Jason Wu 10th Anniversary Dolls
Jason Wu is releasing a commemorative collection of 10th anniversary dolls to showcase some of his favorite designs from the last ten years of his career. Today Bergdorf Goodman released a very limited edition set of dolls to the expectant arms of many willing and waiting collectors. A few lucky collectors were able to obtain them…many others did not. The funny part …or perhaps not so funny…is that we really don’t know who will end up with these dolls and who will not. Before I go any further, lets share images of what people were willing to get up at the crack of dawn to try to purchase.
Inspired by Jason Wu Fall 2011 RTW
Inspired by Jason Wu Spring 2011 RTW
Let me set the stage. If you are a WClub member, you received a “heads-up” that these dolls would be made available online only at Bergdorf Goodman on November 17th at approximately 9:00AM EST. This is one of those “PERKS” I talk about getting with a WClub membership that basically pays for the membership alone. Just sayin’…on to the scene.
Let’s be honest here people…for those who collect and love the hunt, this was catnip. With that information tucked away, many intrepid collectors from all over the world attempted to attain these allusive collectibles. When I say allusive…I mean it. Edition size is 200. That is SMALL. That makes these babies basically a holy grail in the fashion doll collecting community. It was a safe bet to say that there would be high demand and low supply. Basically a blue light Kmart special kind of event.
So, we had the approximate time and the place and most of us assumed that searching the website for “Jason Wu” or “Jason Wu doll” would be enough to find these beauties once they were released on the site. Some of us started early…as in predawn on the 17th. The search, it turns out was not as simple as typing in the logical “Jason Wu” oh no…it was to be more complicated than that. And here is the interesting thing I found today. It was the community and the loyal and helpful members of that community that essentially helped fellow collectors find the elusive links or gateways that allowed many to attempt to purchase these dolls. Thanks to one member in particular in the WClub, many of us were able to use a shared link and attempt to purchase these dolls. I will say outright here and now that many of us owe Blaiseworld on the WClub a big martini and undying thanks for directing us to the dolls. When many were expressing difficulty in finding the dolls after the designated time had arrived, Blaisworld shared the link that allowed us to get these in our carts and for all intensive purposes, purchase.
Why am I being so cagy about “purchase”? Excellent question. Many of us were able to put these babies in our cart and go through the regular checkout step. Many of us received the hallowed “confirmation” email. And then…many received the dreaded “cancellation” email. So many received cancellations that it has left everyone feeling like we don’t really know if we will get these dolls or not. There does not seem to be a rhyme or reason to the cancellations and there will be approximately a week delay to find out if these things will ship ( apparently the container ship with product has not arrived at BG yet). Most of us wait in anticipation hell…afraid of the pings of those incoming emails …afraid they will be cancellation emails. I am seriously developing a nervous tick with these pings LOL! As of this point, I am in anticipation of these dolls but I don’t fully expect them. Jason Wu shared on his Instagram that these dolls sold out in 1 hour so I am hopeful if I made purchase within that 1 hour that I will receive them. I don’t really know for sure though until I get the first step to the holy grail…the “shipping notice”.
I have said it before and I will say it again, Elyse and Eden/Lilith are my favorite face molds. I am interested in anything with these face molds. Added to that, the idea of having a miniature Jason Wu creation is flippin’ cool. I wish the edition size were such that those who wanted one could obtain one. In the absence of that, I have to say it was an an exhilarating yet maddening experience today as I ran into roadblocks. In the end, the roadblock was moved aside by a person I did not know personally but whom helped many collectors find their way to purchase. That is the true meaning of this day to me. This person didn’t have to help, but they did…and it helped many. Wow. Even if I don’t end up getting these dolls, I am humbled by the willingness of a few to help their fellow collectors. They didn’t hoard the information to themselves or hand it out to a select few…they gave it to the community. I find this over and over within this collecting community…a willingness to help eachother. Yes, yes, there are a few actors that are in it primarily for the profit and the gain but I would have to say, for the most part, the community wants to help….and in a world that is already pretty darn difficult right now…that made me smile.
Hoping to get these dolls but smiling in the midst of this uncertainty,
—Rebecca
A Little Glamour
Or a lot of glamour depending on your definition. I received a treasure trove of new outfits from the talented designer Hoang Anh Khoi on Etsy. I showcased one of them in a recent blog post with NuFace Totally Betty Ayumi. Today, a favorite FR2 Elise is wearing the fashion. The day before yesterday, I gave a sneak peak of my mood board for this shoot.
I also shared a couple of images along the way in this shoot on my Instagram story. If you are interested in seeing some of the process as I shoot these, feel free to sign up for my Instagram feed. The link for this is to the right on the sidebar of this page.
