Emerging Rebel Kyori – Will The Eyes Have It?
The first doll of Integrity Toys’ Fashion Royalty “A Delicate Bloom” Collection is starting to hit collectors’ doorsteps. Her name is Emerging Rebel Kyori and true to her name she is entering the collecting world with some controversy. The title of this blog post is kind of a play on words. When you vote to pass a measure for something the verbiage is always, “Those in favor say ‘AYE’“ and if there are more yes’s than no’s the motion passes or “The Aye’s have it.” There is a current issue being voted on by collectors of Integrity Toys and it’s all about the eyes.
Let me explain: Integrity Toys is trying out a new process with the eyes on some of their dolls. Instead of painting the inner eyes (outline, white, iris, pupils and "catch light" dots) they are using water decals. Per IT, the reasoning for going to these decals was to offer more consistency in eye placement and facial screening. (Too many “wonky eye” issues with the previously used methods.) Some collectors are concerned about the durability and quality of these decals. Given all the concerns, I was curious to see for myself if there were negative aspects to these decals from an aesthetic perspective as well as a photography perspective. I was concerned as to whether or not these decals would make the eyes appear more “dead” in a photograph. If something is too matte, it won’t reflect light effectively and gives off a dead appearance. On the other side, if something is too shiny (especially the eyes) it can create too much of a reflection that you have to clean up in Photoshop afterwards… and… that is a big pain in the back side, believe me. Who wants to spend hours in post-process just because of shiny eyes? Not me.
So… I was curious to see what would happen when I photographed one of these dolls with these decal eyes. What did I find?
1. From an aesthetic aspect… just looking at her… I wasn’t noticing anything concerning. Her screening is appealing and I think she is a pretty doll. The eyes don’t stand out as odd or off in any way. She does have a very far “to the side” eyeball placement and some are finding that fact unappealing. I can understand this. That doesn’t work for everyone.
2. From a photography stand point… there are some differences.
First and foremost, the eyeball is printed not painted so there are dots of color not continuous color. Is this a problem? Not normally in my opinion. As you see this image on your computer screen or phone, you are seeing it as dots of color as well — they are just really, really small dots. Let’s face it, most of us are not going to be looking at this doll under a microscope.
Can you see the dots in the picture above? Maybe a little but not much. Our eyes and brains are really good at melding those dots together to make it look like one cohesive color.
Secondly, I’m not going to lie — these decals catch the light differently, so when photographing, that needs to be factored in. Is this a deal breaker? For me, not really. It’s just something different. Now, as to whether these decals will hold up over time… only time will tell that one. For now, I am willing to give them a chance. For now, I’m voting “aye”.
Enough about the eyes — let’s talk about the accessories and dress! I love this dress!!! It is so elegant and fits her beautifully. The lavender shoes are perfection and the grey glasses and oversized bag are refined and chic. I don’t know who is taking over jewelry at IT but all I can say is, “Keep it going!!” The earrings and bracelet are a new design and I adore them.
Kyori’s hair color was described as medium brown in product write-ups. Have we seen Kyori with these lighter brown tresses before? I like it.
-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…….
2015 Fashion Royalty Collection Revealed
This past Saturday, Integrity Toys revealed 4 separate doll collections to their WClub members through the increasingly popular webinar. I wish I could say that things went well as years past but this year a few technical glitches meant that a portion of viewers did not get to see the webinar live. I was one of the lucky ones who had good video and audio during the entire thing but the messages on the forums right after the webinar brought to light that many attendees did not have that experience. Integrity Toys handled the situation about as well as anyone could. They acknowledged the issue, apologized for the problems and were very quick to get the recorded video out to those members who missed it within an hour after the webinar. Not only that, they had recap emails with pictures in WClub members email boxes within minutes of the webinar ending. Just goes to show, tech issues are not relegated to Mattel alone. Integrity Toys handled their situation better in my opinion though. People were still able to purchase product.
First collection up for review on ITFDS is the 2015 Fashion Royalty Collection. Vaughn Sawyer, senior designer with I.T. presented the line and explained that the direction from Jason Wu and inspiration for this years FR line was based on debutantes and socialites of the early 60’s. Chic, elegant, sophisticated were some of the buzz words used. I would also throw in subtle and understated in the mix to describe this collection. All good words in my opinion and right in line with what I like to collect. This collection is cohesive. Some may call it too subtle and understated…I would not agree but see their point.
Also, For those of you who are not WClub members and have not been in contact with dealers regarding these dolls, run don’t walk to your IT dealer and get on the list for anything you want. The grapevine reports that many of these dolls are rapidly approaching sell outs.
Style Notes
Isha™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size of 700 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late August 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Available through I.T. dealers
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Isha
Body Type: FR 2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Latino
Hair Color: Dark Espresso
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Love that they are including gloved hands with some of these. Also, it is amazing how little details just fill in the story. What do I love most about this navy and cream herringbone sheath? I love the little navy collar and the amazingly detailed designer belt in miniature. Don’t even get me started on the adorable shoes and bag. Also, this collection brings in a new set of sophisticated jewelry. Thanks I.T.!! Isha’s hair is braided according to Vaughn.
