Inside the Fashion Doll Studio

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Worth The Wait

Patience is indeed a virtue. It is a virtue I don’t happen to have a clear grasp of most days. When I send a doll off for repainting, I want it back like yesterday. I like to send a doll off to a repaint artist and give general likes or dislikes but I don’t give specifics about what I want done. I usually like to leave it in the talented and capable hands of the artist and I get what I get. I sent a few ladies off to Jon Copeland of SeloJDesigns a number of months ago and while the wait to get them back was longer than he or I would have liked….it was entirely worth it. I received three sublimely unique and beautifully painted OOAK’s that I am completely in love with. I will be photographing and showing them over the next couple of weeks. They are treasures…each and every one.

I am also going through a a bit of a wedding kick ( you know…the whole June thing) so a few brides will be thrown in the mix as well. My bride fetish and one of my new OOAK’s from Jon combined in the doll room this afternoon for a truly enjoyable photoshoot . I had roughly 30 minutes of sunshine today to do this set of photos. I believe I maximized the time well Smile

Jon….MWAH!

Posted by raberry65 | May 5, 2014 | Categories: Barbie, OOAK Barbie, Silkstone | Tags: Bride Barbie, Cocktail Dress Silkstone Barbie, Doll Photography, Inside the fashion doll studio, ITFDS, Jon Copeland, Mattel, OOAK Silkstone Barbie, SeloJDesigns, SeloJSpa, Sophisticated Wedding Barbie | 11 Comments

The Art of Redressing

I look at this process as an art form. Others may not but I do. One of the many meanings of the word “redressing” is to set right; remedy or rectify. However you view it, most of us at some point as collectors participate in it…the redress. The sometimes exhaustive process of finding the perfect dress for the perfect doll gives me mental hives at times. I have some definite preferences when it comes to redressing, displaying and photographing a doll. I may get a doll in and while I love the face, the dress does not speak to me…as in the case of my latest acquisition Principessa. It is not that I think the dress is bad. I just didn’t feel it on this doll. Many times the disappointment with a fashion is tempered when I see it displayed on another doll. This happened to me just last night when I saw the Principessa wedding gown displayed, slightly altered, on a different doll. The dress had a whole new life for me.

These next two photos are from the collector and photographer Julia Castro Fuentes whose photos I have followed for years. I love her eye for color, lighting and styling in her doll photography. She has an enviable collection and an even more enviable talent behind the lens. To see more of her fantastic work, feel free to visit her Flickr photostream at https://www.flickr.com/photos/castrojulia/. The two photos below are under Julia’s copyright and are being used on ITFDS with her permission.

_{© Julia Castro Fuentes Photography}

I realized when looking at Julia’s photos, that this dress had a whole lot of potential. I also realized…it looked WAY better on a brunette..in my opinion. With that revelation in mind, I searched the doll room for a better model for this dress.

And…the sunny window setup. Many times one of my kids holds the reflector for me ( a job that they crankily do for their dear old Mom) but, I also find an extra music stand works really well too. My trusty tripod is never far but many of the shots in this set were free handed…that lovely sunshine makes things easier with that. I used a Canon Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens with these shots.

-Rebecca

Posted by raberry65 | April 29, 2014 | Categories: Barbie, Silkstone | Tags: Barbie, BFMC 2014, BFMC Alta Moda, doll collecting, Doll Photography, Dulcissima Silkstone Barbie, Inside the fashion doll studio, Integrity Toys, ITFDS, Julia Castro Fuentes Photography, Mattel, Principessa Silkstone Barbie, Rebecca Berry Photography, redressing dolls, redressing fashion dolls, Silkstone, Silkstone Barbie, Victorious Glamour Victoire Roux | 6 Comments

Redressed Principessa

I am happy to have received this one and shared some much needed photographs. I love the fact that when Mattel fails to come through with information or images, the collector community steps forward and supplies what it can. Case in point, it looks like those of us who have received this doll first, are posting photos for those who are hungry for more information. Kudo’s to the collector community for “marketing” this doll.

For those of you interested in what this lady looks like redressed and what is happening under that veil…here you go.

Model: Principessa™ Barbie®

dress: Bogue’s Vogues

The braid is not too bad. I am not real happy with how it is left on the side of her face without being tucked in somewhere. I wish it went all the way over and under the other side. That would have been a cleaner look in my opinion. As it stands though it is not horrific…just could be better. You can tuck the little end of the braid into the surrounding hair but you will still see the bulky rubber band that secures the braid at the end. Solution….photograph from the left….or..you could just do away with the braid all together. I think I might do that at some point in the future. For today, however, I just put on my big girl pants and dealt with it.

I thought the hairstyle of this one was perfect for a 1950’s shirtwaist from Mr Bogue. I put holes in her ears ( nope..she does not come with predrilled holes) and inserted some pearl studs. Now she looks finished.

