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A Dior Holiday Treat For Every Doll Collector

I was perusing new additions from my favorite Flickr photostreams recently and a series of photos completely caught my eye.  NylonBleu has long been a favorite of mine on Flickr.  Her photos are romantic homages to the art form of doll  photography.  Her photos for me always evoke grace, style and a true love for fashion and fashion doll collecting…it shows in each and every photo she posts.  Last week, she shared photos on her Flickr of the unveiling of Printemps’ holiday windows in Paris.  Dior designed the windows this year and the only words that come close to describing my reaction is awe inspiring.  I don’t know the scale of these dolls…but the pure inspirational artistry and design of these windows has me frantically searching for a 1/6 carousel horse for a future photo shoot .

Oh…and Integrity Santa…Please oh please let me find one of these in 1/6 scale in my Christmas stocking.  I promise to be a very, very good girl.

**Photo credit Dior Resort 2013 Style.com**Dior Resort 2013 4

** ** All images are owned by NylonBleu, and are protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. Do NOT copy or reproduce in any way shape or form. Photos are being displayed on Inside The Fashion Doll Studio with permission from NylonBleu**

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NylonBleu Printemp window 2

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NylonBleu Printemp window 6

How absolutely magical are these?!!  It’s like a dream you don’t want to wake up from.  Oh to be standing in front of these windows and drinking in these images.  The thought just makes me smile as I sit here sipping coffee on a Saturday morning.  To see more fabulous photos of these windows and NylonBleu’s beautiful work visit her Flickr photostream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/38766564@N04/page1/.   If you need a few more holiday dream moments, watch the video that NylonBleu pointed us to on her Flickr.  It is about the making of these glorious windows and it is 100% pure unadulterated eye candy.  LOVE IT!  Thank you, Thank you Isabelle for sharing the photos of these magical windows and the youtube link for a glimpse into the inspiration behind these holiday fantasies.

Posted by  |  November 17, 2012 | Categories: Doll photography | Tags: , , , | 10 Comments

‘Out Sass’ Inspiration?

Ever since this doll’s photos were released, a little birdie has been sitting on my shoulder saying “You have seen that jacket before.”  I decided to go and check my file of favorite fashions I keep from the previous seasons fashion shows and “Eureka!” 

I loved this suit when I saw it..hence the saved link to the picture…and I am happy to see it as an inspiration for a 1/6 design by the talented folks at Integrity. 

Out Sass inspiration copy

** Photo credit Integrity Toys, Inc and Style.com**

Posted by  |  November 16, 2012 | Categories: Fashion, Fashion Royalty | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

Integrity Toys Offers to “Out Sass” the WClub

Integrity Toys announces their second and final  Fashion Royalty 12 inch WClub exclusive for 2012.  There is still one more 16 inch exclusive doll to unveil but this is the final 12 inch Fashion Royalty offering for the year.  If you are member of the 2012 WClub, you have the option to purchase one of these beauties.

Out Sass
Vanessa Perrin Dressed Doll
Fall 2012 FR W Club Exclusive
Suggested Retail Price: $125

Limited Edition: TBA

Special W Club Member Pricing: $125.00

Approximate Ship Date: Late Winter/Early Spring 2013

**Pictures are property of Integrity Toys, Inc.**

Out Sass Vanessa 1
Okay….so typically I adhere to the philosophy that the total is the sum of it’s parts.  In the case of this doll…I think it’s worth thinking about the individual parts instead of the sum it is showing here.  Am I justifying the purchase of this doll???  Most likely…. but stay with me here:

1) Purple fur?  Not feeling it with this outfit unless she is planning a late night walking kind of profession but partner that fur with a black evening dress and then we might have something.

2) Green Jacket with rose colored skirt and purple belt….not feeling that either.  However, put that jacket with another dress or skirt and we will have a winner.  Same thing with the skirt.  Purple belt?…will need to keep thinking on that.

3) Boots and purse….not feeling those with this outfit but on their own with something else…oh yeah.

4) The hat.  Not feeling it with this outfit but can always use another black hat.

5) Fishnets:  Works with the edgy outfit concept so another keeper item.

6) The Doll.  A redheaded Vanessa 3.0  Don’t really need to justify anything else…I’m buying.