Model: FR2 Midnight Star Elise by Integrity Toys
Dress: Hoang Anh Khoi on Etsy
Fur: Dimitha on Ebay
Shoes: FR2
Hat: Bogue’s Vogues on Etsy
Gloves: Mattel
Purse: Lovetones Bonjour Baby Lena
Set: Clock was purchased from little gift shop on Rue du Rivoli in Paris. Bombe chest was a repaint by friend and artist Carolyn Grentz.
-Rebecca
2016 Fashion Royalty Collection–A Delicate Bloom
Better late than never right?! Some collectors were beginning to wonder if we were going to get a new release or not. Granted, the reveal is a bit later than we have had in years past. One thing I was not remembering, however, was the fact that the WClub 2016 did not start until February of this year. Some have pointed out that this reveal halfway into the “club” year is about right. Time and collector sales numbers will finish the thoughts and stories on that one. In my opinion, revealing this collection 6 months into the club year is a bit late. That fact does not stop me from appreciating the product nor making purchases so there you go. If I am not totally satisfied with the delay in the reveal, I am satisfied with the delivery time on these babies. They are all available within the next couple of months so no long wait times. On the downside…They are all coming DUE FOR PAYMENT in the next couple of months. This is not good for the wallet.
Note: “Eye Decals” I have marked which of these dolls are using the new eye decal application method under doll tech specs for those who are interested. For me, this new method is ok for now. Some collectors are very averse to this technique being used and I wanted to make sure everyone had the information before they purchase. For me, I am willing to give this technique a chance. I also respect people’s consumer choice and for many this is important information to have before they purchase.
For those readers who are not WClub members, you can find most of these dolls on Integrity Toys dealers sites. Be aware, WClub members had this information days ago so if you want any of these, contact dealers ASAP. Some may already be sold out.
Important note from Integrity Toys: The dolls pictured in this release are prototypes. Final fabrics, colors and textures may vary slightly. Images of dolls used in this post are property of Integrity Toys, Inc. and under their copyright.
Contrasting Proposition
Natalia Fatalè™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Approximate Ship Date: September 2016
Limited Edition Size: 700
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR2013
Head Sculpt: Natalia Fatalè™ 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied
Love the lace overlay and added beading to the lace! I am also really loving the chunky jewelry design. All in all a very elegant look. For some reason, this Natalia left me without a clear “ must have” which is weird. I totally go for the elegant and refined and this dress has it. The doll just left me “meh” though and not sure if it was the simplistic hairstyle ( more on that later) or the pale skin tone on a character that I prefer as sultry Latino. Love the jewelry though so may have to find that in the secondary market. As I write this I also realize that some of my lack of excitement over this one may be the use of black. I feel like IT overdosed on it’s use of black last year and here it is again…albeit as secondary colors but still…it’s black!
Emerging Rebel
Kyori Sato™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Approximate Ship Date: Week of August 22nd, 2016
Limited Edition Size: 700
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR2013
Head Sculpt: Kyori Sato™ 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Japan
Hair Color: Medium Brown
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied
**Note: Decal Eyes**
YAASSSSSSSS! Now we are talkin’. I saw this caramel tressed Kyori and felt the wallet open ( a chorus of angels may have struck a chord as well). I love the soft pastel color pallet!! Not a whiff of black here. I love the embroidered leather ( ok not real leather but still) and the edgy refinement of it. It feels forward and still elegant. This feels like Jason influence to me and I like it. Also, whoever is heading up the jewelry and accessory department at IT…HATS OFF!! Here we have another new design in earrings and its fabulous! Love the grey purse and sunglasses. The lavender shoes are EVERYTHING! Me likes. I am hoping Dania’s grey gloved hands of last year’s club doll will match this one.
Daytime Impact
Dasha™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Approximate Ship Date: September 2016
Limited Edition Size: 700
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR2013
Head Sculpt: Dasha™
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Platinum
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied
**Note: Decal Eyes**
Ok…so I have to admit my first thought on this one came straight from the “I’m a Mom of a 16 year old girl” and it said “ That skirt does not satisfy the fingertip rule”. Then I started paying attention to the details and felt better. First I looked at the doll. Gorgeous Dasha with beautiful smoky eyes pale blond hair. Stunning. The jacket is really quite detailed so I told the “mom” in me to sit down and reflect. I think this one will be amazing redressed and I have plans for that jacket ( maybe not with the skirt 
)
Fresh and Delightful
Véronique Perrin® Dressed Close-Up Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Approximate Ship Date: Mid to Late October 2016
Limited Edition Size: 700
Suggested Retail Price: $89.00 + Shipping and Handling
IMPORTANT!