Posted by raberry65 | April 28, 2014 | Categories: Barbie, Silkstone | Tags: BFMC, BFMC 2014, BFMC Alta Moda, Bogue's Vogues, Bride Barbie, Doll Photography, Inside the fashion doll studio, ITFDS, Pricipessa Barbie Doll, Principessa Silkstone Barbie, Rebecca Berry Photography | 20 Comments

Principessa Bride Silkstone Is In The House!

I really don’t know what is going on with Mattel marketing this year. I have never received a doll before the promotional photos are out. I wonder if this will be the norm to follow. Anywhoo…my fabulous dealer Barb of Windy City Dolls emailed me and said she had this beauty in and I jumped at the chance to get her.

Normally, I put a link in my blog post to Barbiecollector. Since Mattel doesn’t even have a promo shot out on this one yet let alone a way to purchase this beauty…no link to you Mattel. I will link to my dealer instead.

Principessa Silkstone Barbie

She comes with a little bouquet, a small prayer book and white slingback pumps. She has a little tiara veil and short gloves. One notable omission….no earrings or jewelry of any kind. What bride goes to her wedding without some bling? Just my humble comment but geez guys…you would think over $100 bucks would give you at least a pair of pearl earrings. Just sayin’. I plan on adding my own.

Here face is really pretty. I wasn’t really sure about the glitter at first but I must admit…it is kind of growing on me. I think it will work really well for redressing. And…redressing will be happening here. The dress, while cute, is just not working for me.

The hair is different on this one too. She has a braid under the veil…

The braid is just kind of left there on the right side of her face…not tucked in or anything. I will have to do something with that when I redress. I will go into that in a future post. After deboxing her, the appeal of this one is increasing. She really is quite pretty.

Then I pulled out the big camera and liked her even more Smile

Posted by raberry65 | April 27, 2014 | Categories: Barbie, Silkstone | Tags: Alta Moda, Alta Moda Barbie, BFMC 2014, BFMC Alta Moda, Bride Barbie, Doll Photography, Inside the fashion doll studio, ITFDS, Principessa Silkstone Barbie, Rebecca Berry Photography, Robert Best, Silkstone, Silkstone Barbie, Silkstone Barbie 2014, Silkstone Ken | 14 Comments

Pastel Fiorella

I just had to rip those black bows off. I adore the face paint on this one but the black bows, dress and knee socks had to go to another doll.

Model: Fiorella™ Barbie® Doll

Dress: Bellissima Couture

Hat: by the fabulous Judy O of Aponi Designs

Posted by raberry65 | April 15, 2014 | Categories: Barbie, Silkstone | Tags: Aponi Designs, Bellissima Couture Fashions, Doll Photography, Fiorella Barbie, Inside the fashion doll studio, ITFDS, Rebecca Berry Photography, Robert Best | 22 Comments

The WClub Announces their First Exclusive

to members…..VICTOIRE ROUX™!

La Grande Seduction (The Great Seduction)
Victoire Roux™ Dressed Doll
2014 W Club Exclusive
Limited Edition Size: TBA
Estimated Shipping Date: Approximately Late Summer 2014

Doll Tech Specs:
Scale: 12-inch / 1:6
Head Sculpt: Victoire Roux
Body Sculpt: Integrity / Victoire Roux
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair: Deep Brunette
Quick Switch Feature: No
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied

_{source: www.Integritytoys.com.}

I am not feeling the dress. It’s different but it feels kind of clumpy on her. Also, I am a lover of updo’s…you all know this…but I am feeling a little “updo fatigue” with this one. Her face is beautiful and I love the raven hair. I am not sold on the lip color yet but I think it is workable. I really like the jewelry. Has anyone “easily” gotten that hair comb thingy to work yet? If so share how you did it. Enquiring minds would love to know. I am still going to order but I think she will be redressed fairly quickly.

WClub members have until Monday,April 14th at noon EST to order.

Posted by raberry65 | April 8, 2014 | Categories: Fashion Royalty, Victoire Roux | Tags: 2014 WClub exclusive, Chris Stoeckel, fashion doll, Integrity Toys, La Grande Seduction Victoire, Victoire Roux, WClub 2014, WClub exclusive | 27 Comments

Unexcused Absence…

I have been tardy from the blog and I admit it. There are good reasons for it , I promise. For the past three weeks, I have been busy prototyping some items that I am hoping to sell at Barbie convention and through the blog (Etsy shop still being set up) as well. While I can’t show many of the items yet, they are all in stages of doneness in my laundry room…I offer up some sneak peeks at the end of this post. In the meantime, I decided to put Miss Poppy in the window for a photoshoot inspired by the beautiful spring green color that is popping up(LOL! pun intended) all around the Pacific Northwest right now. Spring has sprung in the garden…and in the studio as well.

Model: I Love How You Love Me Poppy Parker

Dress: Bogue’s Vouges ( https://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)

Here are a few sneaks of what I am working on….

The piece above was repainted by a very talented artist I am proud to call a friend. There will be more about her and her work in a future post.