Out Sass Vanessa 2 Out Sass Vanessa 3Out Sass Vanessa 4

7) Lace overlay top has potential as well.  That is actually something that works with that skirt in my opinion.

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Out Sass Vanessa 9

Posted by  |  November 15, 2012 | Categories: Fashion Royalty, Vanessa | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Integrity Toys, Inc. is ready for their close up…

…as they bring collectors an iconic character from the classic film noir movie Sunset Boulevard. 

Sunset blvd movie poster

Here is the write up from Integrity Toys, Inc.:

“Integrity Toys, Inc., in collaboration with Paramount Pictures Corporation, is proud to introduce an ultra-detailed collectible doll inspired by the iconic character of Norma Desmond in the movie Sunset Boulevard, which will be available in late November 2012 just in time to celebrate the release of this iconic film on Blu-Ray!
Praised by many critics when first released, Sunset Boulevard was nominated for eleven Academy Awards® and won three. It is widely accepted as a classic, often cited as one of the greatest films of American cinema. Deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the U.S. Library of Congress in 1989, Sunset Boulevard was included in the first group of films selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.
With its larger than life and over the top leading character and stark view on stardom, Sunset Boulevard made a lasting impression on both film making and acting.

About the Doll
This fully articulated 12" vinyl doll has applied eyelashes and a fully rooted dramatic hairstyle closely inspired by the character of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. Using a Giselle head mold on a Nu.Face body, the Norma Desmond doll comes wearing the dramatic black ensemble that the character wears when she decides to pay a surprise visit to her former movie director on the set of his latest film. The look is composed of a sophisticated long sleeved black dress, topped with a reversible short "fur" caplet with matching "fur" muff, a dramatic black hat with a single white feather perfectly placed on the front, a faux-diamond jewelry set and black pumps. The doll also comes with a doll stand and a certificate of authenticity. Ages 14 & up. “

To set the stage a little…here is a promotional shot from the movie and a sketch by the famous costume designer Edith Head.

Norma Desmond

Edith Head sketch Norma Desmond

**The sketch above was found at http://www.silverscreenmodiste.com/2010_07_01_archive.html  an amazing blog I found while researching this piece.  Check out the blog at http://www.silverscreenmodiste.com/**

And here is Integrity’s interpretation of Norma Desmond.  I LOVE it!!!

Norma Desmond
Sunset Boulevard Commemorative Collectible Doll
Limited Edition of 500 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $119.00 USD
Estimated Date of Arrival: Week of November 19, 2012

Norma Desmond 1

Norma Desmond 2

Norma Desmond 3

Norma Desmond 4

Contact your Integrity Toys dealer ASAP if interested in purchasing this lady.  WClub members received information about her a few days ago and word is, she is a hot seller.  To find an authorized Integrity Toys dealer go here http://integritytoys.com/page/dealers.

Posted by  |  November 12, 2012 | Categories: Fashion Royalty, Giselle | Tags: , , , , , | 9 Comments

The Barbie Look™ 2013

Mattel released photos on BarbieCollector today with a release date for the highly anticipated “The Barbie Look” line.  This line is designed by Bill Greening and is considered a follow-up to his highly successful Barbie Basics designs of past years.  Mattel says the dolls and outfits will be available at http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop or Barbie dealers on 11/15/12.  All Editions are considered Black Label.  I am still trying to get clarification as to exactly what “Black Label” means in editions size but my guess is…big enough that there should be plenty of supply on these.  I think this new effort from Mr. Greening is fabulous and a natural and stylish sequel to his previous line of Basics.

** Photos are property of Mattel, Inc.**

City Shopper™ Barbie® Doll – Steffie face mold

Available 11/15/12 and retailing for  $19.95

2013 Barbie Look City Shopper #2 1

2013 Barbie Look City Shopper #2 2

City Shopper™ Barbie® Doll – Mbili face mold

Available 11/15/12 and retailing for $19.95

 

2013 Barbie Look City Shopper 1

2013 Barbie Look City Shopper 2

 

The outfits will be coming out the same day as the dolls.