THIS DOLL WILL BE OFFERED DIRECTLY FROM IT DIRECT VIA A RIGHT-TO-BUY LOTTERY. MORE DETAILS WILL BE SENT IN MID TO LATE OCTOBER.
NOTE: THIS DOLL WILL NOT BE OFFERED VIA DEALERS.
Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR2013
Head Sculpt: Veronique 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Hungarian
Hair Color: Black
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied
**Note: Decal eyes**
This one will be through IT Direct not dealers people. What did I notice about this doll first? The price!! Alain explained that this was done as tribute to the “basic doll” that IT has done in years past. I don’t know that there is anything really “basic” about this beauty. The price alone certainly has many interested. One pet peeve however…and this is the photographer in me but…the right eye on this lady is off ( left eye pupil is forward looking, right eye it is off to side). I am expectant and hopeful that in production this item is fixed. WClubbers, look for emails on how to acquire this one sometime in October.
Fabulous Fields
Luchia Z.™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Approximate Ship Date: September 2016
Limited Edition Size: 600
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR2013
Head Sculpt: Luchia Z.™ 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Cream
Hair Color: Red
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied
**Note: Decal Eyes**
A redheaded Luchia?!!! I’m in!! And she has cream skin tone. Me likes! The dress is very interesting. Feeling a little Valentino here but I have not researched so have no idea how close I am on that one. The yellow purse is certainly a pop of color in this one but I may switch that out. Also, while I love the industrial jewelry in this collection, I would go for something softer with this gown. Grey pearls maybe? Don’t know but will have fun trying things out.
Ruffles and Blooms
Eugenia Perrin-Frost™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Approximate Ship Date: September 2016
Limited Edition Size: 800
Suggested Retail Price: $150.00
Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR2013
Head Sculpt: Eugenia Perrin-Frost™
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Hungarian
Hair Color: Auburn
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied
Yes, yes…this gown is almost in retinal searage territory. My first question was…”Is it yellow or green yellow?” I am thinking it is more in the yellow category but photographs can be deceiving. Either way, I find myself admiring this one which surprises me because I am NOT a yellow fan. I ADORE the embroidery on this one and the fact that it is an homage to the house of Oscar de la Renta endears this one to me. I am also loving the auburn haired Eugenia with the pink/coral lips.
ODLR Spring 2016 RTW
Key Pieces
Elyse Jolie™ Dressed Doll Gift Set
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Approximate Ship Date: Mid to Late October 2016
Limited Edition Size: 800
Suggested Retail Price: $199.00
Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR2013
Head Sculpt: Elyse Jolie™
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Japan
Hair Color: Golden Blond/ Champagne
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied
Armani Privé Spring 2010 Couture
Oscar de la Renta Resort 2016
First of all…giftset with Elyse…no brainer for me. 1) Love, love, love the soft palette on this facial screening. I believe Jessy Ayala is in charge of all facial screenings now so..Jessy..LOVE! 2) How adorable is this lingerie set?!!…the bows…the bows..you had me at the bows 3) A Marchesa inspired gown!! 4) Another nod to the house of Oscar de la Renta. Sign me up, I’m in. I am not a huge fan of the high/low skirt with a suit but it’s not a deal breaker for me. If they had just had a pencil skirt in the same fabric as the jacket, this set would have been close to perfect for me. This was the first one in my shopping cart people…the very first.
But wait…there is more! There is always more with Integrity Toys. More, as in…event doll!
Love, Life and Lace
Agnes Von Weiss™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
2016 Online Event Doll
Limited Edition Size: TBA
Estimated Ship Date: Q4 / Winter 2016
Special W Club Price: $140.00 + Shipping, Handling and Applicable Sales Tax*.
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Agnes Von Weiss™
Body Type: FR2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Cream
Hair Color: Light Brown
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
**Need to be WClub member to purchase this one**
THUD! Holy Cow collectors! I don’t think my fingers hesitated one single moment before hitting the “BUY” button on this one..and from what I am seeing from other WClubbers…they feel the same way. This one may be up there as one of the largest edition sizes in the history of the WClub. Edition size will be driven by WClub members who order and I know many are ordering multiples of this one. ( one per membership and many members have multiple memberships). Where do I start?! The dress…oh my word the dress! Pale peachy pink with beaded lace overlay. Ahhhhhh!!! –another chorus of angels is singing here. That adorable pink bow clutch! I am even liking the industrial necklace with this gown. I and many other WClubbers will be looking forward to the Winter ‘16’ delivery of this one. Please oh please let it be before Christmas!!! ( not likely but a girl can dream).
