenzy of Friday afternoon, many attendees headed to Mood Fabric in the garment district and if they had time, stopped off at M&J Trimming. I did not attend that outing but many did and had a marvelous time.
The evening event was the Platinum Party Dinner where we all paid tribute to the amazing and creative talents of Gianni Grossi and Mario Paglino who make up the stellar team of Magia 2000. Here they are with Rocky Schmidt the fabulous organizer of this truly one of a kind festival.
There was a table centerpiece…which all of us wanted but only 10 lucky ducks won. Yours truly and her blogging cohort Rogier…were not lucky ducks this evening 
There was also a collection of Magia 2000 creations that were brought and shared by various attendees. It was such a treat to see so many beautiful creations from Magia 2000 past collections. Wish I had time to photograph all of them in the studio!
Once you stopped salivating over the Magia’s…it was time to vote on your favorite “unconventional material” OOAK dolls. Each attendee was given a ticket to vote on their favorite Magia and their favorite unconventional material doll.
There were many creative entries for unconventional materials. In the end…Rogier was 2nd runner up for his masterful concoction. The winner of the competition was an adorable whimsical design and excellent use of pastel confetti material!
The winner of the favorite collector Magia 2000 was this one. Breathtaking!
After a lovely dinner, it was time to unveil the Magia 2000 official convention doll. Each attendee received one! She was an instant favorite. Her name is Manhattan Premiere.
Oh….My….Word!!!!
Here is a sketch that Mario and Gianni share with Rogier and I.
Rocky received a OOAK version of this beauty. A beautiful OOAK lady for a gentleman that put so much time and effort into making this festival happen. You deserve this and so much more for all your work Rocky. We love you!!
Saturday’s events posts coming up..
-Rogier and Rebecca
OOAK Doll Festival–Friday’s Day Events
Friday started with a new and interesting activity. The Unconventional Materials Challenge. Attendees were challenged to create a OOAK dress using things you don’t normally use in couture. Think, plastic, food, paper etc.… We all started with the same basic white short sheath.
We were given a couple of hours to creative a OOAK using these unconventional materials. I have to be honest…this is not in my wheelhouse but let me just tell you…this was definitely in Rogier’s wheelhouse and many other attendees.
See the master at his craft…
Rogier’s final creation that made it into the final! Keep reading to see how he did.
Here are some more creative entries for this event.
A handful of OOAK designs were chosen by a talented panel of designer judges. The final winner would be announced at dinner that night. Anticipation was high and this had to have been one of the most joyful events I have attended at a convention. As you created, you chatted and joked with your tablemates and those of other tables. It was such a fun and creative way to spend the morning with fellow collectors.
This was not the only creative challenge that would be asked of festival attendees. At this unconventional challenge we were shown the doll we were all going to be customizing at another OOAK competition on Saturday. To get us ready for this challenge, the festival held a workshop to show us some techniques
It was led by the talented duo of Hilda Westervelt of Bellissima Couture and Marie Lebreton of Ninimomo.
After lunch on our own, it was time to shop in the sales room!
-Rebecca and Rogier
OOAK Doll Festival–A Sneak Peek at the Sales Room
After the fabulous Opening Gala, it was time for attendees to take a look at what would be available in the sales room on Friday. Many OOAK doll artists were present. Festival attendees were not allowed to purchase at this event but they could have things set aside for purchase when the sales room officially opened on Friday.
Magia 2000: Attendees drew numbers to select some of these amazing beauties!!
Thomas Soderberg
Aponi Designs, Paintbox Designs and Rob’s Dolls
Créations Cotho Corinne Thorner
Bellissima Couture, Inside The Fashion Doll Studio and Dutch Fashion Doll World
And some amazing acrylic display walls by Sheree
We think there was definitely something for everyone in this sales room!
2016 Integrity Toys Convention
Supermodel, Larger than Life on the Catwalk
When this posts, I will be on my way to Chicago to join over 600 other collectors for the IT 2016 Convention. This years theme is sure to be a hit and I can’t wait to see what fabulous things Integrity Toys has planned for us. While I am attending and sharing images ( yes, you can watch on Flickr, FB and Instagram stories). My good friend, Rogier Corbeau of Dutch Fashion Doll World will be taking over the blog. It will work just like Barbiecon. If you want up the second images, follow my Flickr feed. Link is to the right on the blog page. I won’t be posting all images to Flickr…just quick photos. For all images, come back to the blog. I am sure Rogier will do a fine job sharing everything.
-Rebecca
The Madrid Fashion Doll Show Convention–Day 3 The Salesroom
The last day of convention is full of lovely sales room goodies 
But before we get into those, I wanted to show the promotional images from two of the auction items displayed last night. These items will be auctioned off on Ebay in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to Rogier’s blog for information on when those items are up and available for bidding.
Carlyle Nuera released these images on his Instagram and FB page of the glorious design he did.
And here is one for the Magia2000 auction item.
Now on to the Madrid Fashion Doll convention sales room!
Artist Creations brought some beautiful dolls.
And Magia2000 brought some stunners as well.
