Inside the Fashion Doll Studio

Latest

Milan Boating Season is Open

The Italian Doll Convention was held in Milan this past month and the reports from this event spell out a most fantastic time. The reports are so glowing that I am seriously considering a trip to Milan next year to experience some of the fun. Like the Paris Fashion Doll Festival, a variation of one of the BFMC’s Silkstone Barbies was given as the convention doll. She is being referred to as “Milan Boater” and is a honey blond version of the 2013 BFC club doll “Boater Ensemble”

Source: Dutch Barbie World

Thanks to a very generous and lovely friend, I had the opportunity to obtain a “Milan Boater” and I love her.

Posted by raberry65 | June 11, 2013 | Categories: Barbie, Silkstone | Tags: doll convention, doll photograhy, IDC Silkstone Barbie, Inside the fashion doll studio, Italian Doll Convention, ITFDS, Milan Boater, Rebecca Berry Photography, Robert Best | 10 Comments

A Lazy Afternoon and A Camera

I love my studio. Most days, I have more ideas than I know what to do with. Some days,however, are for photos outside of the studio. Some days are just made for grabbing the camera, no tripod, no light boxes, just beautiful natural sunshine and something fun to photograph. That is what this Saturday was for me. I just finished a new diorama in the doll room and I needed some unstructured camera playtime before I brought the serious lights in to set up a shoot for the diorama. I am a big advocate of the philosophy that you don’t need the best camera or the expensive professional lighting to take a really good photo. I also have to admit that you don’t NEED a really good camera but…I can’t lie…it does help. Case in point: Here is a photo with my point and shoot Canon PowerShot SX130IS.

It is a fine picture. On macro mode it is a fairly crisp shot for a hand held “no tripod” photo. The direct sunlight coming into the room made that possible. Now…here is what I can get with my Canon 40D DSLR and an f/2.8 macro lens.

Same light, no tripod. This is the difference between a point and shoot and a DSLR. You will just get more.

It is also important to note that while a good camera gives you more, the most expensive camera does not necessarily give you the most. My lovely husband surprised me this Mother’s Day with my dream camera. I had that baby unpacked and in my camera bag ready for the next days photo shoot as fast as my little fingers could manage it. While it is amazing and works like a dream in low light performance and theater shooting, it is not the best to use for doll photography. I still prefer my tried and true Canon 40D for my doll photography and I really don’t see that changing any time soon.

Silkstone and Fashion Royalty Repaints both done by Jon Copeland. Silkstone is wearing A little Moonlight by Randall Craig. Repainted FR Anja is wearing “Serenade in Satin” by Mattel. The hat was made by me.

Posted by raberry65 | June 9, 2013 | Categories: Barbie, Doll photography, Fashion Royalty | Tags: Jon Copeland, OOAK Fashion Royalty repaint, OOAK Silkstone Barbie, Randall Craig RTW, Serenade in Satin | 16 Comments

Malibu Barbie Gets a Trina Turk Makeover

There are plenty of new Mattel Barbie^® offerings that I don’t talk about on the blog. It doesn’t mean that I am not interested or excited about it. Normally, my interest and therefore my blog entries are centered around Silkstones. That is the primary focus of my collection. There are, from time to time, some vinyl ladies that peak my interest and this is one of them. This week Mattel released information on a new doll and I knew I had to write about it. Since Mattel has decided that Barbie^® is going to sell her old Malibu dream house and find a new fashionable living space, it only makes sense that the Malibu Barbie^® herself would get a new makeover. L.A. designer Trina Turk was invited to collaborate with Mattel on this one. This particular makeover resonated with me because Malibu Barbie^® was my first official Barbie. I remember hours upon hours of playtime with this doll. My dear friend Carole and I would devote whole afternoons to constructing elaborate dioramas and stories with the country camper, the pool and of course Malibu Barbie^®. If we traveled together on vacation, Carole and I would plan which Malibu Barbie^® items would accompany us on the journey. We were two little Midwestern brunette girls who knew next to nothing about California beaches, warm ocean breezes or surfing but for a few hours a day, we could imagine that we did. Now, this iconic Barbie^® of my beloved memories was getting a makeover. I had to ask myself “How did I feel about it?”.

(source 1971 Sears Wishbook)

I feel just fine and dandy! I like that Mattel chose a designer known for her love of California 1970’s style. I like the accessories and different look options. The hat is VERY boho chic as is the crocheted cover-up. I love her multi honey toned and sunkissed hair . I think the makeover turned out beautifully and I hope that many more little girls/boys( or big girls/boys) will get to make the lovely memories with friends that Carole and I have from so many years ago. Ahhhh…the circle of life. Enough with memory lane! On with the pictures.