One final note that needs to be made about this collection is the very paleness of it. While I love that they gave us colors other than black in this collection ( yes, they really do listen to their collectors), they did not have any skin tone diversity in this collection. The yellow gown alone would have been stunning on an Adele. It left many collectors asking “where is the diversity?” A very valid question and one I hope Integrity addresses.
More Reveals..ITBE 16 inch and MLP ❤ coming up…….
Mademoiselle Jolie is 9 to 5
When this lady arrived I was so excited to photograph her in her fluffy ball gown. Once that was completed, I decided to do a 180 and cast her in the role of tough business woman. Another inspiration in this shoot for me were the little glass globes. I found these at a little hole in the wall store I love to go to. I had to use them in something and the headquarters for W Cosmetics felt like the perfect place to use them. I hope you guys like this set because it may come back.
Model: Ombres Poétique Mademoiselle Jolie
Suit: Le Smoking Adéle Makèda
Shoes and Lingerie top:Ombres Poétique
Watch:Le Smoking Adéle Makèda
Jewelry:Ombres Poétique
Sunglasses:IT sales room convention 2013 purchase
Purse: Lead Singles Lilith and Eden
Gloves: Hands from Edge Vanessa
Set: Desk is clear acrylic riser. Chandelier is a laser cut paper holiday ornament. Chair is clear 1/6 armless ghost chair.
Love these little globe paperweights!
Ombres Poétique
There was a new arrival this week at ITFDS.
This gown is so much frothy yumminess that I can barely contain myself as I type this. All that tulle!!! Love the lace too. The necklace on this beautiful lady is a new design for IT and it appears to be strung on some kind of stretchy filament rather than string. We will see if it holds up better than the plain string. The hair bump was overdone a few years back at IT but it is subtle on this one and works very well. The hair color is a beautiful platinum blonde.
Integrity Toys Reveals FR/FR2 for 2014
This past Saturday morning, WClub members were treated to the release of information on 4 of Integrity Toy’s product lines. I will be sending out 4 different blog posts to give information on these lines. If you are interested in any of these items, you should contact an Integrity Toys Dealer ASAP to secure your selection. Many of these items are already selling out as WClub members were allowed to order early.
First reveal up is the 2014 FR line. This years “Safari” inspired collection was a collaboration between designers Vaughn Sawyer and Jason Wu. This years collection focuses on the 8 core characters going forward with the new FR/FR2 concept. I would call it “Safari Chic” with some especially fine detailed accessories. It is a strong and fairly cohesive collection. I adore the color palette used in everything. The facial screenings are strong and sophisticated. The accessories are amazingly detailed (check out all the patterns and stitching on the purses alone).
Photo source: Integrity Toys
Elusive Creature
Natalia Fatalé™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Edition Size: 800
estimated Ship Date: Approximately August/September 2014
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR 2013
Head Sculpt: Natalia Fatalé 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: Hispanic
Hair Color: Serengeti Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
I adore the boots in this outfit and that bag! I was kind of bummed I did not pick up the gorgeous Natalia at convention last year…now I get to make up for it. One critique though…could we please see some other kind of hairstyle on poor Natalia. The girll has had the same hairstyle for the last couple of releases.
Faded Desert
Kyori Sato™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Edition Size: 700
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately August/September 2014
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR 2013
Head Sculpt: Kyori 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: FR White
Hair Color: Dusk Brunette
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Holy accessories batman! You had me at the shoes…at the shoes. The bag is a miniature copy of the Jason Wu “Jordan” bag. I love the soft neutral colors of this one. I also love the new facial screenings in this collection…most evident in this Kyori. Again, this is all about the details…and there were plenty to admire in this entire collection. I love the cross lacing on the skirt.
City Prowl
Eugenia Perrin Frost™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Edition Size: 800
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately August/September 2014
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR 2013
Head Sculpt: Eugenia Perrin-Frost
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: FR White
Hair Color: Desert Dune Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Okay….one word….”Meeeeeeeow!” This lady is a total cougar right?! She needs a younger man model following adoringly behind her. I think my DG Adrian will work for that LOL! Yes, I already have a set of photos in mind for this one. I adore this look.
Full Spectrum
Véronique Perrin™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Edition Size: 700
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately August/September 2014
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR 2013
Head Sculpt: Véronique 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: Japan
Hair Color: Brownette
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Not sure how this fits with the safari theme but I love the simple elegance of this one. I adore the cutout back and the short haired Veronique. Trés Chic!
