It’s Alive!!!
Well, what else can I say…life got busy and then busier. You would think the pandemic would have been prime time to get the blog going again. It was indeed the plan but alas, plans don’t pan out. I’m still here. I still collect. I still take photographs of my dolls ( although not a lot in the past couple of years). Why am I blogging today you ask. Well, my good friend Hilda Westervelt ( Bellissima Couture) have cooked up a collaborative Holiday collection and I wanted to share. It felt good to pick up the camera and create again. I think I will try to do more of it in 2023.
It’s full on holiday spirit in the studio. If you are interested in any of these beautiful outfits, contact Hilda Westervelt at hildaewestervelt@gmail.com for prices and particulars. There are 6 fashions for sale. The little Amaryllis plants and paperwhites are available as well. They are $40/ plant. They are made by me ( I enjoyed paper gardening during the pandemic) from paper, wire and ink. For those of you who own some of my miniatures, you are aware that I like to pay attention to detail. I am happy with how these turned out.
On to the photos….
Wishing everyone a very Happy Holiday!! Hope to post more soon.
–Rebecca
ITFDS is Going Live from the Doll Room
Going to be interviewed by…or rather just kind of sit down to chat with…my dear friends Mario and Gianni of Magia2000. I am hoping to do this IN THE DOLL ROOM!! So for all of you who have been asking “where are pictures of the doll room?!”, here is your chance to see some.
Fair warning people…I talk just like I write. Be prepared for many LOL moments and me generally making a complete fool of myself. Should be fun right? #famouslastwords Seriously though, I will enjoy talking with the incredible and talented hosts of IDC Happy Hour about doll collecting, photography and whatever else comes up 
edit…Here is link to the IDC FB group. It looks like you need to be invited in. I believe the video will also be available later if you still want to see it but can’t attend. (7) Italian Doll Convention | Facebook
-Rebecca
Resurrecting the Blog
Resurrection…defined, it means
res·ur·rec·tion
[ˌrezəˈrekSH(ə)n]
NOUN
-
the action or fact of resurrecting or being resurrected.
"the story of the resurrection of Osiris"
synonyms:
raising from the dead · restoration to life · rising from the dead · return from the dead
-
(the Resurrection)
(in Christian belief) Christ’s rising from the dead.
-
(the Resurrection)
(in Christian belief) the rising of the dead at the Last Judgment.
-
the revitalization or revival of something.
"the resurrection of the country under a charismatic leader" ·
-
It’s an appropriate word for many people at this time of year as Easter is the remembrance of resurrection. I feel like this is more of a revival so I will go with the revitalization of something. I am going to be completely honest here. This will be an insanely personal blog post for me and one of the most difficult things I have ever written. For those of you who follow me on FB, you have a small idea of what late 2017 and 2018 were like for me and my family. For those of you just now tuning in…lets just say life tilted off its axis for me and my family in November of 2017 and the blog took a back seat. I needed a year to kind of readjust, reevaluate and frankly…do the the whole freak out and then sit back and deal with it all. That meant walking away from the blog for a time. It also meant….walking away from collecting and photography for a time. I just needed to get re-centered.
Why did I need to re-center? In a word…Cancer.
Before the questions come, not me. It was never me and I wish to God it had been me,but it wasn’t…it was infinitely worse. It was one of my children. You might as well have taken my heart and ripped it from my body. When you have no heart, it’s hard to create. It’s hard to look at anything and find the beauty and wonder of it. All you see and feel is relentless uncertainty and pain. I was wounded and scared and I needed to heal. Thankfully, through the strength, love and wisdom of amazing doctors, friends, family and the power, love and grace of God, our story continues, our daughter’s story continues and for that I offer unending thankfulness.
I am going to go into specifics now because I feel like this is a chance to give a testimonial and a public service announcement. I would be happy if the last year and a half of our experience could possibly help and guide another family facing similar circumstances. If I can offer anything to anyone…specifically parents or caregivers….its this. If you think something is odd, go check it out. Don’t wait. If your child complains of something odd, go have it checked. Don’t wait.