On The Red Carpet™ Barbie® Fashion

Available 11/15/12 and retailing for $19.95

Red carpet on white bckgrd

2013 Barbie Look On the red carpet 2

Pink On The Green™ Barbie® Fashion

Available 11/15/12 and retailing for $19.95

Pink on the green white bckgrd

2013 Barbie Look Pink on the green 2

Poolside™ Barbie® Fashion

Available 11/15/12 and retailing for $19.95

Poolside on white bckgrd

2013 Barbie Look Poolside 2

Tea Party® Barbie® Fashion

Available 11/15/12 and retailing for $19.95

Tea Party on wht bckgrd copy

2013 Barbie Look Tea Party 2

Barbie® Wardrobe

Available 11/15/12 and retailing for $69.95    OUCH!!  A bit steep for a closet.  The drawers better open Smile

2013 Barbie Wardrobe

Posted by  |  November 9, 2012 | Categories: Barbie | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

The Lady in Red: Part Four

This is the final part of this series and technically…she isn’t wearing red but in front of it.  Red, however, is a big part of the shot.  This “ Lady in Red” series had showcased the Fashion Royalty girls in my collection and it was time to pull out the beloved Silkstones.  I love these shots for a few reasons.

  1) It showcases one of my favorites Silkstones..a repaint by Jon Copeland of SeloJSpa(http://www.facebook.com/SelojSpa) 

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2) It has a high drama content…LOVE.

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I love the lighting in this shot.  It gives it that feeling of her actually being up on the stage with that little spotlight on her face.

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3) It shows off a glitzy showgirl ensemble(Jazz Diva by Mattel) and the styling was inspired by a great conversation with fantastic doll friend.   Matty of http://www.fashiondollfoto.com/  and I don’t get the chance to talk that often but when we do…good doll photos or doll blog ideas follow.  Matty, this one’s for you {HUGS!}.

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and 4) The background was flash of inspiration and something that caused me to say to myself “ Oh I need to talk about this on the blog”.  After Matty gave me the idea that I should dress this doll in this outfit, I immediately saw a red show curtain.  I saw “full on diva” and she needed a crushed red velvet curtain falling in folds behind her.  One of my problems ( and yes, there are many of those LOL!) is once I have this image in my head..there is no talking me out of it.  I knew I didn’t have crushed red velvet fabric for a backdrop.  I also habitually run into the problem of having something in my head and then not being able to find it ANYWHERE.  I knew I didn’t want to have to spend time or money searching for red crushed velvet at my local fabric stores.  That’s when I took a step back and said “Okay Bec..what do you have that would work?” and inspiration struck. 

“Ways in which you never thought you would use your kids old Halloween costumes.”

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Yes!  That was my daughters Halloween costume from a couple years ago sitting in a box in the kids playroom.  It was the right color, texture and bonus…it had some black lace detail accents…more DRAMA!  Perfect background curtain material.  So if you are having trouble finding a background for you photos, don’t forget to check out the kids dress up box.Smile

Posted by  |  November 7, 2012 | Categories: Barbie, Doll photography, OOAK Barbie, Silkstone | Tags: , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Huckleberry Jackson Couture

As a blogger, photographer and participating collector within the fashion doll collecting community, I am constantly amazed at the creativity and talent of my fellow members.  Huckleberry Jackson is one of these insanely talented members.  I have watched his talent grow exponentially for the past couple of years not just as a designer of custom 1/6 fashions but also as a marketer of his product.  Every outfit he designs is wonderfully displayed and photographed on a perfectly styled and uber chic model.  He just announced his latest collection and I received his permission to share some of the photos here.  His collection will be up for sale Sunday, November 4th at 9PM CET ( Central European Time) on his website http://www.huckleberryjackson.com/shop/

I asked the designer for a word or two about his inspiration for this collection and his response was “For this collection I didn’t´t have a theme, and it´s the first time actually. I started the collection with my own dolls in mind and wanted this time to keep a copy of each design to myself, so it´s like I design a main display outfit for each of my favorite dolls. It was really the dolls themself that inspired the outfits.”  There may not be a definitive theme but there is an impressive range.  He has romantic, sophisticated,edgy, flirty and just plain fun.  There certainly appears to be something for everyone in this collection.  For the lucky few who will be the new owners of these diminutive couture creations today, you will own a piece of art in my opinion and a piece of inspiration from one of the truly creative hearts of this collecting community.

I can’t possibly do his creations justice with words so I will just show you his work.