Prestige
Natalia Fatalé™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size of 700 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Mid-July 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Available through I.T. dealers
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Natalia 2.0
Body Type: FR 2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Latino
Hair Color: Walnut
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Do you love cloche hats? If so, this was your collection. It was definitely a highlighted accessory and shows up in multiple offerings. Plaid also seems to be a favorite print. Was plaid a 1960’s socialite/debutante staple?? Have no idea. While I love Natalia and was overjoyed to see her in a different hairstyle ( no blond waves!!), this outfit left me kind of “meh”. Then…they had to throw in the hot pink purse and shoes along with enamel earrings and silver ring. The accessories were the tipping point. I’m in.
Decorum
Eugenia Perrin-Frost™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size of 800 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Early August 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Available through I.T. dealers
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Eugenia
Body Type: FR 2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Japan
Hair Color: Caramel Brown
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
More cloche hats and plaid people. I love the rose and khaki colors together. To me, the previous Natalia and this Eugenia say “Ladies lunch”. I adore the crossover ponytail that shows up multiple times I believe in this collection. Perhaps an influence from Jason’s past runway shows.
Hair from Jason Wu’s Fall 2013 runway show. ( picture is hilarious as woman in front of model gives off a Kilroy was here vibe LOL!)
Refinement
Vanessa Perrin™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size of 800 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Mid-July 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $145.00
Available through I.T. dealers
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Vanessa 3.0
Body Type: FR 2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Ash Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
To be honest, not a fan of the plaid coat but…am willing to go with it to get this chic black satin blouse with tone on tone black plaid pencil skirt. The light blue purse with little aqua accents and silver accessories puts this well into “what I like” category. I am hesitant on the lip color and am hoping it is not as purple in real life as it appears in photo. If I am wrong, a lip repaint will be in her future. Otherwise stunning face with beautiful eyes and gorgeous ash blond waves.
Fine Print
Elise Jolie™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size of 800 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Early August 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $145.00
Available through I.T. dealers
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Elise
Body Type: FR 2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Cream
Hair Color: Red Amber
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
OK…first off…my favorite face mold is Elise. One of my favorite coat fashions is a shawl collar camel coat. This Elise is a redhead and she is carrying a cream color Birkin for pete’s sake. Game over….had me at Elise. The rest is just rich yummy gravy. I could go on and on about the camel gloved hands too. This was my favorite of the collection and the one “must have” for me of all the released doll information on Saturday. I believe Vaughn called this hairstyle a “tucked bob” in the webcast and this Elise is back to her original pale skin tone.
Fame Fable
Kyori Sato™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size of 700 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Mid-July 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Available through I.T. dealers
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Kyori 2.0
Body Type: FR 2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Bombshell Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Love the platinum blonde tresses on this version of Kyori. While the previous ladies revealed could all be doing “ladies lunch” this lady is all about dinner. She is all about dinner and perhaps an agenda after dinner. The sexy plunging neckline and clean simple accessories spell CHIC. The detail on that clutch is beyond amazing.
Timeless
Adèle Makéda™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size of 700 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Early August
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Available through I.T. dealers
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Adèle 3.0
Body Type: FR 2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Dark A-Tone
Hair Color: Black
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
If Kyori was chic and sophisticated dinner, this Adele would be frothy Cinderella princess gala evening. My first though and that of many others in the WClub was this was a direct channeling of Lupita N’yongo and her blue Prada gown from the 2014 Oscars. Indeed, all you would need to add is a silver headband to this Adele, and you would have Lupita ( well…you would need plunging neckline too). ADORE this Adele. Head to toe, a winner. Vaughn shared that this dress is all one piece for you redressers out there.
Perfect Reign
Tatyana Alexandrova™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size of 700 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late August 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Available through I.T. dealers
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Tatyana 2.0
Body Type: FR 2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Japan
Hair Color: Honey Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Wowza! If Adele is the Cinderella of the collection, this Tatyana would be the Anna Karenina. No sweetness here…just sophistication and haughty Eastern European cheekbones LOL. LOVE the face on this one. Paired with this beautiful honey blond instead of black hair, she is a knockout. The redress potential on this one I predict will be very high. Can’t wait.
When IT does a webinar, they invariably offer up an event doll to club members. As this is Integrity Toy’s, 20th year and the 10th anniversary of the WClub, a special giftset was offered to WClub members.
Royal Treatment
Véronique Perrin™ Dressed Doll Gift Set
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
2015 Online Event Exclusive
Limited Edition Size: TBA (Edition Size Based on Orders Received)
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Fall 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $225.00 + Shipping and Handling
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Véronique 2.0
Body Type: FR 2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Cream
Hair Color: Pale Blond (Pulled back into a low center parted ponytail with criss-cross detail).
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
The reception of this giftset has been lukewarm at best. Many are complaining of the high price point for this and I can see where they are coming from. Frankly, the polka dot dress doesn’t live up to the sophisticated look of this line. I much prefer the black and white polka dot gown we received on WClub luncheon Elise from 2012 Tropicalia convention. This particular Veronique has a very different look to her. She has cream skin tone which has never been used on a Vero before. All this being said, I think this might be one of those sleeper dolls. You know…the one that people pan at first then when it ships and people start photographing, people say “ Oh my word, I had no idea she could look that good!”. Time will tell.
Poppy Parker collection up next in a minute.
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 