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