Vivid Encounter
Adèle Makéda™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Edition Size: 400
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately August/September 2014
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR 2013
Head Sculpt: Adèle 3.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: Light Honey
Hair Color: Raven
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
The necklace on this one is a stunner. It is a compilation of little flowers and leaves. The seaming on this gown is very intricate too. Again, I really like the facial screening.
On The Rise
Elise Jolie™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 700
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately August/September 2014
Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR 2013
Head Sculpt: Elise Jolie
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: Japan
Hair Color: Black Panther
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Wow!! Elise is one of my favorite face sculpts and this one does not disappoint.
And….for those lucky enough to have signed up for the Wclub this year…there was a special unveiling event doll available to preorder
Event Doll
High Visibility
Agnes Von Weiss™ Dressed Doll Mini Gift Set
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
2014 W Club Online Event Exclusive
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 US
Limited Edition Size: TBA
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late Summer/Early Fall 2014
Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR 2013
Head Sculpts: Agnes Von Weiss
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: Japan
Hair Color: Strawberry Red
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
I am thinking…Best…Event…Doll…Ever! How can I pass up a redhaired updo Agnes? I can’t.
I.T. also announced and showed a photograph of the an IT Direct shoe pack coming out in the fall. IT direct means lottery people. There were four pair of fantastic shoes shown in this pack but no pictures were released outside of the video. I.T. has asked that we not duplicate any portion of the webinar so I can’t share a photo here. If you are WClub member, you can view the Webinar in it’s entirety on Vimeo. Just look in your email for a message from the Wclub for the address and password.
Poppy Parker 2014 release coming up in a minute….literally….one minute.
The Last WClub doll of 2013
Helloooooooo subscribers! No, I did not fall into a hole although it kind of feels like I did. I have multiple blog post devoted to what I have been up to coming up in the next week and there will be pictures. Suffice it to say…things have been a little crazy Inside The Fashion Doll Studio for the past two months.
Now that I have given you that little teaser, I need to share the photos and information that Integrity Toys released about the last WClub doll for 2013. They saved a beauty for the last one. If you are WClub member and have not purchased this one yet, you need to be quick. Your window of opportunity closes tomorrow December, 16th at 11:00AM EST.
A Touch of Frost
Eugenia Perrin Frost Dressed Doll
2013 W Club Fashion Royalty® Exclusive
Limited Edition Size: TBA
Special W Club Suggested Retail Price: $120.00
Estimated Shipping Date: Approximately Late Spring 2014
Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type FR 2013 (revamped FR2 body)
Quick Switch Feature No
Skin Tone Japan
Hair Color Raven
Eyelashes Yes, Hand Applied
Package Dimensions 6" X 16" X 3"
Image source: Integrity Toys
Image source: Integrity Toys
Image source: Integrity Toys
Image source: Integrity Toys
I love the facial screening on this one. It is very neutral and soft…definitely my preference. I adore the accessories, especially the shoes. The dress…well…I will add my comments to what some of my fellow bloggers have already said and say it gives off a very generic pink label Barbie feel. Maybe it will improve upon in hand inspection but I am just not feeling it. I think I would have been much happier with a hemline that wasn’t asymmetrical and tricked out in ruffles and tulle. To me, this lady calls for something way more sophisticated and classic. Just my humble opinion. Does it mean I am not purchasing this one? Oh please….now what do you think? LOL! I believe the key word here will be REDRESS.
Exceptional Tatyana
While the rest of the fashion world is focused on New York this weekend and the debut of designers 2014 spring ready to wear lines, ITFDS was focused on this fall. I love fall. I love the colors and the bite of cool temperatures that typically we awaken to in the Pacific Northwest this time of year. Another thing I love is to rediscover something I had put aside for a while and had not looked at. I do this a lot with dolls. I debox, photograph, then it is off to the next one. Even sweeter for me, is an opportunity to give a model their due. In other words, finally show or photograph something in a way that I have yet to be able to capture. I typically have something in my head that I want to capture when I photograph…but sometimes it just never transfers through the camera. That happened with this amazing Tatyana. Thanks to a very generous table mate at convention, I was able to purchase her and after deboxing, was never able to quite capture a set of photos I was happy with….until today.
Model ,jewelry and shoes: Exceptional Tatyana FR2 ( hair has been restyled slightly)
Shirt, pants and purse: Lead Singles Eden NuFace
What I am listening to in the studio this week:
Third WClub Exclusive Doll Revealed!
If you picked this year to join the WClub, give yourself a big pat on the back. Integrity Toys revealed the third exclusive WClub doll to its club members and she is a humdinger!! There is absolutely nothing about this doll that I am not in love with. She has a dark auburn updo and cream skin tone ( used previously on Elise). She is on an FR2 body and has hand applied lashes. BEEEEautiful!