Background:
In mid 2017 our daughter Megan came to me and complained of a “stitch’ in her side that persisted for more than a few days. She was 17 at the time and was dancing every day of the week so we wrote it off as some minor dance strain. It went away and we thought all was well. A few months later, she complained again of a “stitch” in her side and we ( by the guidance and grace of God) decided to have it checked out with her pediatrician. We had an ultrasound performed the day after Thanksgiving 2017. Three days later, we were told our daughter had a large abnormal mass in her liver and she needed an MRI. The MRI confirmed that the mass in her liver was a very rare liver cancer - Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FHC)
Doctor #1 told us that the tumor was inoperable and that there was nothing that could be done. Second opinions are always a good idea and in our case, it saved our daughters life. Doctor #2 told us that he believed the tumor could be removed and that it would be difficult. Doctor #3 told us he believed the tumor could be removed and that it would be difficult. On December 14, 2017 doctors 2 and 3 ended up performing the 9 hour surgery necessary to save Megan’s life. Over 30% of her liver was removed. Our thanks for the skill and knowledge of the Doctors at Seattle Children’s Hospital and University of Washington Medical Center are without limits. They were and continue to be the best team of doctors we could ever wish to have for Megan’s care.
Right after Christmas of 2017 our prayers were answered again when the pathology of all 7 lymph nodes removed during Megan’s surgery showed no signs of cancer. It had not spread and her chances of surviving were greatly improved. There is no treatment or cure for this cancer. The only chance of surviving it is 1) if the cancer has not spread outside of the liver 2) if the tumor can be successfully resected (removed) and 3) if the cancer doesn’t come back. This type of cancer typically has no symptoms until the tumor has grown so large that it is inoperable and/or has metastasized to other parts of the body. It affects mainly children and young adults. We had caught it early. Praise The Lord!
2018 was a year of quarterly rituals we affectionately called “scanxiety”. Each quarter brought the requisite MRI and sometimes CT scans and I am happy to report all have been clear and clean. No sign of regrowth of the tumor. I am also very happy to report that Megan bounced back as only a young and healthy teenager who has danced for most of her life does. By May of 2018 she performed all of her dances AND her senior solo at her dance school and in June she graduated with honors from High School and was accepted into University of Washington as a pre law student. She continues to grow and thrive in college while maintaining close contact with the team of doctors that monitor and are studying this rare form of liver cancer.
We don’t know what the future will hold but for now all is well and that is good enough for me. We ( the entire Berry Clan) want to say a huge “Thank You!” to the collector community who absolutely enveloped us with love and care. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced in my life. It was the essence of “community” made manifest and we could not begin to thank everyone enough.
(Photo is courtesy of Stan and Peter from 2018 Barbie Convention in Arizona. Thank you so much for this!)
Now, I am finally starting to feel like I can and want to pick up the camera again and create. Look for more blog posts soon and “Thank You” for sticking with me during the hiatus.
-Rebecca
Golden Galaxy
Yesterday night it was time for the finale Gala Diner at the National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention in Houston. All tables were decorated with a gorgeous centerpiece doll made by Magia2000
At the end of the evening it was time for the convention doll designed by Bill Greening.
Her name is Golden Galaxy:
From a golden galaxy far away, Barbie appears, a futuristic vision in head-to-toe gold. A sleek metallic bodysuit wraps around her, reflecting light,while an edgy armored bodice and golden cape add drama. Glittered ankle boots and faux leather gauntlets heighten her cosmic look, as fierce spiked earrings and a glistening ponytail add even more shimmer. She is simply out of this world.
There is an AA ans CC version both are platinum editions and the edition size from the AA is no more then 330.
Next year convention will be held in Phoenix en the theme is On The Avenue With Barbie.
for more information and the registration from: http://www.barbieconvention.com
Galactic Designer Fashion Show
So today they held the Galactic Designer Fashion Show at Convention. Rebecca was preparing her presentation about blogging that started right after the show. So my dear friend Jim took some pictures for us to share.
THANK YOU JIM !!!!
I always love the fashion shows at convention. And also this one looks like a lot of fun.
The Launch Party Welcome Reception
So on Wednesday the Convention officially started with the Launch Party Welcome Reception.
I Love how some off the conventioneers dressed up in the theme of the convention.
During the reception they had a Silence auction. With some amazing Ooaks.
This official Mattel Ooak is designed by Zlatan Kusnoor and her name is Queen of the Cosmos.
The Doll by Magia2000 was inspired bij the movie Space 1999
And there were many more Gorgeous donations.
The dolls that were made for the Silence Auction were also on Display.
Carlyle Nuera
Magia 2000
Matthew Sutton
Hilda Westervelt & Maryann Roy
NiniMomo
Artist Creations
Judy Rennick O’Connell
Mattel salesroom sneaks
Today at the salesroom from the National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention the new Barbie Fan Club “Barbie Signature” had a table with some Barbie sneaks.