I believe this beautiful lady went home with someone we know.
And many, many more talented people exhibited their wares
Amazing hats and outfits by Cisca Durieux
And so many more….
And with these final images, I pass the baton back to Rogier for Dutch Fashion Doll World. Rogier will be blogging for me in about a month as I travel to Chicago for the Integrity Toy Convention. Wishing you safe and easy travel back to your home my friend. It has been a pleasure and honor to sit in the editor chair these past few days.
-Rebecca
The Madrid Fashion Doll Show Convention–Gala Dinner continued…
I forgot to mention a few things about the centerpiece in the previous post.
The gold Indian inspired 3D frame around the doll was designed and fabricated by Rogier Corbeau of Dutch Fashion Doll World. The mandala carpet beneath the doll was made by Maria Vergara Bea. This entire centerpiece was sponsored by Douglas Martinez from the Harrisbourg doll Club. Beautiful work everyone!!!
The Gala dinner by all accounts was a glorious and fun affair.
And then it was time for the presentation of the Mattel convention doll!!
Brunette Classic Black Dress articulated Silkstone. Gorgeous!!!
Limited Edition of 221
And the convention was not done handing out the gifts! From the Madrid Fashion Doll Convention organizers:
“Bollywood nights in Madrid”
“This doll is made to celebrate our fourth convention. She has been designed and made by Mon-Lew Designs. She has a rich combination of fabrics and colors.
A special embroidery was made for her.
She is wearing all kinds of Jewelry.
In Bollywood more is the best so she has it all.
The box was designed by Brani Midlanov”
And, as extra extra bonus, a helper doll was given to some of the instrumental people who collaborated and helped bring this fabulous convention to fruition.
MUMBAI TRAVELLER
Made By Mon-Lew Designs to thank collaborators and helpers.
She is a limited edition 30 units
Tomorrow is salesroom day!! I am sure Rogier will have lots of amazing pictures for us of the bounty available at the Madrid Fashion Doll Show. Stay tuned tomorrow.
The Madrid Fashion Doll Show Convention–Gala Dinner
After presentations were over this afternoon, there was one workshop put on by the talented member of Artist Creations Guiseppe de Bellis
Then it was time for the really big party…The Gala Dinner!!! Here are a few images from the dessert table.
The centerpiece doll
“Bolliwood Diva 2.0”
She was an originally designed by Marcelo Jacob, now redesigned by Lewis and made by Joana Costa “Squistish”
And the tables themselves incorporated many of the beautiful colors of India.
Rogier’s table gift. Wish I were at his table!!!
Gorgeous!!
There were beautiful auction items as well. Here are just a few….
Here is beautiful image Magia2000 shared on their instagram
Mattel done by Carlyle Nuera
So, Gala dinner is happening right now. We should have images of convention doll very soon. As I write this, Rogier is sending me videos of some major dancing going on…Bollywood style. LOVE. What a fantastic party!!
-Rebecca
The Madrid Fashion Doll Show Convention–Day 2
The second day of festivities in Madrid began with presentations and an OOAK artist cocktail by Sebastian Atelier. Rogier took some great photos of these events!
Carlyle Nuera gave a presentation from Mattel. No photos were allowed at this event after the introduction. It looks like he was signing his fabulous sketches that people received in their registration bags before the presentation .
Ibrahim Ismail also gave a presentation on Bollywood cinema but sadly, I do not have any images of that. I’m sure it was fabulous.
Conventioneers were given option to attended the OOAK artist cocktail party given by Sebastian Atelier. There were some beautiful OOAK creations to look through and for a lucky few, purchase.
For those who attended the cocktail, there was a beautiful outfit given as a gift.
More info coming later and don’t forget…Gala dinner with presentation of convention doll!!!
-Rebecca
IDC 2016–Sales Room and Raffle
Last post from the IDC. The Italian Doll Convention had an amazing group of collectors and artisans selling in the sales room this year.
Créations Cotho Corinne Thorner
The raffles were equally impressive.
By Rogier’s account and that of many other attendees, this years Italian Doll Convention was amazing. A huge “Thank You” to Rogier and Dutch Barbie World for taking us all along for the ride!!
-Rebecca
IDC 2016–Cocktails and Barbie for President Gala
After the amazing fashion show, it was time for cocktails, nibbles and a really amazing dinner and convention doll reveal.
Once Cocktail hour was over, it was time to go to the Gala dinner.
The amazing Monica Nuñez del Castillo!
And our fabulous table host Rogier and OOAK artist and table hostess Corinne Thorner.
It sounds like the evening was a huge success with lots of money raised for charity…approximately 20,000 Euros!!
The end of the evening brought the anticipated convention doll reveal! Many were thinking it was time for a brunette articulated silkstone…and they were proven correct.
Photos below are courtesy of Jim Taylor {Hugs}. Thank you for letting us use these photos!
Scrumptious!!
Last but certainly not least…our Rogier received an award tonight from the IDC!!! A well deserved recognition for his efforts and work in the collecting community. Congratulations Rogier and Dutch Barbie World!!! ** Thanks to Jim Taylor again for this photo!!**
Happy, Happy Mothers Day!! Sales room photos will be coming your way soon!