Purity
Dasha™
2013 W Club FR2™ Exclusive Dressed Doll
Limited Edition Size: TBA
Special W Club Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Estimated Shipping Date: Approximately Late Fall 2013
**Photos are property of Integrity Toys, Inc.**
Holy cow!! The updo alone on this mahogany haired beauty is enough to open up the pocket book but the dress…oh my the dress. This is so sculpted and refined…so unbelievably chic and fabulous. AND…let us take a moment to look at the amazing price! Since its inception, FR2 has not gone below $150 for a dressed doll. Not only does Integrity offer up this stunning bit of loveliness but they dropped the price.
Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner!!!!
Huckleberry Jackson Couture
As a blogger, photographer and participating collector within the fashion doll collecting community, I am constantly amazed at the creativity and talent of my fellow members. Huckleberry Jackson is one of these insanely talented members. I have watched his talent grow exponentially for the past couple of years not just as a designer of custom 1/6 fashions but also as a marketer of his product. Every outfit he designs is wonderfully displayed and photographed on a perfectly styled and uber chic model. He just announced his latest collection and I received his permission to share some of the photos here. His collection will be up for sale Sunday, November 4th at 9PM CET ( Central European Time) on his website http://www.huckleberryjackson.com/shop/
I asked the designer for a word or two about his inspiration for this collection and his response was “For this collection I didn’t´t have a theme, and it´s the first time actually. I started the collection with my own dolls in mind and wanted this time to keep a copy of each design to myself, so it´s like I design a main display outfit for each of my favorite dolls. It was really the dolls themself that inspired the outfits.” There may not be a definitive theme but there is an impressive range. He has romantic, sophisticated,edgy, flirty and just plain fun. There certainly appears to be something for everyone in this collection. For the lucky few who will be the new owners of these diminutive couture creations today, you will own a piece of art in my opinion and a piece of inspiration from one of the truly creative hearts of this collecting community.
I can’t possibly do his creations justice with words so I will just show you his work.
To Huckleberry Jackson… I tip my hat .
** All images are owned by Huckleberry Jackson, and are protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. Do NOT copy or reproduce in any way shape or form. Photos are being displayed on Inside The Fashion Doll Studio with permission from Huckleberry Jackson **
Daphne
Grey lace dress decorated with brown leather and lined in rosé silk. It comes with the matching clutch and beret.
Blue
White and blue patterned cotton dress. It comes with a brown leather cape bolero and a matching clutch. A pair of white lace tights are also included. (note: the pattern on the dress is a bit different on each copy
Micha
Salmon pink silk chiffon blouse and skirt, comes with a beige and grey blue polka cape jacket and the matching thights. A brown faux leather purse is also included.
Rebecca
Black and white polka cotton dress. It comes with the matching tights, headpiece and hatcase. (Note: the pattern on the outfit might vary on each copy).
Mona
White lace mini pantsuit. It comes with a pair of black and white silk pants, a pair of black tights and black leather purse, belt and oversized hat.
And this is not all of it folks!! For more amazing photos of this fantastic set of 1/6 scale custom fashions visit Huckleberry’s Flickr photostream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/huckyjackson/with/8150703829/#photo_8150703829 or visit Huckleberry Jacksons website at http://www.huckleberryjackson.com/
The Lady in Red: Part Three
A change of models, couture and hats. I have had this hat for a year and on this model for almost as long but just have not gotten around to photographing her…bad me. I am a big fan of the Integrity Toys FR2 Fashion Royalty line. The high couture slimmer articulated body makes for great poseability. I just wish their feet were the same size as the others…it can be a bit of a pain to find the right pair of shoes because the choices are limited. Integrity Toys is trying, in my opinion, to make up for that a bit by gifting us with some amazing shoe sets at their convention every year. Now, if they could make a shoe set available to the WClub each year {hint, hint}, that would be fantastic!
I would have to say that of all the FR2 characters, Elise is my “go to” girl. I feel she has an eastern European look and to me that epitomizes high fashion in all the fashion magazines right now. I think it’s the cheekbones…she has KILLER cheekbones. I guess you could take away from this blog that it’s all about 1) the hat and 2) the cheekbones LOL!
Model and Shoes: FR2 “Engaging” Elise Jolie
Dress: Bogue’s Vogues(http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
Hat: Alyrenee(http://alyrenee.blogspot.com/)
Music is a huge part of my life. Both of my kids play an instrument or in my son’s case, multiple instruments ( amazing to me because he has significant hearing loss…a regular Beethoven that kid). There is always music of some kind playing at my house…so I wanted to share some of the music that influences the blog posts or the music that is playing during the photoshoots. For this one, it was “This is Love” by Will.i.am …a big thanks to my daughter for pointing me to this song. 