One of the items they showed is the gift you get when you join the new club and become a Platinum member.
It’s an accessories pack with 10 pair off Barbie shoes.
And 3 new dolls by Mattel Designer Carlyle Nuera were on display.
The first doll is Blush Pink Fringe Gown Barbie. She is a platinum edition and a Fan Club exclusive.
She is inspired by Givenchy Couture.
Another new doll on display was the third doll in the Harlem Theater Collection called Selma DuPar James.
And since today she is also available on new Barbie.Mattel.com website.
The bold Harlem Theatre™ Collection represents the courageous women of an era who paved the way for future generations to freely and creatively express themselves. During the Harlem Renaissance era, patrons of the arts like Madam Lavinia™ would often commission artists to showcase their latest work. Up-and-coming artist Selma DuPar James™, was selected to hold her first solo exhibition in the Harlem Theatre salon. Her piece is a beautiful portrait of jazz singer Claudette. The third doll in the Harlem Theatre™ Collection, Selma DuPar James™ Barbie® doll is powerfully creative and powerfully stylish.
Body Type: Articulated
Facial sculpt: NEW, Selma sculpt
Fashion: Dress
Fashion Sewn On: No
Accessories: Pearl necklace with pendant, gloves, shoes, painting with frame
Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 14“ x 3.5“x 7.5“
http://barbie.mattel.com/shop/en-us/ba/selma-dupar-james-barbie-doll-dyx76
And the third new Barbie doll on display is the Sorcha Barbie. She is the 5th doll in the Global Gllamour Series. An Irish inspired beauty.
Collective Couture Event.
Another event at the National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention on Tuesday was the Collective Couture Event. At this event you could see and shop for amazing ooak dolls and fashions byRob Thompson of Robsdolls, Judy Rennick O’Connell of Aponi Designs, Patita Taylor of Taylor Made, and Pam Seeman of Paintbox Designs.
Galaxia Barbie
Mattel Designer Carlyle Nuera released pictures from the oak doll he made for the Life Auction in Houston. Her name is galaxy Barbie and wow she is quite spectacular.
She wears a gown with a galaxy print and the stars light up !!! And I lover her silver glow.
I am sure she will raise a lot off money for charity.
Artist Creations
Artist Creation brought some real beauties from Italy to Houston. And the fans were lining up to get a good first look and chance to buy one off their creation.
A lot of creations in fine lace and soft pastels.
for more information: http://www.artistcreations.it
Magia2000
O wow it felt like Christmas morning when Rebecca send me her pictures from yesterdays Magia2000 Ooak party. What an amazing gift to see so much beauty and details in this collection.
The space theme from this years convention would not be my theme. But wow, now I see how Fashionable Barbie can be in Space. What I always love about Magia2000 is that their collection has a theme. And especially this year the inspiration is so diverse inside the theme. But it all comes beautiful together in one collection. From modern Couture inspiration by Ralph & Russo and Chanel, vintage Balenciaga, Lady gaga, and vintage Star Wars and Star Trek Icons.
So sit back am enjoy this amazing collection.
for more information: http://www.magia20000.com
Thomas Soderberg and Matthew Sutton
Later today I will come back with some amazing pictures Rebecca took at last night Designers Parties. But for now I have some amazing online sneaks.
First the Ooak dolls that the designer Thomas Soderberg brought with him to Houston.
I always love his work. The quality off his tailoring is amazing. And I love how he repaint his ladies.
I think the lady in the purple dress with the striped bow is my favorite.
And this morning (European time) Matthew Sutton posted his donation for the life auction.
Her name is The Moon’s Pale Kiss. And I am in love with her.
And if you know me I don’t think I have to explain why 😉
for more information:
http://www.facebook.com/thomas.soderberg.54 & http://www.mattsutton.com
NiniMomo, Matt Trujillo and Matthew Sutton
At the moment Rebecca and Hilda are having their Inside the Fashion Doll Studio.com & Bellisima Couture party. But later more about this event.
Here a little update of some designer sneaks released on Facebook.
the last weeks NiniMomo was posting sneaks from dolls they created for this convention on Facebook. And there are so many amazing dolls in this collection.
And just a few minutes ago they posted some pictures from their room. To give us a little sneak what to expect in a few hours when they open the doors for the collectors.
I love this Arabian duo with the camel.
And how cool are these aliens !!!