To Huckleberry Jackson… I tip my hat .tip hat smiley

** All images are owned by Huckleberry Jackson, and are protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. Do NOT copy or reproduce in any way shape or form.   Photos are being displayed on Inside The Fashion Doll Studio with permission from Huckleberry Jackson **

Daphne

Grey lace dress decorated with brown leather and lined in rosé silk. It comes with the matching clutch and beret.

 

01

Blue

White and blue patterned cotton dress. It comes with a brown leather cape bolero and a matching clutch. A pair of white lace tights are also included. (note: the pattern on the dress is a bit different on each copy

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02

Micha

Salmon pink silk chiffon blouse and skirt, comes with a beige and grey blue polka cape jacket and the matching thights. A brown faux leather purse is also included.

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Rebecca

Black and white polka cotton dress. It comes with the matching tights, headpiece and hatcase. (Note: the pattern on the outfit might vary on each copy).

 

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Mona

White lace mini pantsuit. It comes with a pair of black and white silk pants, a pair of black tights and black leather purse, belt and oversized hat.

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And this is not all of it folks!!  For more amazing photos of this fantastic set of 1/6 scale custom fashions visit Huckleberry’s Flickr photostream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/huckyjackson/with/8150703829/#photo_8150703829 or visit Huckleberry Jacksons website at http://www.huckleberryjackson.com/

Posted by  |  November 4, 2012 | Categories: 1/6 clothing, Fashion Royalty, FR2 | Tags: , , , | 9 Comments

The Lady in Red: Part Three

A change of models, couture and hats.  I have had this hat for a year and on this model for almost as long but just have not gotten around to photographing her…bad me.  I am a big fan of the Integrity Toys FR2 Fashion Royalty line.  The high couture slimmer articulated body makes for great poseability. I just wish their feet were the same size as the others…it can be a bit of a pain to find the right pair of shoes because the choices are limited.  Integrity Toys is trying, in my opinion, to make up for that a bit by gifting us with some amazing shoe sets at their convention every year. Now, if they could make a shoe set available to the WClub each year {hint, hint}, that would be fantastic!

I would have to say that of all the FR2 characters, Elise is my “go to” girl. I feel she has an eastern European look and to me that epitomizes high fashion in all the fashion magazines right now.  I think it’s the cheekbones…she has KILLER cheekbones.  I guess you could take away from this blog that it’s all about 1) the hat and 2) the cheekbones LOL!

Model and Shoes: FR2 “Engaging” Elise Jolie

Dress:  Bogue’s Vogues(http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)

Hat:  Alyrenee(http://alyrenee.blogspot.com/)

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Music is a huge part of my life.  Both of my kids play an instrument or in my son’s case, multiple instruments ( amazing to me because he has significant hearing loss…a regular Beethoven that kid).  There is always music of some kind playing at my house…so I wanted to share some of the music that influences the blog posts or the music that is playing during the photoshoots.  For this one, it was “This is Love” by Will.i.am …a big thanks to my daughter for pointing me to this song. Smile

Posted by  |  November 3, 2012 | Categories: Elise Jolie, Fashion Royalty, FR2 | Tags: , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Lady In Red: Part Two

Model:  Fashion Royalty “Fascination” Monogram

Suit: Miniature Couture

Hat:  Jakki Peters

Jewelry:  Silkstone Barbie Mattel

Shoes:  FR2 “Engaging” Elise

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Posted by  |  November 1, 2012 | Categories: Fashion Royalty, Monogram | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Happy Halloween!

happy halloween bokeh 2012 copy

Halloween or Hallowe’en (a contraction of "All Hallows‘ Evening"),[5] also known as All Hallows’ Eve,[6] is a yearly celebration observed in a number of countries on October 31, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows (or All Saints). According to many scholars, it was originally influenced by western European harvest festivals and festivals of the dead with possible pagan roots, particularly the Celtic Samhain.[6][7][8] Others maintain that it originated independently of Samhain and has Christian roots.[9]

Typical festive Halloween activities include trick-or-treating (also known as "guising"), attending costume parties, carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, visiting haunted attractions, playing pranks, telling scary stories, and watching horror films.

–Source Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween

Posted by  |  October 31, 2012 | Categories: U.S. Holidays | Tags: | 2 Comments