Dark Swan Sings the Blues
I don’t know about you guys but when I work or process photos, music is a big part of it. I guess that is why I include a playlist on my blog. You can always find what I am listening to currently or what I feel works with the content I am sharing on the blog in that playlist. Today we have the incomparable Billy Holiday as a soundtrack for the photos. While I was not listening to Billy Holiday when I styled Ms. Elise, the second I added the white flower to her hair the thought “Lady sings the blues” came to mind and it stuck with me. That’s why I added the microphone and the story went from there. Hope you enjoy….
Model: Fashion Royalty Squared Dark Swan Elise Jolie
Gown,Earrings and Microphone: Stunning in the Spotlight Silkstone Barbie ( with flower removed )
White flower is another scrapbooking element
Using my Canon Macro lens……
Elise Jolie Styled in the Roaring 20’s
I was so looking forward to the Hope Diamond Barbie. I loved the promo pictures of the red haired siren with the gorgeous 20’s inspired gown and jewelry. I received her a couple of weeks ago and must say..I was underwhelmed. I adore the gown and jewelry. The doll…Meh. I guess the biggest disappointment was her hair. It was nothing like the promo’s . In reality..it was a big hot mess. I am fairly confident with fixing doll hair. This…was beyond my expertise. I am hoping that it was just my doll who had bad hair and that others received dolls with better hair. Pictures from toy fair showed this lady with promo prefect hair. I did not receive one of those. So, time to make some lemonade out of this lemon. I chose to repurpose the gown and jewelry right away. The gown was a tight fit on an FR2 body but I managed to make it work….just barely.
Model: FR2 “Dark Swan” Elise Jolie
Gown and jewelry: Hope Diamond Barbie
Set: My white shelves set at an angle. Statues I found at a small shop in Snohomish ( my favorite place to find props!). Background is a graduated black to white background and I added a black acrylic floor. I use this floor a lot because I adore the dramatic reflection it gives. There is a blue spot on the black background. It is a small portable LED light that produced a white/blue light so it has colored the black background blue.
Ayumi Arrives
This lovely lady was an Integrity Toys IDEX and WClub lottery exclusive and thanks to one of the best doll buddies a girl can have, I was able to purchase one. Her face is porcelain delicate and the hairdo is unbelievably intricate. There are a number of peach ribbons running through the braided chignon. Beautiful! Her gown is pure Jason Wu. Yummy!
Luminous
Ayumi™ FR2 Dressed Doll
IT Direct Exclusive
Limited Edition of 350 Dolls Worldwide
Here are some natural light shots
Empress of Emeralds Elise
Had an idea for a photo shoot when I saw Jon Copeland dress one of his beatiful creations in this gorgeous gown. I think the Royal Jewel Collection by Mattel resulted in some of the most amazing jewelry for fashion dolls. I only have Empress of Emeralds but if this is any indication of the quality of jewels in the other dolls of that series….I think I will be searching for them.
Model: Dark Swan Elise Jolie FR2
Gown and Jewelry: Empress of Emeralds Barbie
Bracelet: Fashion Royalty
And…just because I can’t resist adding more drama to a shot….
The Holidays are Coming to the Studio….
I have always loved the holidays. Ever since I was little, this time of year never fails to fill me with excitement and joy. When my kids were younger, it was just mostly me and my husband doing the massive holiday decorating and while it was a huge task, I loved every moment. Now, my kids are older, and we all participate in “dressing up the house” for the holidays. I love that both my kids get excited when they see furniture being rearranged and spaces being made for the Christmas trees. My daughter was jumping up and down after ballet class ( her classes are all bar work right now so she is not real excited after class) yesterday as she knew we would be putting up the Christmas trees that evening. It makes me feel blessed that I could help to pass on the joy and excitement of the season to my kids.
The next three weeks will be filled with decorating for the holidays at Casa Berry. This activity culminates in a holiday tea that my friends and I hold for a group of about 60 ladies. A big part of the tea is a tour of the doll room and all the lovely stories and conversations that this room inspires. Most every person has a Barbie story or experience to share. There are usually fashion things to discuss as well and the “ If I were going out, I would wear that.” conversations. I will be sharing photos of the doll room as it gets dressed up for the holidays and will share a few photos of the holiday tea as well. For now, I will share the first few photos of holiday inspired themes.
Model: FR2 Most Wanted Elise ( Fashion Royalty Jet Set Convention Collection)
And my vision of this photo as a holiday card 
I love this Elise! She has a softer color palette than previous Elise’s. I also really love the direction Integrity Toys and their designers are taking in jewelry design. The necklace and earrings that came with this lady are fabulous.