They look to be inspired by the work of the Spanish Designer Manuel Albarrán.
And my absolute favorite is this Queen.
The detail on this dress is amazing !!! inspired by the famous moon caped gown from the 2016 Fall Winter Alexander McQueen dress that Nicole Kidman wore at the 2016 Met Gala.
Ooak designers Matt Trujillo and Matthew Sutton are not attending this year convention. But they did donated 2 gorgeous dolls to the Silence Auction.
Galactic Grove Silkstone Francie.
And Starcrossed Ken.
for more information: http://www.ninimomo.com and http://www.mattsutton.com
Gilly Gals
Yesterday Evening during roomshopping Rebecca went to Gilly Gals. The Ooak Artist Angie Gill brought some amazing Ooak Genies and Belly Dancers to Houston.
I am loving all the details on the dolls. How cool are these shoes !!!
And these dolls can dance.
For more information: http://www.GillyGals.com
Lantis Kelly
Hi guys, here Rogier from Dutch Fashion Doll World. Rebecca is in Houston for the National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention and I will take over her blog for this week.
This years theme is Blast off with Barbie.
The official schedule will start next Wednesday. But many collectors arrived this weekend for the roomshopping and designer parties.
Today Rebecca went to visit Lantis Kelly. One of the talented designer duo’s from Italy. And they brought some amazing dolls with them.
And luckily for us collectors that couldn’t attend this convention Rebecca brought her camera with her so we can enjoy all the amazing details on these beauties.
for more information: http://www.lantis-kelly.com
A Sweet Sneak
Sooo…as many of you know Rogier of Dutch Fashion Doll WorldDutch Fashion Doll World and I are attending a special convention this week. We are in the vibrant metropolis of New York City this week to attend the OOAK Festival.
One of the first places we visited upon arrival in this beautiful city was Ladurée.
Rogier, Hilda of Bellissima Couture and I all love this Pâtisserie . It can come as no surprise that this was an inspiration for us as we collaborated on an auction item for this festival.
This festival has an amazing lineup of artists contributing auction items up for bid at the Friday night auction.
We have been given permission to share a sneak of our auction item for the blog readers! You are getting to see this image even before the convention attendees!!
-Rebecca and Rogier
An Unexplained Absence….Explained
Hey all! So many of you have noticed that I have been absent from the blog for a while. The holidays were definitely one excuse but I have also been working on a big project that has taken a fair bit of my time. The project is doll related! Let me explain…
In a few days collectors from all over the world will be converging on the bustling metropolis of New York City for a very special doll convention.
And…as a bonus….my fellow blogger and dear friend Rogier Corbeau of Dutch Fashion Doll World and I will be attending and reporting from the event!!! We will be posting on both blogs during all of the festivities so we can bring the experience to all who wish to participate.
As participants of this festival, Rogier, Hilda Westervelt of Bellissima Couture and I combined our efforts to produce a One of a Kind item that will be up for auction at this event. We will be excited to share the images of this project at the convention so stay tuned for that. This project went beyond what any of us could have anticipated and we are all very excited to unveil our work. It has taken a chunk of my time over the past 2 months though and explains my absence from blogging. But believe me folks….it will be so worth the wait when you see the pictures of our finished project.
There will be many opportunities to obtain One of a Kind items at this festival and over 20 different artists are donating items that will be raffled off to attendees. There will also be a live auction with some amazing entries from artists such as Magia 2000, Ninimomo, Carlyle Nuera and Mattel. It’s sure to be an amazing event. Please feel free to click on the festival logo above and read about all the particulars.
Also…note to all New Yorkers and surrounding area. There will be a sales room open at this festival and…it will be open to the public!! Public sales day is Saturday, February 18th from 1-5PM . There are sure to be some amazing products available so if you have the time and interest…it might be worth a look and I believe it is free entry to check out the wares. The sales room will be at:
Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan ( Broadway Ballroom Acts 3/4)
1605 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
The festival coordinators have been generous with Rogier and I. They have sent us a few sneak peeks to share with you all of the Golden Ticket raffle dolls that will be available for attendees to win
First up is “Perfectly Posh” by the talented Judy O’Connel of Aponi Designs
And next is entry from the talented Pam Seeman of Paintbox Designs
Rogier has more images of two more raffle entry lovelies from Thomas Soderberg and Rob Thompson over on his blog at Dutch Fashion Doll World so go take a look.