(pictures courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

Get the full story about the doll and this designer here. http://www.barbiecollector.com/news/making-fashion-waves-malibu-barbie-doll-by-trina-turk.

Now….where did I pack that country camper?? This girl needs a ride to the beach. Smile

Posted by raberry65 | June 6, 2013 | Categories: Barbie | Tags: Malibu Barbie, Trina Turk, Trina Turk Malibu Barbie | 4 Comments

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!!!!

Posted by raberry65 | June 1, 2013 | Categories: Dasha, Fashion Royalty, FR2 | Tags: Fashion Royalty Squared, FR2, FR2 Purity Dasha, Integrity Toys, Integrity Toys 2013, Purity Dasha, WClub 2013, WClub exclusive 2013 | 10 Comments

IDC Mattel Presentation Gives a Sneak Peak.

My dear friend and fellow blogger Rogier ( http://dutchbarbieworld.wordpress.com/) attended the Italian Doll Convention this past weekend in Milan. He has some fabulous write-ups on the festivities so please visit his most wonderful blog for the full scoop.

As is custom at the IDC, Mattel gave a presentation and included some sneaks. What did we learn?

1. J.Lo Barbie is in the works and sporting a replica of this Zuhair Murad gown.

2. There is a Herve Leger giftset doll in the works this year.

3. Audrey Hepburn Sabrina and Roman Holiday dolls are coming this year ( but then we knew that already Smile )

4. Promo photos of a Coach Barbie were shared. She kind of reminded me Burberry Barbie from a couple years ago.

5. And…..they shared promo photos of the upcoming AA Silkstone!! This one, in my opinion, is a STUNNER! Okay, so I can’t share photos here but if you are a BFC member head over to the BFC forums and take a look at Rogier’s posts. He put photos there. For those of you who are not BFC members, we can see a sliver of the doll in the promotional shot of Mermaid Gown ( those sneaky, sneaky Mattel people!)

6. Lastly, Robert Best shared that next years Silkstone theme would be Italian Haute Couture also explained as The Grand Alta Moda . Rogier has a nice description of what that means here http://dutchbarbieworld.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/italian-doll-convention-part-3/. I can’t wait to see what Mr. Best has in store for us next year. Count me in!

Posted by raberry65 | May 28, 2013 | Categories: Barbie | Tags: 2013 AA Silkstone Barbie, 2013 Sneak Peak, Barbie, Barbie 2013, Barbie sneak peak, Coach Barbie, Dutch Barbie World, Herve Leger Barbie, IDC, Italian Doll Convention, J.Lo Barbie, Roman Holiday Barbie, Sabrina Barbie | 6 Comments

WClub Exclusive Victoire Roux Revealed

If you love 1950’s fashion, you will have much to be happy about in this offering. The team at Integrity is giving the WClub a green eyed, titian haired Victoire with new facial screening. She is described as having “FR Caucasian skin tone”, hand applied lashes and “Ultra-Rich Red, Fully Rooted Hair”.

Monte Carlo Victoire Roux™

2013 W Club Exclusive Dressed Doll

Limited Edition Size: TBA

Special W Club Suggested Retail Price: $125.00

Estimated Shipping Date: Approximately Fall 2013

According to the write-up from Integrity, the coat is a deep pink velvet and has the elegant moniker of "grand manteau de soirée". Hey…this lady is my kind of gal. She comes with her own cocktail! Martini’s anyone?!

Photos by Integrity Toys, Inc. (http://integritytoys.com/page/landing)

My first thought was…”I’m not totally lovin’ it” I love the hairstyle and the fact that she is a redhead. I am not sure of the facial screening yet. I think my main problem is the thin eyebrows ( totally agree with you there Hilda!). Did she over pluck them? I’m thinking…yes. However, now that I think about it, it is definitely more high fashion 1950’s ( think Dovima, enough said). Moving on from the eyebrows, I LOVE the coat, hat and little martini glass. I am not loving the massive amounts of ruffles on the dress. It looks like she might be wearing one(or possibly two…I lost count) cocktail waitress apron(s) too many. That being said, I am still ordering her. I see potential. I also see inspiration from 1950’s Dior…what’s not to like about that?!

Photo Credit: Vogue

New packaging too!

Keyyyyoooot!