–Rebecca
IDC 2016–Texas Ranch Fashion Parade
Most Barbie conventions have some type of fashion show. The Italian Doll Convention certainly followed the tradition.
The foyer of the hotel was decorated for the event.
Gala Dinner info up next…..
-Rebecca
Integrity Toys 2015 Convention “Cinematic” Part 1- The Convention Collection
I was thrilled to attend this years Integrity Toys convention. It was held in Long Beach, CA and the hotel was situated directly across from the water overlooking the Queen Mary. There were many, many fun places to eat and shop and a bonus for me was the opportunity to be treated and taken to a lovely brunch on the Queen Mary by some amazing and generous friends. { Hugs to Jim and Brian! }
This years convention was not marked with the drama of “delayed in customs” containers. The convention collection was a mixture of old and new Hollywood glamour that held mostly true to the “Cinematic” theme.
Sparkle, Poppy, Sparkle!
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition 600 Dolls
Very Sharon Tate in Valley of the Dolls.
The Beautiful People
Chip Farnsworth III™ Fashion Figure
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition 600 Fashion Figures
Going back to Valley of the Dolls movie for Chip as well.
Feminine Perspective
Agnes Von Weiss™ Dressed Doll Mini-Giftset
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls
This one is straight up Marlene Dietrich
But wait…there was more! This one was a “giftset” folks so we also received this…
Amazing right?!! In hindsight, and in my humble opinion, this should have been the convention doll. You will understand this more when you see photos of the actual convention doll. It was a giftset, it was Agnes, and it was an anniversary year for Integrity Toys ( 20 years in business). This would have been a convention doll worthy of the theme and company that produced it. Again…just my opinion.
Star Power
Vanessa Perrin™ Dressed Doll
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls
Star power indeed!! The inspiration for this one is none other than Marilyn Monroe from “Gentleman Prefer Blondes”.
A gorgeous adaptation! Wish they had done the hat and muff too.
Inner Spark Natalia Fatalé™ Dressed Doll
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls
Not sure who the inspiration was for this one. I have seriously OD’d on ladies in black gowns from Integrity Toys so I gave this one a pass.
Perfectly Suited
Giselle Diefendorf™ Dressed Doll
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls
Not sure if there is a movie tie in to this one…perhaps Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct? That was my first thought when seeing her but who knows. The accessories are glorious and the sleek short hair works on this Giselle. Nice to see Nu Face making an appearance too.
In Rouges Erin S.™ Dressed Doll
Cinematic: The 2015 Integrity Toys Convention Collection
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls
Cinematic? Yep, I wasn’t seeing the tie-in either. The dress was very cute though and this Erin’s face is beautiful. The accessories had me thinking about purchasing but in the end…she was a pass.
Will go into Convention exclusives in next post……
Integrity Toy’s Convention Registration is OPEN
THE 2014 INTEGRITY TOYS CONVENTION: GLOSS
HYATT REGENCY
ORLANDO FLORIDA
OCTOBER 30 – NOVEMBER 1, 2014
The Theme is “Gloss” and in I.T.’s own words “This year, we take you to the world of glam, the upper echelon of fashion and fame!” Oh what does it mean?! I don’t know but whatever it is…it is sure to be good. I have been to the last three of I.T.’s annual conventions and they have never disappointed. I know there is always a first time for everything but frankly, I go to these conventions for the people and not the stuff. Don’t get me wrong, stuff is nice but the people really are the biggest part of convention. You get to hang out with people who like to collect what you collect and are willing to talk from morning to night about it. It is one big fashion doll love fest.
Admission costs $475.00 ( $450 if you register early, info on the website ). There are special rates for the hotel as well. Here are some of the perks awaiting convention goers:
-A welcome bag with a very special giveaway right when conventioneers arrive!
-Two full sit down dinners and a luncheon with highly sought-after swag given out at each event!
-Free access to the new "Hall of Gloss" Friday night event, where guests will spend Halloween night trick-or-treating with I.T. staff (and receive some special giveaway treats)!
-The opportunity to participate in the "Hall of Gloss" Fashion Bazaar, where for the first time in IT Convention history, they are creating a salesroom for collectors to sell and swap their own goodies!
-Access to the Integrity Toys Collection display, where you get to see all of those cool dolls in person!
-Access to the IT Direct Souvenir shop, where you can scoop up all of those special and limited edition Integrity Toys convention exclusive collectibles and other great deals, just for convention attendees!
And more….Halloween costume contest, workshops, exclusive convention collection, Color Infusion Style lab, raffles and design competitions. Also, for WClub Members only, a WClub luncheon featuring the return of the Nu.Face collection.
If you are interested in finding out more about , You will find all the information about the convention and how to register here I.T. Convention info .
If you want to go to this convention, keep in mind that the sooner you sign up, the better your registration number will be. What does this mean? Well, if they do what they did last year ( and I hope they do), your registration number determines the order you get to go into the sales room to purchase all the convention collection goodies.
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 