Stay tuned to the blog for more information and photos from this amazing event. Also, see what I have been making in my workshop to sell 
-Rebecca
Inspired By
So this will be my last post about the Integrity Dolls convention. From tomorrow Rebecca will be back and I will handle over her bog again
Next year convention will be in Orlando 19-22 October. The theme is Fashion Fairytale.
So in this last post I will put all “Inspired by” pictures together that were found until now. We saw a lot of recreations of some amazing fashion pieces. This convention collection was a true hommage to the iconic 90’s
Tulabelle You Better Werk / Moschino 2012 & resort 2016
Eugenia Perrin-Frost / Verace 1993
Véronique Perrin Cover Girl / Chanel 1990
Adèle Makéda Glamazon / Mugler 1992
Vanessa Perrin / Chanel 1990
Dasha, Vanessa, Eugenia, Veronique, Adele / Versace 90’s
Lilith Editorial Edge / Chanel Haute Couture Spring Summer 2013
Ace McFly Too Sexy / Versace 90’s
Declan Wake Strike it Up / Jean Paul Gaultier spring summer 2013
Blue Burkhart Give it Up / Jean Paul Gaultier for Madonna 1990
Lake O’Rion Poison / Versace 1991
Dree Hill Crazy Sexy Cool / Aaliyah 90’s
Monroe Jilian Pure Love / Versace 1992
Poppy Parker Big Eyes / Marc Jacobs Spring Summer 2012
Kyori Sato / 2008 September Vanity Fair
Natalia Fatale Legendary / Versace 1992
Colette D. Checking In / Azzedine Alaïa 1991.
Erin S. Full Speed / fashion shoots by Peter Lindbergh in the 90’s dressed in Chanel
Sania Zarr Tweed Couture / Dior Couture Fall Winter 1997
Dasha Diva / Christian Lacroix 1995
Elyse Jolie La Vie en Blue / Jason Wu Pre-Fall 2016
The Final Dolls of the weekend
So here are the final dolls that were part of the Saturday Night Diner.
The centerpiece doll was Dania Zarr.
Item # 91410
Tweed Couture
Dania Zarr™ Dressed Doll
Saturday Night Dinner Table Centerpiece
The 2016 Integrity Toys SUPERMODEL Convention
Limited Edition of 350 Centerpieces Only
Inspired by this John Galliano Couture Gown for Dior Fall/Winter 1997.
And Here is the official convention doll.
Item # 91407
Diva
Dasha™ Dressed Doll
Official Convention Doll
The 2016 Integrity Toys SUPERMODEL Convention
Limited Edition of 500 Dolls Only
Inspired by this Christian Lacroix Gown from 1995.
But there was an extra doll. A doll that the conventioneers could pre-order. She is the first in a new colection called Designed by Jason Wu Collection. This collection is to celebrate his 10 years as a designer. It will be a retrospective of his designs. The edition size wil be very limited and they will be sold in exclusive fashion boutiques all around the world. She is also the first doll with the new Velvet Touch skin.
Item # 91411
La Vie en Bleu
Elyse Jolie™ Dressed Doll
Designed By Jason Wu Collection
Limited Edition: TBD
Additional 2016 Supermodel Convention Attendee Exclusive
She looks to be inspired by this Jason Wu Pre-Fall 2016 gown.
What an exciting way to end this convention.
Salesroom Dolls IRL pictures
We already showed you these dolls with the official pictures by Integrity Toys but I always prefer the IRL pictures. And Rebecca took some gorgeous shots. Its especially helpful for us non conventioneers to see all the details and help us decide who to get on Ebay 😉
Véronique Perrin Cover Girl, Adèle Makéda Glamazon, Vanessa Perrin Chamelon and Eugenia Perrin-Frost Fashionista.
Mademoiselle Jolie Kiss You in Paris.
Lilith Editorial Edge and Imogen Fashion Force.
Poppy Parker Model Living & Just My Style.
And some girls and boys from the museum who will be sipped/released later this year.
Competition dolls at the 2016 Integrity Toys Convention
This year they also had a design competition where the conventioneers could show their talents. And wow we have some very talented people in our community. During the diner last night 3 designers won an award for their creations.
The Judge’s Choice award in the Intermediate Category went to Jason Kramer.
The People’s Choice award in the Intermediate Category went to Ginny Liezert.
And the People’s & Judge’s Choice award in the Advanced Category went to Salvador Lopez Arriaga. His design will be taken into production next year.
Here an overview from al the dolls that were made for this competition.
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