Face Time–using props as inspiration.
I don’t know about others but when I photograph something, many times the inspiration for the set up comes from one prop. In many of my dioramas, I will start with one piece that will set the entire tone for the whole room. In this case, it’s all about the face. I saw these very interesting figures at my local Z Gallery and just had to have one for a prop. I don’t normally go for the contemporary pieces but this one appealed to me so home with me it went and into the studio for a photo shoot.
Model: FR Squared Engaging Elise
Dress and bracelet: Trace of Lace Silkstone Barbie
Shoes: FR Squared Engaging Elise
Wineglass: Ocara
And because I just couldn’t leave my macro lens sitting all lonely on the table…….
I just love the face on this Elise. **Note** Her hair has been slightly restyled from her original style. I took the the side down and pulled it over her forehead a bit. I had seen some other collectors do this on Flickr and on the WClub and loved it so I copied the style.
Haute Couture for Elise
Model: Fashion Royalty Squared Dark Swan Elise
Gown: T.D. Fashions (http://www.ebay.com/itm/T-D-FASHIONS-DOLL-Fashion-Royalty-Silkstone-/180685810534?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a11b6ab66)
Shoes: Mattel Market Day Silkstone
Hat: …..um…It’s a secret
Secret…..the hat is a fabric scrapbooking element. “ Shhhhhh!” Don’t tell Elise that….she thinks it’s the highest in haute couture.
It’s that time again….Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi
I have had this crisp little lemon yellow number for a couple of months now and simply did not have the motivation to photograph it until after convention. I am glad I waited because the flowers in the hat have so much more meaning to me than they did before convention. I believe these flowers were given to James Bogue by two special sisters who found these gorgeous vintage miniature flowers in their late uncles things and gifted them to Mr. Bogue. I dedicate these photos to Joan and Pinky(Denise) for their generosity and for being just some of the nicest people I had the pleasure of getting to know at convention. I also dedicate these photos to their late uncle and the warm memories they have of him. Thank you so much for sharing the story about where the flowers came from!
Model: Fashion Royalty Monogram “Extravagance”
Dress and Hat: Bogue’s Vogues ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues )
Shoes: Mattel Christian Louboutin Barbie shoe pack
Dark Swan Elise is Parisienne Pretty
There is just something about a redhead in blue. I had wanted to do this photo a couple of weeks ago in anticipation of the royal wedding. I felt for sure Ms. D.S. Elise could have been attending the wedding in this. The kicky little hat would have most certainly been appropriate.
Model: Fashion Royalty Squared Dark Swan Elise
Outfit: Parisienne Pretty Silkstone Barbie
Renegade Dasha is in the House!
I did not win the right to purchase this lovely lady in the lottery but thanks to a fellow collector and a fabulous trade, Renegade Dasha is in the house! I really love the styling of this particular FR Squared Dasha. She is very sophisticated and sleek. Yes, the half bun half ponytail hairstyle is a bit of a mystery but it is fairly easy to work around. I really like the blond hair, pale skin and red, red lips. She seemed to me like she needed a sleek and sophisticated backdrop so I imagined her at a swanky wine bar with a lovely merlot. We live in wine country so I will use wine many times for my props.
Dasha models for Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi
I love the versatility of James Bogue’s creations. Normally I head straight for the Silkstones to find a model for his designs but the smaller bodied Fashion Royalty girls can fit into them very well also. I especially like the F.R. squared line and here we find Modern Sensibility Dasha modeling a cream silk dress and jacket with a leopard hat and muff. Let’s be honest…there was a hat involved here and I LOVE animal print accessories so the second I saw the leopard print hat…it was “game over”. James was a wonderful friend to make a matching muff for me.
Bogue’s Vogues can be found at http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues
Renegade Dasha!
Integrity Toys has a new doll in their Fashion Royalty Squared line and she is drop dead gorgeous. She just screams old style Hollywood glamour to me. She has an issue size of 300 and will only be available to the lucky people who win the chance to purchase her in a W Club lottery. Yes, I purchased a lottery ticket and YES I hope to win the chance to purchase her. I love everything about this lovely lady but I particularly love the fashion and accessories. Lucky winners will be selected on or around Monday, March 28th. I will be sitting on pins and needles with many others that day. My luck at lotteries has been really bad as of late. My philosophy has been and continues to be that if a doll is meant to be in my collection, it will be. If it is not meant to be…well…then it just isn’t. Win or lose..she is a winner for being just so gorgeous!
All photos in this post are property of Integrity toys.
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 