–Rebecca

Posted by raberry65 | April 2, 2014 | Categories: Fashion Royalty, Poppy Parker | Tags: Bogue's Vogues, Doll Photography, I love how you love me Poppy Parker, Inside the fashion doll studio, ITFDS, Poppy Parker, Rebecca Berry Photography | 30 Comments

It’s ITBE time for the WClub

If you are an Integrity Toys’ Basic Edition fan and a WClub member, you are a happy camper right now. Hopefully you are a lucky happy camper. Integrity announced a quartet of new additions to the ITBE line and they will be available only to the WClub members. They will also be available via lottery only. I have not wandered into the ITBE tidal pool….yet. This time I may have to dip my toe in for one

Ok WClub members, you have until Wednesday, March 19th, 2014 Noon ET (New York Time) to enter the lottery for these.

Second Skin
Basic Edition Dressed Doll
IT Direct Exclusive
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $75.00 USD
Estimated Ship Date: Once "right to buy" lottery ends (in-stock March 2014)

Body Type: Old FR Body with Larger Bust
Head Sculpt: Vanessa 1.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: A-Tone
Hair Color: Deep Brunette
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied

_{source: www.intetritytoys.com}

Morning Dove
Basic Edition Dressed Doll
IT Direct Exclusive
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $75.00 USD
Estimated Ship Date: Once "right to buy" lottery ends (in-stock March 2014)

Body Type: Old FR Body with Larger Bust
Head Sculpt: Kyori 1.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR Black
Hair Color: Raven
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied

_{source: www.integritytoys.com}

Red Strike
Basic Edition Dressed Doll
IT Direct Exclusive
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $75.00 USD
Estimated Ship Date: Once "right to buy" lottery ends (in-stock March 2014)

Body Type: FR Monogram
Head Sculpt: Janay
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Miami
Hair Color: Shimmering Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied

_{source: http://www.Integritytoys.com}

Night Strike
Basic Edition Dressed Doll
IT Direct Exclusive
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $75.00 USD
Estimated Ship Date: Once "right to buy" lottery ends (in-stock March 2014)

Body Type: FR Monogram
Head Sculpt: FR Monogram
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Silver
Eyelashes: Yes

_{source: www.Integritytoys.com}

What can I say…I am a sucker for the monograms. Even though Integrity has retired this line, it is great to see them pop up in another iteration from time to time. Thank you Integrity Toys!

Posted by raberry65 | March 14, 2014 | Categories: Fashion Royalty, Monogram, Vanessa | Tags: Integrity Toys' Basic Edition, ITBE Morning Dove, ITBE Night Strike, ITBE Red Strike, ITBE Second Skin, lottery exclusive, WClub, WClub 2014, WClub lottery | 3 Comments

You’ve Got a Friend

I have a friend who is going through a hard time right now. I always say that one of if not the most amazing things about the collecting community is its strength and ability to support its members. This friend is a doll collector and in the midst of the gauntlet she is walking right now, she still thought of others and helped out a few collector friends this week. Her grace and strength humbles me. My friend…this one is for you.

Models: Fascination Monogram, Breathless Veronique FR2,Sweet Smell of Success Veronique FR

Gowns: Illumination Monogram, Fine Romance Eugenia FR, Dressmaker Details After the Ball

Set: Suzy Goose Piano

Flame brush: http://firebug-stock.deviantart.com

Posted by raberry65 | March 7, 2014 | Categories: Fashion Royalty | Tags: Breathless Veronique, Doll Diorama, Doll Photography, Dressmaker Details After the Ball, Fascination Monogram, Fine Romance Eugenia, firebug, Illumination Monogram, Inside the fashion doll studio, ITFDS, Rebecca Berry Photography, Susy Goose Piano, Sweet Smell of Success Veronique | 16 Comments

Time for a Spring Fling…

…with Poppy Parker. As the light gets better in the Pacific Northwest of the US, it is imperative to take advantage of it. We had a few sun rays the other day so I had to grab my camera and a few models ready to show off some spring colors.

Model: Sweet in Switzerland Poppy Parker

Shirt, Skirt, belt and shoes: Fashion Royalty Spring Forward Eugenia

Hat: Barbie Basics hat that I refashioned into something completely different. {You have to imagine John Cleese saying that}.

Quick behind the scenes look

Posted by raberry65 | March 5, 2014 | Categories: Fashion Royalty, Poppy Parker | Tags: Doll Photography, Inside the fashion doll studio, Integrity Toys, ITFDS, Rebecca Berry Photography, Spring Forward Eugenia, Sweet in Switzerland Poppy Parker | 10 Comments

Inside the Fashion Doll Studio Barbie for big girls.

Latest

Worth The Wait

The Art of Redressing

Redressed Principessa

Principessa Bride Silkstone Is In The House!

Pastel Fiorella

The WClub Announces their First Exclusive

Unexcused Absence…

It’s ITBE time for the WClub

You’ve Got a Friend

Time for a Spring Fling…

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