Posted by raberry65 | May 22, 2013 | Categories: Fashion Royalty, Victoire Roux | Tags: 1950's Vogue, Integrity Toys, Integrity Toys 2013, Monte Carlo Victoire Roux, Victoire Roux, WClub, WClub exclusive, WClub exclusive 2013 | 18 Comments

It’s Two for Tea at ITFDS

I really should have released this blog post at around 3 or 4 PMish for tea time right? I have been saving these photos for a couple weeks to share here because I knew I would be tied up with dance recital photos this week and too busy to do anything in the doll studio. I had WAY too much fun with the conservatory diorama and decided to set up afternoon tea for a couple of Silkies. I hope you enjoy.

Models: City Smart ( yes {gasp!} she is deboxed) and Showgirl Silkstone Barbies

Gowns: Luncheon Ensemble Silkstone – City Smart and Bogue’s Vogues (http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues) – Showgirl

Diorama: Furniture is from MiniCHAIR(http://www.etsy.com/shop/miniCHAIR?ref=top_trail). Pastries and little macarons are by Mio Designs (http://www.etsy.com/shop/MIOdesigns). Both of the lovely hats brought to the tea were gifts from dear doll friends. Many “Thanks!” . Cake and tea set are Rement.

I feel the need for some macarons now Smile

Posted by raberry65 | May 20, 2013 | Categories: Barbie, Doll Diorama, Silkstone | Tags: Bogue's Vogues, City Smart Silkstone Barbie, Doll Diorama, Doll Photography, Luncheon Ensemble Silkstone Barbie, MiniCHAIR, Mio Designs, Rement, Showgirl Silkstone Barbie, Silkstone Baribe | 15 Comments

Get Your Valium Ready….

…There is a platinum release Barbie available for purchase to BFC members next week.

** Photo credit: Mattel Inc. **

Her name is Beaded Gown Barbie® Doll and she is the first in a new series of black and white themed Barbies®. Linda Kyaw is taking over the drivers seat for the platinum editions and I would say she did a beautiful job with her first in a series design. This elegant lady was designed exclusively for the BFC and at $85 she will go on sale online Wednesday, May 22nd, at 9:00am Pacific Time. BFC exclusive means you have to be a member of the BFC to purchase her and platinum edition means there will only be 999 available for purchase. Typically these are extremely hot sellers and they have been known to sell out within minutes.

I swore that Pinch of Platinum was my last platinum purchase because I needed a bucket o’ valium after fighting to purchase her online. I am hoping that for those who are going to try for this beauty the phrase o’ the day won’t be “SERVER ERROR”.

Have the tums and the valium ready for this one folks…it’s going to be crazy at 9AM on May 22nd.

Hope everyone’s experience is this…

rather than this….

Posted by raberry65 | May 17, 2013 | Categories: Barbie | Tags: Barbie, Barbie 2013, Barbie Fan Club 2013, Beaded Gown Barbie, BFC, BFC Exclusive, Black and White Barbie, Lynda Kyaw, Platinum label Barbie | 2 Comments

New Barbies for Mid to Late 2013 Release

It looks like some of the Toy Fair sneaks we saw back in February are starting to show up on retailer websites so it’s okay to share promotional shots here.

**Photo credit – Mattel, Inc.**

The Barbie Look™ City Shopper™ Blonde Doll

Anticipated June Release

Retail: $29.95

The Barbie Look™ City Shopper™ Brunette Doll

Anticipated June Release

Retail: $29.95

The Barbie Look™ Winter Weekend™ Fashion

Anticipated June Release

Retail: $24.95

The Barbie Look™ Party Perfect™ Fashion

Anticipated June Release

Retail: $24.95

Ballet Wishes™ Barbie® Doll

Anticipated June Release

Retail: $34.99 13-X8276

2013 Holiday Barbie® Doll

Anticipated August Release

Retail: $45.95 each

I adore the Brunette city Shopper and both outfits for fall!

Posted by raberry65 | May 14, 2013 | Categories: Barbie | Tags: 2013 Barbie, 2013 Holiday Barbie, Ballet Wishes Barie, The Barbie Look, The Barbie Look by Bill Greening, The Barbie Look City Shopper, The Barbie Look Party Perfect, The Barbie Look Winter Weekend | 9 Comments

Italian Doll Convention Auction!

The Italian Doll Convention is a little over a week away and they are auctioning off some stunning OOAK’s to help support a local charity. 100% of the profits from these auctions will go to Casa Oz, a non profit organization that helps provide care to seriously ill children and their families. Here are just a few of the amazing items up for auction.

** photos are courtesy of the Italian Doll Convention**

OOAK DOLL “SPARKLING SATINE” by MAGIA 2000